These mini mac n cheese bites are ooey-gooey with just a touch of crab for an elegant twist that makes them the perfect party appetizer!
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When I was a kid my grandmother used to make mac & cheese for us when we went to visit. I’m not talking about something that comes from a box or out of the freezer, I’m talking about real cheesy delicious baked mac & cheese from scratch! Even since then, homemade mac & cheese has always been one of my favorite things. I love to mix it up with different types of cheese and different things added in.
While mac & cheese may not exactly be part of your New Year’s healthier eating plan, I believe indulgences are an important part of life, so I’m sharing one of my favorite indulgences – Crab Mac & Cheese!! I mean, what’s not to like about crab, creamy cheese and pasta!! And since Super Bowl Sunday is coming up in less than two weeks, it’s a good excuse to make some super tasty appetizers, gather up some friends, turn on the game and enjoy a fun evening!
I fashioned these into mini bites so you can either serve them as a party appetizer or if you are in the mood for comfort food you can grab a couple of them for lunch or dinner. The nice part about making them minis is you can decide how many you want to cook (or reheat) at one time. They are absolute gooey, cheesy perfection!!
Notes from the kitchen
- Since these are cooked in a mini muffin pan these can be pre-assembled, refrigerated for a few hours, and cooked right before the guests arrive. Since the sauce is dairy-based, this is one that I don’t recommend freezing.
- The recipe is designed to make about 3 dozen bites, however if you want more you can always double it. They will keep in your refrigerator for 2-3 days after baking. For best results when reheating, place them in the oven at 250°F for 10-15 minutes.
things you might want for this recipe
Mini Muffin Pans – Mini muffins tins are a super handy kitchen tool. I’d recommend enough to make at least 24 minis. I happen to like the 12 per pan size as they are easy to store and sometimes I only want to make 12 minis!
Coconut Oil Spray – I’ve switched to mostly using coconut oil spray when I need non-stick for cooking. Look for one like Spectrum that is expeller pressed. You can also use standard coconut oil to grease pans like the muffin tins if you prefer not to use a spray.
Crab Mac & Cheese Bites
Ingredients
- ½ pound mini elbow pasta
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 tbsp salted butter
- 1 ½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- pinch of nutmeg
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 ¼ cups 2% milk
- 2 cups grated cheese, pick your favorite types
- 4 oz lump crab meat
Instructions
- Heat the oven. Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain well.
- Prepare the muffin cups. Spray 36 mini muffin cups with coconut oil spray, or coat with coconut oil. Sprinkle the bottom of each muffin cup with a small amount of panko.
- Make the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add nutmeg, salt and pepper and whisk until combined. Whisk in the milk and cook until small bubbles form at the edges of the pan; about 5 minutes. Remove pan from heat and add the cheese, stirring constantly until smooth. Add the pasta and crab, stir until coated with the cheese sauce.
- Bake the bites. Using a small dough scoop add about a tablespoon of the mixture to each muffin cup. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges of the pasta begin to turn golden brown. Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes. Carefully remove each bite from the muffin tin and serve immediately.
These are the cutest little things, and more importantly, they look freaking delicious. I mean seriously, crab and mac n cheese in one bite, that you can eat with your hands? I am SO in!
Ooh, crab mac and cheese in a bite size bundle? This sounds like it would be perfect for parties…or just for me to eat.
I bet your appetizers are a huge success whenever you make them. Cheese? Absolutely!! Crab? I can’t resist! Make it into a little bite? Well, I won’t feel too guilty about having a dozen. Great recipe.
Thanks Marisa.
How cute are these?! I can only imagine how they taste! I would love to make these for my next get together!
I love mac and cheese bites and love to make different versions of them. Mostly they include bacon or green chilies but I am so excited to try this with crab!!! I love crab and it makes a great combo!
I love crab but have not eaten crab in years. I must go look for some. I bet these tasted yum.. Love cheesy appetizers
This is a dangerous recipe.. I’d probably eat all 3 dozen that it makes in one sitting! I’ve actually never used or heard of coconut oil spray before so I’m glad you mention it. I’ll have to look for it.. I’m not sure I’ve seen it in London before, but sounds like something right up my alley!
Every time I see anything with crab meat, I start to drool. These little guys are so adorable! I’ve never paired seafood with pasta, can you believe that? I think it’s time to start. 🙂
I think it’s definitely time for you to start pairing seafood with pasta! 🙂
Oh my goodness those are the perfect appetizer for any party! Or wait- I don’t need a party to make these! They look so freaking good I want one right now!
Mac & Cheese has always been one of my favorite treats. I have to use self control to keep from eating too much. So this is a great idea to make it as appetizers so you can still Enjoy and not over eat!
These Crab Mac & Cheese Bites look HEAVENLY! I’m pretty obsessed with mac & cheese, so I can only imagine that these are fabulous!
I love all things in miniature form! These are no exception. Just one or two bites, and then… another few for good measure. These are fancy!
Beautiful perfect bite! I love to entertain at home and this is the perfect appetizer to serve guests. Nice idea for Easter menu.
Thanks Adriana. They would be good for an Easter menu!
Awwwww! Crab mac cheese?! This is my thing! YUMYUM!!!!
These look so cute and perfect for a bite size appetizer. I love making snacks for our house parties and this is going in our todo list for next event.
They are a great party snack. Enjoy!
perfect party food!!! love mini-bites like this!!
This combines two of my favorite apps/side dishes! I’ve heard of lobster mac, but crab is new. Looks delicious!
Heck yes! Macaroni and cheese bites are my favorite (I LOVE those crispy outside edges) and adding in crab? Even better!
They are one of my favorites too! And the only chance I’m going to maintain portion control when it comes to mac & cheese! 🙂
What a perfect bite sized snack for game day and the holidays coming up! Those flavors sound amazing together with the crab, yum!
This looks really delicious and another way of enjoying my favorite crab