You all know I love macaroni and cheese. Mac & cheese and popcorn…my two food loves.
I’m a classy girl in that respect, huh.
I don’t care, I’ll say it loud and proud. I LOVE MAC & CHEESE. Any mac & cheese. Cold mac & cheese. Fancied up mac and cheese. Mac & cheese out of a box. I’ll take it all. These fun little mac & cheese “muffins” can be eaten with your hands and taste like a combination of mac & cheese and tacos. It’s really quite amazing. Dangerously so.
These little bites of heaven are also perfect for feeding your picky toddler (actually, my toddler isn’t picky–knock on wood). I use Annie’s Mac & Cheese because I know I can be confident in the all-natural ingredients in the box. Served with a side of fruits and veggies of course! Toddlers will love these because they can eat them with their fingers. If you are worried about the spice, you could leave it out or reduce it, but they aren’t super spicy.
Ingredients
- 1 six-ounce box of Macaroni and Cheese (I use Annie's reduced-sodium variety), plus ingredients to prepare it as directed on the box (milk + butter)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup Annie's Cheddar Bunnies or other cheddar cracker, crushed
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 12 muffin tins with non-stick spray.
- Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed on box, except stir in taco seasoning in addition to the cheese powder. Once prepared, remove from burner and stir in grated cheddar cheese.
- Meanwhile, combine crushed Cheddar Bunnies and melted butter in a small bowl.
- Spoon macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into prepared muffin tins. Top with Cheddar Bunny/Butter mixture.
- Place in preheated oven and bake for 17-20 minutes or until brown around the edges. Let cool at least 5 minutes before removing from muffin tins.
Verdict: Amazing. If I said things like “amazeballs,” that would be completely appropriate here.
Husband’s take: He was obsessed with these.
Changes I would make: None!
Difficulty: Easy!
This post is NOT sponsored by Annie’s Homegrown. However, I am in a partnership with them to develop recipes in the future. All opinions, as always, are my own. I totally dig every single Annie’s product I have tried and their macaroni and cheese is the only boxed brand I buy.
{ 24 comments… read them below or add one }
My kids would totally dig these mini mac ‘n cheese muffins. Fun idea!
I love Annie’s (so much better than any other brand)! These look awesome and I would totally take a few to work for lunch
I love Annie’s too! These would make a great work lunch
These are absolutely adorable! And I love Annie’s!
Oh my heavens! These cheesy cups of goodness look so incredible, Rachel!
My son would love these!! so cute rachel!!
I love Annie’s mac and cheese (it helped me get through college, ha)! What a fun way to mix it up!
This is awesome, Rach! I love baked mac and cheese because of the crusty top and edges. The topping is genius too!
Thanks! I’m a crusty edges/top girl myself! It’s the best.
I love mac and cheese muffins and the more spice, the better! Love these, Rachel!
These mac and cheese muffins are soooo fun! Way to jazz up the classic!
I’m a total mac and cheese addict. Ever since having my kids, I swear I cannot go a week without it. Going to have to give these a try because you know I have like 10 boxes of Annie’s in the pantry.
If there is less than 10 boxes in the pantry, it is considered an emergency.
How creative are you?! I think my kids would go crazy for these things!
Thanks Bree! To be honest, my kid loves mac & cheese but she didn’t like these (although if I had given them to her two days in a row, she probably would have eaten them the second day). She’s a total weirdo. Today she chowed down jicama with hummus. I’m not complaining!
i love mac and cheese for that extra crust on the top – love it!!!
This looks so fantastic, wonderful comfort food!
Rachel these look so easy and fun! And I’m all over that crusty top!
Love the idea of using taco mix along with mac n cheese. Must try soon!
… and now I’m craving box mac and cheese with hot dogs. College style!
I love that they are hand sized! Way to go and make a messy dish less messy! LOVE it!
Are you using regular sized muffin tins or the mini muffin tins??
Regular! Mini would be super fun too though
These mac and cheese cups look insanely good!
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