Held together by pepperoni, these
mac & cheese bites are a pizza lover’s dream. Creamy mac, pepperoni, and plenty of Parm combine to create a best-of-both-worlds treat. We bake this party pleaser in muffin tins to create a bite-sized app that is perfect for game day snacking. If you just can’t decide what comfort food you’re craving, try these bites—you won’t be disappointed.
Top with freshly torn basil, and get to serving these bites! They’re great on their own, but feel free to serve them alongside marinara or ranch if you’re craving a dipping sauce. Prefer a vegetarian app? Check out our mac & cheese balls instead.
Made this already? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
Held together by pepperoni, these
mac & cheese bites are a pizza lover’s dream. Creamy mac, pepperoni, and plenty of Parm combine to create a best-of-both-worlds treat. We bake this party pleaser in muffin tins to create a bite-sized app that is perfect for game day snacking. If you just can’t decide what comfort food you’re craving, try these bites—you won’t be disappointed.
Top with freshly torn basil, and get to serving these bites! They’re great on their own, but feel free to serve them alongside marinara or ranch if you’re craving a dipping sauce. Prefer a vegetarian app? Check out our mac & cheese balls instead.
Made this already? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
-
18
serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 15 mins
- Total Time:
- 1 hr
- Cal/Serv:
- 187
Directions
-
- Step 1
Preheat oven to 400°. Cut a slit into the center of 18 pepperoni slices and place a slice into each hole of a muffin tin. Chop remaining 4 slices of pepperoni into small pieces.
- Step 2In a large pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk until golden. Slowly pour milk in while whisking. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
- Step 3Add mozzarella and ½ cup of Parmesan and stir until cheese is melted.
- Step 4In another large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, 7 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Step 5Add 2 tablespoons pasta water to cheese sauce and stir to combine. Add pasta and toss to coat. Add more pasta water as necessary to loosen sauce.
- Step 6Spoon macaroni into pepperoni cups. Top with about 2 tablespoons of Parmesan and chopped pepperoni. Bake until tops are golden and macaroni feels firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Step 7Remove cups from tin and top with basil and remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan before serving.
- Step 1
PHOTO: RACHEL VANNI; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON
