Why You’ll Love These Mac and Cheese Muffins
There are three major reasons you’ll love these mac and cheese muffins as much as I do.
First, they’re perfectly portable—grab-and-go comfort food that fits in your hand. No more wrestling with floppy leftovers at work.
Second, those crispy edges. Every muffin has that coveted golden crust all around, giving you the texture contrast that regular mac and cheese can’t deliver.
Third, they’re incredibly versatile. I’ve served them at everything from toddler birthday parties to fancy brunches, and they disappear within minutes.
The spinach sneaks in some nutrition, but trust me, even veggie-haters won’t mind.
What Ingredients are in Mac and Cheese Muffins?
These mac and cheese muffins combine the comforting flavors of a classic mac and cheese with a portable, portion-controlled format that’s perfect for snacks, lunch boxes, or party appetizers. The base is a creamy, cheesy sauce that coats tender elbow macaroni, with spinach adding a nutritious element that blends beautifully with the rich flavors. When baked in a muffin tin, the edges get wonderfully crispy while the inside stays creamy and gooey.
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1 cup skim milk
- 1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup)
- 3 ounces gruyere cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted, drained and patted dry
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
When shopping for ingredients, quality matters with the cheese—a sharp cheddar brings the tangy punch, while gruyere adds a nutty depth that elevates these beyond ordinary mac and cheese. The mustard powder might seem like a small addition, but it’s key for enhancing the cheese flavor without adding a distinct mustard taste. And don’t skip the step of thoroughly draining the spinach; excess moisture can make your muffins soggy rather than perfectly set. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations based on what you have on hand.
How to Make These Mac and Cheese Muffins
To begin these delicious mac and cheese muffins, preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 12-well muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. This prep step is essential—trust me, no one wants to deal with mac and cheese stuck to the pan.
Now for the creamy sauce that makes these muffins irresistible. In a saucepan over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter until it’s foaming. Whisk in 1 tablespoon of flour, 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder, and 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg until the mixture becomes thick and beige—this is your roux, the foundation of all good cheese sauces.
Slowly pour in 1 cup of skim milk, add 1/4 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce for a hint of heat, and 1 minced garlic clove, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Isn’t it amazing how just a few ingredients can transform into something so velvety?
Once thickened, reduce the heat to medium and gradually add your cheeses—3 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar and 3 ounces of shredded gruyere—one small handful at a time. Patience is key here; wait until each addition is fully melted before adding the next.
For the final assembly, combine the cheese sauce with 4 cups of cooked elbow macaroni and the thoroughly drained 10-ounce package of frozen chopped spinach. Beat together 1 egg and 1 egg white, then mix them into the mac and cheese mixture—this will help bind everything together as it bakes.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste, then spoon the mixture into your prepared muffin tin. The mixture should come right to the top of each well, but not overflowing.
Bake for about 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crispy. Let them cool for about 5 minutes before removing from the tin—this cooling period helps them set up and hold their shape. Perfect little mac and cheese bites that are portable, portion-controlled, and packed with flavor.
Mac and Cheese Muffins Substitutions and Variations
While the basic recipe for these mac and cheese muffins is already incredible, I love how flexible it can be with substitutions and variations to match your taste preferences or pantry inventory.
Don’t have Gruyere? Swap in fontina, gouda, or even mozzarella for a different flavor profile. The sharp cheddar can be replaced with pepper jack if you crave a little heat.
Not a spinach fan? Try kale, broccoli, or caramelized onions instead. For protein lovers, fold in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded chicken.
And those spices? They’re totally customizable. A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne can transform the entire experience.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese Muffins
Since these savory mac and cheese muffins pack such a flavorful punch on their own, I’m always careful to pair them with complementary sides that won’t compete for attention on the plate.
A crisp green salad with light vinaigrette works perfectly, cutting through the richness with bright acidity.
For protein, I like adding grilled chicken or a simple roasted salmon fillet.
When serving these at my last dinner party (where they disappeared in minutes), I included steamed broccoli and roasted cherry tomatoes on the side. The sweetness of the tomatoes? Divine with the cheesy muffins.
For kids, apple slices or carrot sticks provide that necessary fresh crunch.
Final Thoughts
After discovering these cheesy mac and cheese muffins, I’ll never serve this comfort food classic the traditional way again.
There’s something magical about these portable, portion-controlled bites that transforms an everyday dish into something special.
They’re perfect for meal prep, too. I make a batch on Sunday, then reheat throughout the week for quick lunches.
The crispy edges paired with that gooey center? Heaven.
My favorite part might be their versatility—dress them up with truffle oil for dinner parties or keep them simple for picky kids.
Trust me, once you’ve tried mac and cheese in muffin form, you’ll be hooked.
