Kimber's Korner: Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes

Hello! I'm back to share my favorite type of dish --- Macaroni and Cheese! Only with this recipe, we are taking Macaroni and Cheese, then baking them into little cupcakes topped with delicious veggies! Mom found the inspiration for this recipe from Giada De Laurentiis. You can see Giada's version by clicking HERE. Now, if you are ready, watch the video below to see just how my Mom and I make Baked Macaroni and Cheese Cupcakes in the Cookin' Lean Kitchen.

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE CUPCAKES
Serves 8

INGREDIENTS

• Fat Free veggie cooking spray
• 1/2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 8 ounces WHOLE GRAIN pasta shells or elbows
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan
• 1 cup grated 2% Cheddar
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 2 cups chopped broccoli, blanched

DIRECTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray 2 (12-cup) muffin or cupcake pans with veggie cooking spray. Using 1 cup of the bread crumbs, coat the inside of each muffin cup with bread crumbs, shaking off any excess.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, stirring occasionally, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and add to a large bowl. Stir in the cheeses. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Spoon the prepared pasta mixture into the cupcake molds, filling evenly to about 2/3 full. Arrange a few pieces of  cherry tomato and broccoli into each cup. Top with a thin layer of the remaining bread crumbs and drizzle with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil.

Bake until golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let cool for a few minutes and carefully unmold with a spoon onto a serving platter.

RESULTS

These are great! I left out the turkey 'cause mom knows I don't like it in my Macaroni and Cheese...but you might like it. Try adding a little Jennie-O lean ground turkey by cooking it up and stirring it in with the cheeses. That's how Giada does it.

I really hope you liked our cooking video. If you want to try making these with your little ones, just print out the recipe below and get started. It's a great recipe where they can really help out, just like I helped out my Mom.

ENJOY!

Kimber

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