Healthy Mac and Cheese Bites for Kids

Mac and cheese bites are the ultimate kid-friendly comfort dish turned into fun, hand-held finger foods! As a dietitian mom, I love how versatile these bites are—they make a quick and easy snack or meal that fits any time of day (and perfect for school lunches).

Whether it’s for baby-led weaning, lunch boxes, or an afternoon snack, they offer a perfect balance of protein and carbohydrates that’s both filling and delicious. With just a few pantry staples, your favourite cheese, and a mini muffin tin, you can have these mac and cheese bites ready in under 20 minutes. And trust me, kids of all ages can’t get enough of them!

What You Need to Make Baked Mac and Cheese Bites

As a mom of three, I’m all about using what I have on hand to create simple, nutritious meals. For these mac and cheese bites, you only need a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, you get to use up leftover mac and cheese, which is always a win in my house!

What you need:

• Leftover mac and cheese
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Shredded cheese (your favorite!)
• Dry mustard
• Salt and pepper

How to Modify this Recipe

Because we all know that no two families eat exactly the same way, here are some easy substitutions to make this recipe work for everyone.

How can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?

For starters, you’ll want to make sure that the mac and cheese base is vegan. To make this recipe vegan, you can swap the egg for a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use vegan cheese.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

It’s super easy to make these mac and cheese bites gluten-free! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free pasta for your mac and cheese. 

Why This Dietitian Loves Mac and Cheese Bites

These bites pack a punch with both protein and carbohydrates, making them a satisfying option for snack time, school lunches, or even baby-led weaning.

How to Make these Mac and Cheese Bites

With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, cheesy snack ready to go in under 30 minutes. First, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a mini-muffin tin.

Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine your leftover mac and cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, and mustard powder. Don’t forget to add a little salt and pepper for seasoning!

Scoop into muffin tin: Press the mixture into the muffin tin, making sure to lightly press each scoop down so they bake evenly.



Bake for 15 to 20 minutes: Keep an eye on them. You want them golden and crispy on the edges.

Cool slightly and enjoy: Let them cool before popping them out of the tin and serving.

What to Serve with This Baked Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe

These mac and cheese bites are a meal in themselves, but if you want to round it out, here are some ideas:



FAQs

How long will baked mac and cheese bites last in the fridge?

They’ll keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Just pop them in the microwave or oven to reheat.

Can I freeze mac and cheese bites?

Yes! I love freezing extras for busy weeks. Once cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for about 2 months. Keep in mind that when they thaw, they will have a mushy texture.

Can I make mac and cheese bites ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep them in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Great for busy mornings or meal prepping!

Can you make these in a large muffin tin?

Yes! You’ll just need to adjust the baking time, so plan to bake them a little longer—around 20-25 minutes—until they’re golden brown on the edges.

More Pasta Recipes



Healthy Mac and Cheese Bites for Kids

Yield:
24 bites

Prep Time:
5 minutes

Cook Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
20 minutes

Mac and cheese bites are the ultimate kid-friendly comfort dish turned into fun, hand-held finger foods! As a dietitian mom, I love how versatile these bites are—they make a quick and easy snack or meal that fits any time of day. 

Ingredients

• 2 cups leftover mac and cheese
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini-muffin tin.
2. In a large bowl, stir together the leftover mac and cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, and mustard powder. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Scoop the mixture evenly into the greased mini muffin tin, pressing down lightly.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden and crispy on the edges.
5. Let the bites cool slightly before removing them from the tin. Enjoy them in your lunchbox!




Did you make this recipe?

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