Mac and Cheese Breakfast Muffins (Print View)

Fluffy, cheesy muffins bring together classic mac and eggs for hearty morning bites. Ideal for quick breakfasts.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 1/4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Egg Mixture

08 - 6 large eggs
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
12 - 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)

→ Add-ins

13 - 1/4 cup diced cooked ham or cooked bacon (optional)
14 - 1/4 cup chopped chives or green onions
15 - 1/4 cup chopped baby spinach (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line with paper liners.
02 - Boil elbow macaroni according to package instructions just until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 - In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly. Cook until slightly thickened, about 2–3 minutes.
04 - Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Fold in the cooked macaroni and mix well. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
05 - In a large bowl, vigorously whisk eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika until fully blended.
06 - Add the macaroni and cheese mixture to the eggs. Fold in ham or bacon if using, as well as chives and spinach. Mix gently to combine.
07 - Evenly divide the mixture among the prepared muffin cups.
08 - Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until muffins are puffed, golden, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
09 - Cool muffins in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Easy to prepare ahead and reheat for the week
  • Kid friendly and adults love them too
  • Perfect for using up leftover pasta or odds and ends from the fridge
  • Customizable for different fillings or dietary needs
02 -
  • Great for freezing and meal prep
  • Naturally high in protein and calcium
  • An excellent packable snack or lunchbox item
03 -
  • Shred your own cheddar for a creamier sauce and richer taste
  • Cool the mac and cheese before adding eggs to keep muffins fluffy
  • Sprinkle muffin tops with reserved cheese before baking for golden crowns

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