Low Sodium Mac and Cheese Bites

Perfect for party appetizers or kid-approved snacks, these Low Sodium Mac and Cheese Bites deliver all the indulgent creaminess you crave while keeping sodium levels in check. Made with low sodium broth and milk, and packed with rich, extra sharp cheddar and Parmesan cheese, these mini bites are baked to golden perfection with a crispy panko breadcrumb topping. Quick and easy to whip up in under 40 minutes, they’re baked in a mini muffin tin for perfectly portioned bites that are lightly crispy on the outside and decadently cheesy on the inside. Whether you’re looking for a savory finger food option or a low-sodium snack for your next gathering, these mac and cheese bites are a delightful twist on a comfort food classic.

Nutriscore Rating: 61/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 24

Ingredients

• 1 cup elbow macaroni
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 cup low sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup low sodium milk
• 1.5 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 0 as needed non-stick cooking spray
• 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a mini muffin tin generously with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, omitting any added salt. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3

In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, and cook, whisking continuously, for about 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden.

Step 4

Slowly whisk in the low sodium chicken broth and low sodium milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk, until it thickens slightly, approximately 3-5 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the sharp cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 6

Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring that all the pasta is well coated.

Step 7

Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin tin, pressing down lightly.

Step 8

Sprinkle the tops of each bite with a little panko breadcrumbs and a touch of black pepper.

Step 9

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

Step 10

Let the mac and cheese bites cool slightly in the muffin tin before carefully removing them with the help of a small offset spatula or butter knife.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(856.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1691.1

Total Fat 95.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 59.5g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 292.0mg	0%
Sodium 2114.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 127.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.0g	0%
Total Sugars 17.4g
Protein 86.7g	0%

Vitamin D 156IU	0%
Calcium 1969.5mg	0%
Iron 6.3mg	0%
Potassium 555.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.2%

Protein: 20.2%

Carbs: 29.6%