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In a world where healthy eating often conflicts with cravings for comfort food, zucchini mac & cheese bites offer a perfect solution. These delightful morsels combine the creamy, cheesy goodness we love with the nutritious benefits of zucchini, making them an ideal snack, appetizer, or even a side dish. This article will guide you through the process of creating these bites, ensuring you have a delightful experience in the kitchen while also enjoying a healthier alternative to traditional mac and cheese.

Zucchini Mac & Cheese Bites

Discover a deliciously healthy twist on a classic favorite with zucchini mac & cheese bites. This recipe combines the creamy comfort of traditional mac and cheese with nutritious zucchini, making it a perfect snack, appetizer, or side dish. You’ll learn how to create these tasty morsels while enjoying the benefits of zucchini’s low calorie count and high fiber content. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can indulge guilt-free while satisfying your comfort food cravings.
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Ingredients
  

2 medium zucchinis, grated (about 2 cups)

1 cup elbow macaroni, uncooked

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/4 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup bread crumbs (plus extra for topping)

1 large egg, beaten

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray (for greasing)

Instructions
 

Prep the Zucchini: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grate the zucchinis and place them in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your bites are not too watery.

    Cook the Macaroni: In a medium pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      Mix the Cheese Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and softened cream cheese. Stir until well mixed. You can also add a little bit of milk (2-3 tablespoons) if the mixture seems too stiff.

        Combine Ingredients: To the bowl, add the drained zucchini, cooked macaroni, beaten egg, bread crumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well incorporated.

          Form the Bites: Lightly grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray. Use a spoon or your hands to scoop generous amounts of the mixture into each muffin cup, packing them gently.

            Top with Bread Crumbs: Sprinkle the tops of the bites with extra bread crumbs for a crispy texture.

              Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the bites are firm to the touch.

                Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the bites to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them with a fork or toothpick. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 24 bites