Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups
Today we are honoring mac and cheese by creating our new unique twist – Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups!
A Different Style of Mac and Cheese
Can we talk about macaroni and cheese for a minute? We’ve all eaten it in some shape or form and we all have our strong opinions about the ingredients it should include. Am I right?
Well, today we are honoring mac and cheese by adding our own new twist because that is how we do things on Mom Spark. 🙂
Bacon Mac and Cheese Cups
I present to you….Bacon Mac and Cheese Cups.
Get and Print the Recipe
Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups
Today we are honoring mac and cheese by creating our own new unique twist - Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup skim milk
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded Sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
- 5 slices thick-cut bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and place in a large mixing well.
- Preheat oven to 375F.
- While macaroni is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add flour and paprika, whisking 2 minutes. Add milk and continue to whisk 5 minutes or until thick and no lumps appear. Remove from heat and stir in cheese. Stir cheese mixture into macaroni until combined. Add bacon and pepper, mixing gently. Using a cookie scoop, scoop macaroni mixture evenly into lightly greased regular-size muffin cup pan, pressing to pack down into muffin cups. The mixture does not rise so you can fill almost to the top of each cup.
- If a crust topping is desired, turn oven to broil and combine panko and 1 tablespoon melted butter on a baking sheet. Broil 3 to 4 minutes or until golden brown. Spoon 2 teaspoons over each muffins cup.
- Bake in preheated oven 23 to 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Remove from oven and let stand 10 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cup to remove from pans. These area also great reheated.
For 16 years, I have been the creator & full-time blogger of Mom Spark. I’ve also created content for numerous outlets such as Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, & Huff Post.