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When it comes to comfort food, few dishes evoke as much nostalgia and happiness as mac and cheese. This creamy, cheesy delight has secured its place as a beloved classic, cherished by people of all ages. In recent years, the trend of bite-sized comfort food has gained momentum, transforming traditional recipes into shareable, miniature versions. One splendid example of this phenomenon is the Pint-Sized Cheesy Bliss, or Mini Mac and Cheese Bacon Cups. This innovative recipe takes the familiar flavors of mac and cheese and elevates them by incorporating crispy bacon, all while presenting them in convenient muffin-sized portions. Perfect for gatherings, parties, or family dinners, these bite-sized treats offer a delightful twist that will have your guests clamoring for more.

Mini Mac & Cheese Bacon Cups

Discover the ultimate comfort food twist with Mini Mac and Cheese Bacon Cups. These delightful muffin-sized treats blend creamy mac and cheese with crispy bacon for a savory bite that’s perfect for parties or family dinners. Easy to make and irresistibly delicious, these mini cups are a fun way to serve a classic dish in a shareable format. Impress your guests and elevate your gatherings with this charming recipe that brings cheesy bliss to every occasion!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup whole milk

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

10 slices of crispy cooked bacon, crumbled

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish, optional)

Cooking spray or muffin liners

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). To ensure easy removal of the mini mac and cheese cups, lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or line it with muffin liners.

    Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of generously salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches an 'al dente' texture. Once cooked, drain the macaroni and set it aside.

      Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Using the same pot over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes bubbly. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until it is fully incorporated with the butter. Gradually whisk in the whole milk, mixing until the sauce is smooth. Once combined, add the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Slowly incorporate the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and forms a rich, creamy sauce.

        Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked macaroni and crumbled crispy bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece of pasta is well-coated in cheesy goodness.

          Fill the Muffin Tins: Spoon the cheesy mac and bacon mixture into the prepared muffin tins, filling each compartment generously to the top. To add a crunchy texture, evenly distribute the panko breadcrumbs over each filled cup.

            Bake to Perfection: Place the muffin tin into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are beautifully golden brown and crispy.

              Cool and Remove: Once baked, carefully remove the muffin tin from the oven and allow the cups to cool for approximately 5 minutes. To gently pop the mini mac and cheese cups out, use a fork or small spatula around the edges of each cup.

                Garnish and Serve: For an extra touch of flavor and color, garnish with freshly chopped chives if desired. Serve these delightful Mini Mac & Cheese Bacon Cups warm as a delicious appetizer or a playful party snack!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 45 minutes | 12 servings