Cheesy Mac and Cheese Cups Recipe – Creamy Baked Macaroni

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

6 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

40 minutes

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Mac and Cheese Cups Recipe

This Mac and Cheese Cups recipe combines tender macaroni, creamy white Cheddar cheese sauce, and a golden panko topping for a comforting classic with a satisfying crunch. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and entertaining, these individual baked portions bring homemade macaroni and cheese to the table in a fun, easy-to-serve format.

The Inspiration

Boxed macaroni and cheese became a popular, affordable way to feed families during the Great Depression. This homemade version celebrates that comforting tradition with a rich cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crunchy baked topping.

Featured on Cook the Books Season 3: Celebrity Edition from American Girl Sweet & Savory Treats Cookbook, host Shahir Massoud, baking the macaroni and cheese in individual ramekins creates convenient portions with plenty of crispy topping in every serving. For a family-style meal, the mixture can also be baked in an eight-inch square baking dish. The recipe is easy to customize with vegetables such as blanched broccoli, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms and leeks.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese

3½ cups macaroni
1 tablespoon olive oil
Nonstick cooking spray
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1¼ cups whole milk, warmed
1¾ cups shredded white Cheddar cheese
Salt and ground black pepper, to taste

For the Crunchy Topping

¾ cup shredded white Cheddar cheese
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Method

Fill a large saucepan three-fourths full of salted water. Set the pan over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
Add the pasta and boil until almost cooked through but still slightly firm, about 5 minutes.
Drain in a large colander set in the sink. Rinse under cold running water, drizzle with the olive oil, and toss to mix. Set aside.
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray six 6-fluid-ounce ramekins or an 8-inch square baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and place on a cookie sheet.
Return the saucepan to medium-low heat and melt the butter. Add the flour and milk and cook, stirring, until thickened, about 3 minutes.
Add the cheese and stir until melted and hot. Stir in ¼ teaspoon salt and a generous pinch of pepper.
Pour the pasta into the cheese mixture and stir to combine. Divide the macaroni and cheese evenly among the prepared ramekins, or pour it into the baking dish.
To make the topping, stir together the Cheddar cheese, bread crumbs, and melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the ramekins or baking dish.
Bake until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is lightly browned, about 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool briefly before serving. Serve hot.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Mac and Cheese Cups as a comforting main course for lunch or dinner, or offer them as a side dish at family gatherings, potlucks, and casual parties. Pair them with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, steamed vegetables, or roasted chicken for a balanced meal.

For a more flavorful twist, add blanched broccoli, chopped spinach, or sautéed mushrooms and leeks to the cheese sauce before mixing in the pasta. Individual ramekins are ideal for entertaining, while the baking dish makes serving a family-style dinner simple and convenient.

Final Thoughts

This Mac and Cheese Cups recipe brings together everything people love about homemade macaroni and cheese: tender pasta, a creamy white Cheddar sauce, and a golden, crunchy topping. Whether served in individual ramekins or baked family-style, it’s a comforting and versatile dish that is easy to make your own.

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