Looking for the perfect way to sneak in veggies while serving up a kid-friendly, cheesy, crave-worthy dish? This Spinach Mac & Cheese Recipe is your new go-to! Baked in mini muffin tins for the ultimate bite-sized snack, these Spinach Mac & Cheese Muffins are creamy on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor and nutrients.
Whether you’re hosting a party, meal prepping for school lunches, or looking for a delicious twist on traditional mac and cheese, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s inspired by the comfort of Immaculate Bites Mac and Cheese and the ease of Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese Bites, but elevated with wholesome spinach and baked—not fried—for a lighter touch.
Why You’ll Love These Spinach Mac & Cheese Muffins
- Bite-sized & portable – Perfect for lunchboxes, potlucks, or appetizer platters.
- Healthier twist – Spinach adds fiber, vitamins, and color without sacrificing cheesy comfort.
- Crispy & creamy – Baked in mini muffin tins for that ideal texture.
- Versátil – You can serve them as a side, snack, or light lunch.
Ingredients for Spinach Mac & Cheese Bites
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious cheesy bites:
For the Mac & Cheese Base:
- 1½ cups elbow macaroni (or small pasta shape)
- 1½ tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (warm)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ Cucharadita de ajo en polvo
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Spinach Add-In:
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh spinach (or thawed frozen spinach, well-drained)
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg for depth
For the Muffin Binding & Topping:
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
How to Make Spinach Mac and Cheese Bites
1. Cocer la Pasta
Bring salted water to a boil and cook macaroni until just al dente (about 6 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Slightly undercooking the pasta helps it hold its shape in the muffins after baking.
2. Sauté the Spinach
In a skillet, sauté the chopped spinach in a touch of olive oil until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thoroughly drained to avoid excess moisture.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to make a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Continue to whisk until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted. Season with garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat.
4. Combine Everything
In a large bowl, mix the cooked pasta, sautéed spinach, cheese sauce, and beaten egg. Stir until well combined.
Note: The egg helps bind everything together when baked in muffin tins.
5. Fill the Muffin Tins
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a mini muffin tin with non-stick spray or grease lightly.
Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into each cavity, packing gently. Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over each muffin. Add extra Parmesan if desired.
6. Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake for 15–18 minutes until the tops are golden and crispy. Let cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before gently removing.
They’ll firm up as they cool—don’t rush this step!
Sugerencias Para Servir
Estos Spinach Mac & Cheese Bites are best served warm but are also tasty at room temperature. Serve them as:
- Appetizers for parties or game day
- Lunchbox additions for kids and adults
- After-school snacks
- Sides for roasted chicken or veggie burgers
- Brunch additions alongside quiche or salad
Recipe Variations
Want to get creative? Here are some delicious twists on the classic:
🔸 Agregar Proteína
- Mix in chopped cooked bacon or turkey sausage for a meatier version.
- Stir in finely chopped cooked chicken or ham.
🔸 Go Gluten-Free
- Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for the roux.
🔸 Air Fryer Method (Trader Joe’s Inspired)
You can also air fry these mac & cheese muffins:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook for 8–10 minutes or until golden and crispy on the edges.
Great for reheating leftovers too!
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
These cheesy bites are great for make-ahead cooking.
To Store:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To Freeze:
- Let cool completely, then freeze in a single layer.
- Transfer to freezer bags or containers. Lasts up to 2 months.
To Reheat:
- Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10–12 minutes.
- Or pop in the air fryer for 5–6 minutes at 375°F.
Why Add Spinach to Mac and Cheese?
Spinach isn’t just for salads—it blends beautifully into rich dishes like mac and cheese, offering:
- Color & appeal – Kids are more likely to eat their greens in cheesy form!
- Nutrition – Rich in iron, fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, C, and K.
- Sabor – Mild and earthy; doesn’t overpower the dish.
If you’re trying to create good tasting healthy food, this spinach mac is a smart (and sneaky) way to upgrade your comfort classics.
Muffin Tin Mac & Cheese: A Growing Trend
Muffin tin recipes are all over Pinterest and TikTok, and for good reason:
- They make portion control easy.
- Kids love them.
- Great for meal prepping.
- Less mess compared to traditional mac and cheese.
This version takes inspiration from Mac And Cheese Muffins you may have seen in Trader Joe’s frozen section, but it’s homemade, healthier, and customizable.
FAQs About Spinach Mac & Cheese Bites
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw it and squeeze out all the excess moisture. You don’t want watery muffins!
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, but they may be more delicate and crumbly. Try using a flax egg or adding a tablespoon of cream cheese for extra binding.
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely. Gruyère, fontina, Monterey Jack, or gouda are all melty, flavorful options.
Can I bake them in regular muffin tins?
Yes! Just increase the baking time to 20–25 minutes and let them cool longer before removing.
Final Thoughts: A Comfort Food Favorite with a Veggie Twist
There’s something irresistible about gooey mac and cheese—and even more so when it’s bite-sized and packed with spinach! These Spinach Mac & Cheese Muffins are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and guaranteed to disappear quickly from any table.
Whether you’re meal prepping, throwing a party, or feeding picky eaters, these muffins are the perfect fusion of indulgence and nutrition. They’re also a fun way to explore how to make mac and cheese bites from scratch—no box required.
Spinach Mac & Cheese Muffins at a Glance
- ✅ Easy to make
- ✅ Kid-friendly
- ✅ Meal prep approved
- ✅ Hidden veggie win
- ✅ Perfect party snack or school lunch
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