Healthy Nibbles and Bits puts a grown-up spin on a childhood favorite, mac and cheese, by turning it into fancy finger food. Served in tiny baked prosciutto cups, these bites are perfect for portion control. This appetizer will make your next party unforgettable.
Mac & Cheese Prosciutto Bites
Ingredients
- 8–12 ounces thinly sliced prosciutto
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
- 1 1/4 cups low-fat milk
- 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 3/4 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Flip over a 24-cup mini muffin pan. Coat the surface with cooking spray. (You can also use a regular 12-cup muffin pan.)
Slice the prosciutto into thirds, and tightly cover each of the muffin molds. (If the prosciutto pieces tear, that’s OK.) Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the prosciutto has tightened up and become crispy. The prosciutto will shrink after baking but will still hold a good amount of macaroni and cheese. (Feel free to drain some of the grease from the baked prosciutto by placing them over a paper towel.)
While the prosciutto is baking, cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a small saucepan, heat the butter. When it is melted, add the panko and stir until well-incorporated. Reduce heat to medium-low, and cook the panko for a few more minutes, until golden brown. Set aside.
In another small saucepan, heat the milk over medium-high until small bubbles form. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Whisk in the flour, making sure to stir constantly to prevent it from clumping up too much. Mix in the cheese, salt and pepper, and turn off the heat. Fold in the cooked pasta, then stir in the chives. Let the mac and cheese cool for at least 5 minutes.
To assemble, spoon some mac and cheese into one of the prosciutto cups, and sprinkle on some of the prepared panko.
Serve immediately.
Serves: 12 | Serving Size: 4 pieces
Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 176; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 42mg; Sodium: 495mg; Carbohydrate: 8g; Dietary Fiber: 0g; Sugar: 1g; Protein: 12g
Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 100mg; Iron: 4%; Vitamin A: 7%; Vitamin C: 1%; Calcium: 24%
