Save to Pinterest These mac and cheese crispy wonton cups are my go-to recipe for parties and cozy get-togethers when I want something irresistibly cheesy and portable. Each crunchy bite delivers creamy macaroni with a golden flavorful topping all wrapped in a crisp shell perfect for sharing and always a crowd favorite at my game day celebrations.
The first time I made these was for a movie night with my friends and everyone went wild for them I swear they disappeared before the opening credits finished rolling.
Ingredients
- Square wonton wrappers: The foundation for the crispiest cups Choose ones without cracks for best results
- Unsalted butter: Melts into the wrappers for flavor and helps turn everything golden Always check for freshness
- Elbow macaroni: Small pasta shells that hold plenty of cheese Look for bronze-cut if possible for more texture
- All-purpose flour: Helps create a thick luscious roux for the cheese sauce
- Whole milk: Gives maximum creamy flavor and consistency Use fresh dairy milk for the smoothest results
- Sharp cheddar cheese: Main flavor in the cheese sauce Go for a block and grate it yourself it melts better
- Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and a touch of extra richness Use real Parmigiano-Reggiano if available
- Salt and black pepper: To season and wake up all the flavors Use fine sea salt and freshly ground pepper
- Cayenne pepper: A pinch for gentle heat This is optional but adds a nice contrast
- Panko breadcrumbs: Create a super crunchy golden topping Japanese-style panko gives the best texture
- Chopped chives: For a pop of color and freshness Use only fresh chives if possible
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Tin:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit Make sure every corner of your 12-cup muffin tin is lightly greased so nothing sticks
- Shape and Bake the Wonton Cups:
- Brush both sides of each wonton wrapper with melted butter Place one wrapper into each muffin slot and gently push it down to form a cup shape Bake these for 7 to 8 minutes until you see the edges turning just golden This step ensures your cups stay perfectly crisp even after baking with the filling
- Cook the Macaroni:
- Boil a pot of water and cook the elbow macaroni until it is al dente meaning just tender but with a little bite For most brands this takes 6 to 7 minutes Rinse quickly with cool water to stop cooking then drain well
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- Melt one tablespoon butter in a small saucepan over medium heat Whisk in the flour stirring constantly to make a smooth paste this is your roux Cook for one minute then slowly pour in the milk whisking the whole time Keep stirring over medium heat until the sauce begins to thicken which takes about 2 to 3 minutes
- Melt in the Cheeses:
- Lower the heat to low Add in all the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese salt black pepper and cayenne if using Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is melted and the sauce is silky and smooth
- Combine Macaroni and Sauce:
- Add the drained pasta directly into your cheese sauce Stir until every piece is completely coated This step is where the flavor magic really happens
- Fill the Wonton Cups:
- Using a spoon divide the cheesy macaroni evenly among your pre-baked wonton cups Fill all the way to the top but do not overpack so they keep a nice shape
- Mix the Topping:
- In a small bowl combine the panko breadcrumbs one tablespoon of melted butter and two tablespoons grated Parmesan Toss until all crumbs are coated for maximum crispiness
- Bake Until Golden:
- Sprinkle a generous amount of breadcrumb mixture over every filled cup Place the tray back in the oven and bake for another 10 to 12 minutes You are looking for deeply golden tops that make a little crackle when you tap them
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once out of the oven let them cool slightly for easier removal from the pan Sprinkle with fresh chopped chives for color and a burst of flavor These are best enjoyed warm when they are at their crispiest
Save to Pinterest My family always fights for the last cup at gatherings it‘s become a fun holiday tradition to see who nabs it first.
Storage Tips
These are best on the day you bake them but if you have leftovers store them in an airtight container in the fridge They keep well for two to three days and can be reheated in the oven to revive their crispiness If you need to make them ahead prep and fill the cups but bake right before serving for the ultimate crunch.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try mozzarella or Monterey Jack for softer cheese flavors Swap in whole wheat elbow or gluten free pasta for dietary needs You can even use a gluten free flour blend in the roux for a wheat free option Turkey bacon or sun-dried tomatoes make great mix-in choices for a new spin.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these with a side of warm marinara for extra comfort at parties I also love pairing with a fresh green salad or crispy coleslaw for balance They are a big hit on snack platters especially at birthdays and potlucks.
Cultural Backstory
Wonton cups give these a playful Asian American fusion twist while the macaroni and cheese filling is all classic comfort food It always sparks conversations about childhood favorites and clever ways to serve familiar foods in new forms My family requests these for our New Year‘s Day brunch every year for good luck and laughter.
Save to Pinterest With every batch you‘ll get a little better at finding the perfect balance of crispy golden topping and creamy cheese filling Enjoy these cups warm for the best crunch and cheesy flavor.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the cups, refrigerate, and bake just before serving for crisp texture.
- → What cheeses work best for this dish?
Sharp cheddar and Parmesan create a rich flavor, but mixing different cheeses adds depth.
- → How do I prevent soggy cups?
Pre-baking wonton wrappers helps them crisp up before adding the macaroni mixture.
- → Are there fun topping options?
Panko and Parmesan add crunch; try bacon crumbles or jalapeños for extra flavor.
- → Can I serve with a dip?
Yes, marinara or hot sauce makes a tasty dip for these savory cups.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, as written, it is vegetarian. Check wonton wrappers for possible egg content.