Mac n Cheese Muffins

Yield – 12 servings

Preparation Time – 10 minutes

Cooking Time – 12 minutes

Ingredients

• 12 oz. macaroni pasta
• 1/2 cup butter, divided
• 1/2 cup whipping cream
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 12 slices sandwich bread
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
• Fresh veggies, as side dish

Directions

• Heat oven to 350 degrees.
• Cook pasta according to package directions and removing when almost al dente (about 1 minute before what is usually considered done).
• Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat 4 tablespoons butter, cream, salt, pepper, and thyme. Remove from heat before just before mixture begins to boil.
• Use a rolling pin to flatten all the bread slices. Use a butter knife to spread the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter onto one side of each of the bread slices. Press the butter side down into a muffin pan to create bread cups.
• When the pasta is done, drain and return to the pan. Stir in the scalded cream and butter along with 1 cup of shredded cheddar. Stir to melt the cheese.
• Spoon the cheesy macaroni into the bread cups. Press gently to fill the cups and then top off each one to overflowing. You will probably have some macaroni left over.
• Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over each pasta cup.
• Bake for 12 – 15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted.
• Prepare fresh veggies.
• Serve Mac n Cheese Muffins with a side of veggies.