Sargento Guest Post: Macaroni & Cheese Bites

Macaroni and Cheese Bites

If you love macaroni and cheese and are looking for a new way to try it, consider macaroni and cheese bites.  You may be surprised to learn that the creamy, cheesy comfort food makes a great appetizer.  You can make forty five bites in about forty five minutes and you can be sure almost anyone will love them. They are kid friendly, easy to eat and visually appealing. You will need several ingredients for this recipe including macaroni, of course. The recipe calls for 1 package (7 oz.) or 2 cups of elbow macaroni.  You will also need ¼ cup of butter, 2 Tbsp. of all-purpose flour, ½ tsp. of salt, ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper, 2 cups of whole milk,  3 (1.9 oz.) pkg. of frozen fillo cups, ¼ cup of finely diced red bell pepper or snipped basil leaves and 2 cups (8oz.) of ChefStyle Shredded Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese.  Extra Sharp cheddar gives basic mac and cheese some pizzaz and balances nicely with the pepper in this recipe.

To make the macaroni and cheese bites, choose your favorite brand and make the macaroni according to the packages directions.  Meanwhile, melt your butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Then, stir in your flour, salt and cayenne pepper and cook and stir for 1 minute. Gradually add your milk and continue cooking while stirring frequently until the mixture becomes thickened. When thick, remove it from the heat  and stir in your  Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese until it has melted. Drain your macaroni and stir it in. Next,  let the mix stand at room temperature, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes to let your macaroni cheese mix cool and thicken. Spoon 1 tablespoon of macaroni and cheese into each frozen fillo cup and place them on a foil lined 15x10 jelly roll pan. Bake your bites in a preheated 350 degree oven for about 10- 12 minutes or until heated through. Finally, top with red peppers or basil and serve warm. Be prepared for the delectable kick of flavor.

*Sponsored by Sargento