Mac-and-Cheese Muffins

Think outside the box: Baking mac and cheese in a muffin tin turns a favorite kid-friendly food into a grab-and-go meal. These delicious snack-size bites are full of cheesy protein. They’re easy to eat at home or in the car—no utensils needed! For a picnic or party, transport mac-and-cheese muffins right in the muffin tin, covered with a piece of aluminum foil.

What You’ll Need

• Salt
• 8 ounces macaroni
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1½ tablespoons flour
• 1½ cups nonfat milk
• 1 cup low-fat cheese, grated
• Pepper
• ⅓ cup breadcrumbs

What You'll Do

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Fill the muffin tin with foil liners and spray with cooking spray.
2. Boil salted water in a large pot. Add macaroni and cook (about 8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Sprinkle in flour. Stir for 2 minutes. Slowly add milk. Whisk the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes or until it is thick enough to coat a spoon. Remove the pan from the stove. 
4. Add grated cheese to the white sauce. Stir until the sauce is smooth. Add some salt and pepper.
5. Add the macaroni, breadcrumbs, and a little more salt and pepper to taste. Stir well.
6. Put the mixture into 12 muffin cups. Bake for 8 minutes.