Mini Mac N Cheese Bites

By Texaschef11

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 1/2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for brushing
• 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup milk
• 4 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded (1 packed cup)
• 4 ounces deli-sliced American cheese, chopped
• 1 large egg yolk
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked Spanish paprika

Preparation

Step 1

- Preheat the oven to 425°
- In a large saucepan of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until al dente, about 5 minutes. Drain, shaking off the excess water.
- Brush four 12-cup, nonstick mini muffin tins with butter. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of the Parmigianino; tap out the excess.
- In a large saucepan, melt the 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk and cook, whisking, until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add the cheddar and American cheeses and whisk until melted. Off the heat, whisk in the egg yolk and paprika. Fold in the macaroni.
- Spoon slightly rounded tablespoons of the macaroni into the prepared muffin cups, packing them gently. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmigianino on top.
- Bake the mini macs in the upper and middle thirds of the oven for about 10 minutes, until golden and sizzling. Let cool for 5 min­utes. Using a small spoon, carefully loosen the mini macs, transfer to a platter and serve.