Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but sometimes you want that gooey goodness in a more convenient, portion-controlled package. Enter Mac & Cheese Cups! These individual servings are perfect for parties, lunchboxes, quick weeknight dinners, or simply when you want a perfectly crispy-edged, cheesy bite all to yourself.
The best part? You don't need a special recipe to make them! With the unbeatable melt and rich flavor of Cooper® Sharp, you can easily transform any of your favorite Cooper® Mac & Cheese recipes into these fun, portable cups.
Why You'll Love Mac & Cheese Cups
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Portion Perfection: Great for meal prep, portion control, or just ensuring everyone gets their own satisfying serving.
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Kid-Friendly Fun: The individual size and fun shape are a hit with kids, making mealtime a breeze.
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Party Appetizer Power: Easy to serve and eat, they're the ideal bite-sized appetizer for any gathering.
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Crispy Edges Galore: More surface area means more of that delicious, golden-brown crispy cheese crust we all crave.
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Less Mess: No scooping from a communal dish; just grab and go!
How to Transform Any Cooper® Mac & Cheese Recipe into Cups
It's incredibly simple to turn your go-to Cooper® Mac & Cheese into individual cups. The process primarily involves preparing your chosen recipe and then baking it in a muffin tin instead of a casserole dish.
Here's the basic method:
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Choose Your Cooper® Mac & Cheese Recipe: Start by picking any of your beloved Cooper® Mac & Cheese recipes from our collection (we’ve got some fantastic ideas below!). Prepare the recipe as directed, right up to the point where you would normally transfer it to a baking dish. Remember, the star ingredient for that perfect creamy melt in any mac and cheese is Cooper® Sharp!
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Prepare Your Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray or butter. This is crucial for easy removal of your finished cups.
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Fill the Cups: Spoon the prepared mac and cheese mixture into each cup of your muffin tin, filling them almost to the top. Gently press down to ensure the mixture is packed.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese cups are heated through, the edges are golden brown, and the tops are slightly crispy. If desired, you can sprinkle a little extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top for the last 5 minutes of baking for an even crispier topping.
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Cool & Serve: Let the cups cool in the muffin tin for 5-10 minutes before carefully removing them with a knife or small spatula. This helps them hold their shape. Serve warm!
Discover Your Next Mac & Cheese Cup Masterpiece
With our diverse range of Cooper® Mac & Cheese recipes, you have endless options for creating your perfect mac & cheese cups. Each one features the unmistakable creamy goodness of Cooper® Sharp.
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For a rich, luxurious bite: Elevate your party with our decadent Cooper® Lobster Bacon Mac and Cheese. This one is sure to impress in individual cup form!
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Spice things up: Get ready for a kick with our Cooper® Cheese Jalapeño Popper Mac & Cheese or add bold flavor with our Cooper® Sriracha Chicken Mac & Cheese.
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Classic comfort, new format: For a timeless favorite in a convenient cup, you can't go wrong adapting our Cooper® Homestyle Mac and Cheese.
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Hearty and satisfying: Turn our flavorful Cooper® Sharp Chili Mac and Cheese or the robust Cooper® Classic BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese into delicious individual servings.
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Southwest flair: Bring bold flavors to your cups with our Cooper® Southwest Baked Mac and Cheese.
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Melt-in-your-mouth goodness: For the absolute cheesiest cup, rely on the supreme melt of our Cooper® Melty Mac and Cheese Recipe.
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Keto-friendly options: Yes, you can even make low-carb cups! Our Cooper® Low Carb Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is perfect for portioning.
Tips for Perfect Mac & Cheese Cups
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Don't Overcook the Pasta: If your recipe involves boiling pasta, cook it slightly under al dente. It will continue to cook in the oven, preventing mushy cups.
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Grease Your Tin Well: This is crucial for easy removal and intact cups. Don't skimp on the cooking spray or butter!
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Customize Your Topping: A sprinkle of breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crispiness) or a pinch of paprika before baking can add extra flavor and texture.
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Let Them Cool: Resist the urge to pull them out immediately. A few minutes of cooling in the tin helps them set and makes removal much easier.
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Make Ahead & Freeze: Mac & Cheese cups freeze wonderfully! Once cooled, place them on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the oven from frozen until warmed through.
Enjoy transforming your favorite Cooper® Mac & Cheese recipes into these delightful, perfectly portioned cups! We can't wait to see which flavor you turn into your next bite-sized masterpiece.
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