Tex-Mex Mac ‘n’ Cheese Bites: A Flavorful Twist on a Comfort Classic
Elevate Your Mac ‘n’ Cheese Game
Macaroni and cheese, a staple of comfort food, just got a bold makeover. By adding a few key ingredients, you can transform this humble dish into a vibrant, Tex-Mex-inspired treat. The best part? These individual bites are perfect for potlucks, buffets, or even a quick weeknight dinner.
The Magic Ingredients
Monterey Jack cheese, canned green chiles, cumin, garlic, and ripe tomatoes come together to create a flavor profile that’s both familiar and excitingly new. With these ingredients, you’ll be able to give your mac ‘n’ cheese a fresh spin that’s sure to delight.
Get Cooking!
To make these bite-sized wonders, you’ll need:
- 1 cup dried whole-wheat macaroni
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 (4-ounce) can diced mild green chiles
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 large ripe tomato, seeded and chopped
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray for coating the muffin pan
- Kosher salt for seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously spray a 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large saucepan filled with water to a boil over high heat. Add the salt and pasta, reduce the heat to medium, and cook until al dente (about 7 minutes).
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth, then gradually add the milk, whisking constantly. Add the cheese, chiles, cumin, garlic, and tomatoes, stirring to combine. Finally, mix in the eggs.
- Assemble and Bake: Spoon the pasta mixture into the prepared muffin wells, dividing it evenly. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the bites are crispy and golden brown around the edges.
Storage and Reheating
Store these bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy.
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