These Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites are little pockets of cheesy joy! Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, they pack a yummy punch of flavor.
Making these bites is so much fun! You can serve them as a snack or an appetizer. Honestly, I could munch on them all day—who doesn’t love cheese? 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Smoked Gouda Cheese: This cheese adds a wonderful smoky flavor. If you can’t find it, try using smoked cheddar or a regular Gouda mixed with a bit of liquid smoke for a similar taste.
Elbow Macaroni: While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any small pasta like cavatappi or shells. It’s all about the cheese goodness inside!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs give a perfect crunch. If you can’t find panko, you could use regular breadcrumbs, but you may need to adjust the baking time for the desired crispiness.
How Do I Make the Perfect Cheese Sauce?
The cheese sauce is key to making these bites creamy and delicious. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by making a roux with butter and flour over medium heat. This base thickens the sauce.
- Add milk gradually while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep stirring until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- After removing from heat, mix in the shredded cheeses until melted. Stir in seasonings like garlic and onion powder to boost flavors.
Remember, low and slow is the way to melt the cheese so it stays creamy—not clumpy!
Smoked Gouda Mac And Cheese Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Bites:
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
- Cooking spray or oil, for greasing the muffin tin
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time. You’ll spend some time boiling the pasta and making the cheese sauce, then assembling the bites and baking them to golden perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it’s warming up, lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta:
In a pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which means it’s still slightly firm. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Gradually add in the milk, whisking as you do so, and cook until the sauce thickens (around 3-5 minutes).
4. Mix in the Cheeses:
Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the shredded smoked Gouda and cheddar cheeses. Keep mixing until they melt into a smooth cheese sauce. Flavor it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
Pour the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and mix everything together until the pasta is coated in that creamy deliciousness!
6. Prepare for Baking:
In a small bowl, beat the eggs. In a separate shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs ready for coating.
7. Fill the Muffin Cups:
Using a spoon, fill each mini muffin cup with the mac and cheese mixture, packing it down slightly to make sure it holds together.
8. Coat with Egg and Breadcrumbs:
Carefully dip each filled muffin cup into the beaten egg and then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they are evenly coated. Place the coated bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
9. Bake the Bites:
Pop the bites into your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
10. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, let them cool for a few minutes before carefully removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm, with a dipping sauce of your choice, like ranch or garlic aioli.
Enjoy your crispy, creamy, cheesy Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Bites as a delicious snack or appetizer! They’ll be a hit at any gathering!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While smoked Gouda is the star here, you can mix it up with other cheeses. Try using a combination of Monterey Jack, Swiss, or even fontina for different flavors. Just make sure the total amount remains the same for a good texture!
How Do I Store Leftover Mac and Cheese Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be frozen for longer storage. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Make These Mac and Cheese Bites Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can prepare the mac and cheese mixture in advance and fill the muffin tins, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just pop them in the oven directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
Can I Make These Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend in the roux to make these bites gluten-free. The panko breadcrumbs can also be replaced with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy coating!
