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To make the best Loaded Mac and Cheese Football Cups, you need these key items: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour - 2 cups whole milk - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and black pepper to taste These ingredients create a rich and creamy base for your cups. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella gives a great flavor and texture. You can add your own twist with these optional items: - 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey sausage - 1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced - 1/4 cup sour cream - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (for topping) Feel free to mix and match these extras. They add fun flavors and a nice crunch. To make these tasty cups, you'll need a few basic tools: - Mini muffin tin - Large pot - Whisk - Spoon or small cookie scoop - Cooking spray or melted butter for greasing Having the right tools makes the process smoother and more enjoyable. Now, you’re ready to get cooking! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions provided. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. When the water bubbles, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta well and set it aside. This step is key for a great texture in your Loaded Mac and Cheese Football Cups. In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk this mixture for 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk while whisking. Stir until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, which takes about 3-5 minutes. Next, lower the heat and add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Now it's time to combine everything. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. If you want to add 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled turkey sausage, mix it in now. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a mini muffin tin. Fill each cup with the mac and cheese mixture, pressing down lightly to pack it in. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp. Once out of the oven, let them cool for a bit. Top each cup with 1/4 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of crispy fried onions, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Enjoy this tasty game snack! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To create the best cheese sauce, start with a roux. This helps to thicken the sauce and gives it a great base. Use equal parts butter and flour. Cooking the roux for a minute or two until golden adds depth. Gradually add milk while whisking to prevent lumps. This step is key! Keep stirring until it thickens and feels creamy. Then, add your cheeses. A mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella works wonders for flavor and texture. Presentation makes all the difference on game day. Use a mini muffin tin to shape your cups. After baking, let them cool slightly. Then, add a dollop of sour cream on top. This gives a nice contrast to the cheesy cups. Sprinkle crispy fried onions for crunch, and add green onions for color. Arrange the cups on a platter in a fun football shape. This adds excitement to your snack table! You can make these cups ahead of time. Prepare the mac and cheese mixture and fill the muffin tin. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you're ready, bake them straight from the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This makes game day stress-free. Enjoy delicious snacks without the last-minute rush. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above! {{image_4}} If you want a meat-free version, skip the turkey sausage. You can add more veggies instead. Try spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These add great taste and color. You can also mix in some cooked broccoli for a nutrient boost. Cheese choice changes the taste! You can use gouda, fontina, or pepper jack. Gouda gives a rich flavor, while pepper jack adds a spicy kick. Mixing cheeses creates a unique flavor profile. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese. Toppings make your cups even better! Try crispy bacon bits for a salty crunch. You can sprinkle chili flakes for heat or drizzle hot sauce for a zesty touch. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add color and freshness. For a creamy twist, use ranch dressing instead of sour cream. Explore these ideas to make your Loaded Mac and Cheese Football Cups your own. For the full recipe, check out the section above! To keep your leftovers fresh, let the mac and cheese cups cool completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This way, they stay tasty and safe to eat. If you want to avoid sogginess, try to separate layers with parchment paper. When you're ready to enjoy your leftovers, the best way to reheat them is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cups on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy on the outside and warm on the inside. You can also microwave them for a quick option. Just heat them in 30-second bursts to avoid drying them out. If you want to store the cups for longer, freezing is a great choice. After they cool, arrange them on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for two to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture intact. I hope you find these storage tips helpful, and don't forget to check out the Full Recipe for more details! Yes, you can easily make these cups without meat. Just skip the turkey sausage. The cheese and pasta provide great flavor on their own. Add more veggies if you want. Try chopped bell peppers or spinach for a tasty twist. Sharp cheddar is my go-to for mac and cheese. It gives a rich taste. Mozzarella adds creaminess and stretch. You can also mix in gouda or fontina for more depth. Experimenting with different cheeses makes it fun! To keep your cups crispy, bake them until they are golden brown. Use a mini muffin tin for the best shape. Make sure to pack the mixture tightly in each cup. Topping with crispy fried onions adds extra crunch too. Keep an eye on them while baking for the perfect texture. Loaded Mac and Cheese Football Cups are simple and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, from pasta to cheese sauce. You can customize this dish with optional toppings or different cheeses. I shared tips for the best cheese sauce and how to make these cups ahead of time. Remember, you can store leftovers or freeze them for later. In the end, these bites are perfect for game day or any fun gathering. Enjoy making and sharing this dish!

Loaded Mac and Cheese Football Cups

Get ready for game day with these loaded mac and cheese football cups! This delicious recipe combines creamy cheddar and mozzarella with the comforting taste of macaroni, all baked to perfection in a fun mini muffin format. With optional turkey sausage and topped with crispy onions, these cups are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Click through for the full recipe and make your next gathering unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled turkey sausage (optional)

1/4 cup green onions, thinly sliced

1/4 cup sour cream

1/4 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)

Mini muffin tin

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once bubbling, add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

    Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot used for cooking the pasta, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously to create a roux, cooking it for about 1-2 minutes until it turns a light golden color.

      Incorporate the Milk: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking constantly. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens and is velvety smooth, which should take around 3-5 minutes.

        Add the Cheeses and Seasoning: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Add both the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy and homogenous.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Once the cheese sauce is ready, gently fold in the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is coated in the cheesy goodness. If you are adding turkey sausage, fold it in now and mix thoroughly.

            Prepare the Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease each cup of the mini muffin tin with cooking spray or melted butter to prevent sticking.

              Fill the Cups: Using a spoon or a small cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup to the brim with the mac and cheese mixture. Press down lightly to pack the mixture in and ensure cohesion.

                Bake to Perfection: Place the filled muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and slightly crisp.

                  Garnish with Style: Once out of the oven, allow the mac and cheese cups to cool for a few minutes. Top each one with a generous dollop of sour cream, a sprinkling of crispy fried onions, and an additional garnish of sliced green onions for a pop of color.

                    Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the football cups from the muffin tin. Serve warm and enjoy this delightful twist on a classic comfort dish, perfect for game day gatherings!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 24 mini cups