Zucchini Mac & Cheese Bites

In the world of comfort food, few dishes hold a candle to the beloved mac and cheese. This creamy, cheesy delight has been a staple in households across the globe, evoking childhood memories and satisfying cravings for warmth and indulgence. However, in an era where health-conscious eating is on the rise, traditional recipes are undergoing transformations to accommodate more nutritious ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Enter Zucchini Mac & Cheese Bites—a delicious and healthier twist on the classic that combines the rich, gooey goodness of mac and cheese with the subtle, fresh flavors of zucchini.

Indulge in a healthier twist on a classic favorite with these Zucchini Mac & Cheese Bites! This recipe brilliantly combines creamy cheeses, tender zucchini, and chewy elbow macaroni into bite-sized delights. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they sneak in extra veggies while maintaining the comfort food flavor we all love. Easy to make and versatile, you'll want to serve them at parties or enjoy them on a cozy night in. Dive into the world of delicious, guilt-free snacking!

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Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis, grated

1 cup elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko for extra crunch)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a muffin tin with silicone or paper liners.

Cook Pasta: In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare Zucchini: While the pasta cooks, grate the zucchinis using a box grater. Transfer the grated zucchini into a clean towel or cheesecloth, and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid sogginess.

Mix Cheeses: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Mix until well combined.

Combine Ingredients: Add the drained macaroni, grated zucchini, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into the cheese mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Fill Muffin Tin: Use a spoon to fill each muffin cup with the zucchini and mac & cheese mixture, pressing down lightly to compact it.

Top with Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle about a teaspoon of breadcrumbs over the top of each muffin cup for added crunch.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.

Cool & Serve: Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before removing them from the muffin tin. Serve warm as a delicious appetizer or snack!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings:

15 minutes | 40 minutes | 12 bites