Today we are honoring mac and cheese by creating our new unique twist – Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups!

Bacon Mac 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?

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups

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 Macaroni and Cheese Cups

Bacon Mac and Cheese Cups

I present to you….Bacon Mac and Cheese Cups.

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups

Get and Print the Recipe

Bacon Macaroni and Cheese Cups

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.