Hey there, fellow moms! Are you ready to kick off the new school year with a delicious and fun snack that your kids will absolutely adore? Look no further! Today, I’m sharing a simple yet ingenious recipe for Back-to-School Mac and Cheese Bites that will become a staple in your household. These bite-sized treats are not only a breeze to make but also perfect for lunchboxes, after-school snacks, or even as a side dish for quick family dinners. Plus, they’re a great way to use up leftover mac and cheese, making them a win-win for busy moms like us!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for kid snack ideas—your little ones will love the crispy, cheesy bites.
- A great addition to lunch ideas for kids that are easy to pack and fun to eat.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, making it one of those 30-minute meals you’ll rely on.
- A creative twist on classic mac and cheese, fitting perfectly into your easy pasta recipes repertoire.
- Customizable—add your own favorite seasonings or mix-ins for extra flavor.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious mac and cheese bites:
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- ½ cup whole milk
Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.
How to Make the Recipe
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process. Don’t worry—it’s easier than you think!
Step 1: Cook Macaroni
Start by boiling water in a large pot and adding your elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. This is a great base for easy pasta recipes like this one.
Step 2: Mix Cheese Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and eggs. Mix until everything is well blended. This creamy mixture is the heart of your cheesy macaroni bites.
Step 3: Preheat Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your bites will bake evenly and without sticking.
Step 4: Form Bites
Using your hands, shape the macaroni mixture into small balls. Then, roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. This step gives the bites their crispy exterior that kids (and adults!) will love.
Step 5: Bake
Place the breadcrumb-coated mac and cheese balls on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook.
Step 6: Serve
Let the bites cool slightly before serving. They’re perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce. For more easy snacks to make, check out my No-Bake Brownie Bites or The Best Homemade Cheesy Breadsticks.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Here are a few tips to ensure your mac and cheese bites turn out perfectly every time:
- Use room-temperature eggs for easier mixing.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—this can cause the bites to stick together.
- For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the shaped bites in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking.
How to Serve
These mac and cheese bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as a snack, pack them in lunchboxes, or even as a side for weeknight dinner ideas. They’re also delicious with a side of marinara sauce or a light salad for a quick meal. If you’re looking for more cheese bites recipe inspiration, don’t miss my Easy Homemade Soft Pretzel Bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
These bites are perfect for making ahead. You can shape them, coat them in breadcrumbs, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown. Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, they’ll keep for up to 3 days.
And there you have it—a simple, delicious, and kid-approved recipe that’s perfect for busy moms. Whether you’re looking for lunch ideas for kids, easy recipes for kids, or just a quick snack, these mac and cheese bites are sure to be a hit. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me!
Back-to-school mac and cheese bites
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
Cheese
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 0.5 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Cook macaroni: Boil water in a large pot, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix cheese filling: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni with cheddar cheese, milk, and eggs until well blended.
- Preheat oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Form bites: Shape the macaroni mixture into small balls and coat each ball in panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.