
Yields:
18 serving(s)
Prep Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
1 hr
Cal/Serv:
387
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!
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Ingredients
- 22
large pepperoni slices, divided
- 4 Tbsp.
butter
- 4 Tbsp.
all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 cups
milk
- 1/2 cup
heavy cream
- 1 tsp.
garlic powder
- 1 tsp.
dried oregano
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups
shredded mozzarella
- 3/4 cup
freshly grated Parmesan, divided
- 8 oz.
elbow pasta
Freshly torn basil, for garnish
Directions
- Step 1Arrange racks in upper and lower thirds of oven; preheat to 400°. Cut a slit into the center of 18 pepperoni slices and slide into holes of 2 standard 12-cup muffin tins. 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 1/2 cup 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 pasta water, then drain.
- Step 5Add 2 Tbsp. 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 Tbsp. Parmesan and chopped pepperoni.
- Step 7Bake until tops are golden and macaroni feels firm, 20 to 30 minutes.
- Step 8Remove cups from tin and top with basil and remaining 2 Tbsp. Parmesan before serving.
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