These individual mac and cheese cups combine smoky bacon, cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan with a crisp hot-honey pecan topping. They are rich and indulgent, making them especially suitable for parties, game-day spreads, or an occasional comfort-food dinner.
Estimated nutrition
Per serving
- Calories
- 680 kcal
- Protein
- 29 g
- Carbs
- 63 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 3 g
Actual values can vary with brands, amounts, and preparation.
Ingredients
Loading serving controls…Mac & Cheese
- 300 g elbow macaroni
- 45 g unsalted butter
- 30 g all-purpose flour
- 720 ml whole milk
- 170 g sharp cheddar, shredded
- 120 g smoked Gouda, shredded
- 30 g Parmesan, finely grated
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper, optional
- 1½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 170 g cooked crisp bacon, crumbled
Hot Honey Pecan Crunch
- 2 cups (60 g) cornflakes, lightly crushed
- 40 g pecans, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp hot honey
Pan
- 1 tbsp neutral oil
Need a broader change?
Adjust this recipe around your kitchen and preferences.
SpiceGuy suggestions
- Cayenne — Sharp, clean heat.
- Chipotle Powder — Adds deeper smoke.
Instructions
- 1
Heat the oven to 400°F / 205°C. Brush a 12-cup standard muffin pan evenly with the neutral oil.
- 2
Cook the macaroni in unsalted boiling water until about 1 minute shy of al dente. Drain thoroughly.
- 3
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- 4
Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly thickened.
- 5
Reduce the heat to low. Add cheddar, Gouda, Parmesan, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne. Stir just until the cheese melts.
- 6
Fold in the macaroni and bacon.
- 7
Combine the crushed cornflakes, pecans, and hot honey until evenly coated.
- 8
Divide the macaroni mixture among the 12 muffin cups and gently compact each portion. Divide the crunch mixture over the tops.
- 9
Bake for 12–15 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let the cups stand in the pan for 10 minutes so they firm enough to remove.
- 10
Loosen the edges carefully with a thin knife or spatula and serve two cups per person.
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