Go Back
Print

Jalapeno Popper Mac N' Cheese Bites

These little bites of spicy (but not too spicy!) macaroni and cheese are perfect for watching the big game or as an appetizer for any party!
Cook Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

For the Macaroni & Cheese:

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 5 oz jalapeno flavored cream cheese
  • 2 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning (we used Paula Deen's House Seasoning)

For the Crust:

  • 2 cups Ritz crackers (crushed)
  • 6 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

For the Topping:

  • 1 jalapeno (very thinly sliced)
  • hot sauce (as desired)

Instructions

  • Preheat over to 375 degrees. Spray 2 (24 count) mini muffin trays with non-stick cooking spray.

Make the Crust:

  • Start by melting the butter in the microwave in a microwave-safe, medium sized bowl. Add in the crushed crackers and cheddar cheese and mix to throughly combine.
  • Spoon about 1-1 1/2 teaspoons of the crumb mixture into the bottom of each mini muffin cup. Press down either with your fingers or a tassie cup press, making sure it comes up the sides of the cup a little bit (this makes them pop out easier when you're done).

Make the Macaroni & Cheese:

  • Boil a large pot of water and add the macaroni. Cook until al dente (don't over cook the pasta!) Drain in a colander and return to the pot.
  • Add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, butter, eggs, milk, sour cream, and house seasoning and stir until smooth and all of the cheese is melted.
  • Fill each muffin cup with macaroni. Bake in the preheated over for 15 minutes, or until macaroni looks set and is bubbling slightly.
  • Let cool on the counter for at least 10-15 minutes, then loosen the edges of each cup with a knife to make getting them out easier. Top each macaroni and cheese bite with a slice of jalapeƱo and a dot of hot sauce, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

*This recipe makes a minimum of 48 mac n' cheese bites. If desired, instead of making more bites, you can put the extra macaroni and cheese in a greased pie pan/small casserole and top with the leftover crust ingredients. Bake at 375 degrees until bubbly and topping starts to brown.