Mac & Cheese Bites

Mac & Cheese in bite size? Yes, please! These are nothing short of awesome! So easy to make, though filling the muffin tins is a bit time consuming. It's a labor of love and one I am willing to do often. These make a great appetizer, side dish or even a snack! 

Ingredients:
1 lb. whole wheat elbow macaroni
3 Tbsp. butter
4 Tbsp. flour
1-1/2 cup milk (skim works fine)
3 packed cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated, plus more for sprinkling on top
2 extra large egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, freshly grated

I added diced jalapeno peppers to half of the batch to give them some heat and additional flavor. You could really add anything to these. Diced ham, tomato, slices of hotdog, bacon...mmmm bacon

Directions:
Cook the pasta according to the package directions and drain well.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Spray a nonstick mini muffin pan with cooking spray. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Whisk in the milk and bring to a boil. Cook, whisking occasionally, for about 2 -3 minutes until thickened.
Add cheddar and Parmesan cheeses and stir to melt.
Remove from heat and stir in egg yolks, salt and nutmeg. Stir in macaroni.
Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of macaroni and cheese into the prepared mini muffin pan. Each cup should be filled to the top. Pack each one down gently.
Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese.
Bake for about 10 minutes until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 minutes.
Using a teaspoon, carefully loosen the mac and cheese bites and transfer to a platter to serve.
If you’re not baking these immediately, simply store on a baking sheet, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate. Reheat at 400 degrees for 10 minutes prior to serving.

recipe comes from here