Baked Mac and Cheese Cups are a fun, portable, and irresistible twist on the classic comfort food everyone loves. Instead of serving traditional macaroni and cheese in a casserole dish, these individual cups are baked in a muffin tin, creating perfectly portioned bites with golden, crispy edges and creamy, cheesy centers.

They’re ideal for parties, potlucks, kids’ lunches, meal prepping, or anytime you want a convenient and crowd-pleasing snack or side dish. With their satisfying texture and rich flavor, these cups take mac and cheese to a whole new level without adding complexity to the process.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything that makes mac and cheese comforting—creamy sauce, soft pasta, and rich melted cheese—while adding crisp edges and irresistible bite-sized servings. The cups hold their shape beautifully, making them easy to serve and enjoy without utensils.

They store well, reheat wonderfully, and make eating mac and cheese feel fun and convenient. Whether I’m hosting guests or preparing meals for the week, these cups always disappear quickly and leave everyone wanting more.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This dish is a must-try because it delivers the classic satisfaction of mac and cheese in a unique, portable form. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for entertaining.

The cups bake into a perfect combination of creamy interior and crispy exterior, offering textures you don’t get in standard baked mac and cheese. They’re customizable, kid-friendly, and great for portion control. If you enjoy comfort food with a creative twist, this recipe should be on your list.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Course	Side Dish / Appetizer
Cuisine	American
Prep Time	20 minutes
Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes
Servings	12 mac and cheese cups
Calories per Serving	~210 calories per cup

Ingredients

• 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg (beaten)
• 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux.
4. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened.
5. Add cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese; stir until melted.
6. Season with mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
7. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then stir in the beaten egg.
8. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
9. Spoon mixture into muffin cups and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if using.
10. Bake for 18–25 minutes, or until golden and set.
11. Cool in tin for 10 minutes before removing.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil the macaroni in salted water until al dente.
2. Melt butter in a medium saucepan.
3. Add flour and stir continuously to create a smooth roux.
4. Gradually add milk while whisking until thickened.
5. Add shredded cheeses and stir to melt fully.
6. Add seasonings, taste, and adjust as needed.
7. Let the sauce cool slightly, then mix in the beaten egg to help bind the cups.
8. Combine the cheese sauce with cooked macaroni in a large bowl.
9. Evenly distribute the mixture into a greased muffin tin.
10. Top with breadcrumbs for added crunch if desired.
11. Bake until golden and firm enough to hold shape.
12. Allow cups to rest so they can set before removing.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve the mac and cheese cups warm as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. They pair wonderfully with chicken dishes, salads, burgers, or soups. For parties, arrange them on a platter with dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or marinara.

Recipe Tips

• Do not skip the cooling step before adding the egg; this prevents scrambling.
• Press the mac and cheese mixture gently into the muffin cups to help them bind.
• For extra crisp edges, let the cups bake a few minutes longer.
• Use sharp cheddar for bold, flavorful results.
• Allow cups to cool slightly before removing so they don’t fall apart.

Variations

• Bacon Mac Cups: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the mixture.
• Jalapeño Cheddar Cups: Stir in diced jalapeños and use pepper jack cheese.
• Four-Cheese Cups: Mix cheddar, Gruyère, provolone, and mozzarella.
• Buffalo Mac Cups: Add buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
• Veggie Mac Cups: Stir in peas, broccoli, or bell peppers.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerate for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight for best texture.

Special Equipment Needed

• 12-cup muffin tin
• Medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding fresh cheese)

FAQ

Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, small shapes like shells or mini penne work well.

Can I make these without the egg?
You can omit the egg, but the cups may not hold their shape as firmly.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, though freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and has better flavor.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just use an extra muffin tray or bake in batches.

Why did my cups fall apart?
They may need more binding, longer baking time, or additional cooling time before removal.

Conclusion

Baked Mac and Cheese Cups combine the beloved comfort of traditional mac and cheese with the convenience of individually portioned servings. Crispy on the outside and creamy inside, they bring a satisfying twist to any meal or gathering. Easy to prepare, fun to serve, and endlessly customizable, this recipe is perfect for both weeknight meals and party menus. Once you try these delicious cups, they’re sure to become a repeat favorite in your kitchen.