Crispy Mac and Cheese Cups #SP5

Official Contest Entry: Simply Potatoes 5Fix. These delightful bite-size cups will be the star of the meal, featuring creamy homestyle Simply Macaroni and Cheese, pancetta, and a crispy topping of panko bread crumbs and fresh herbs. They make a wonderful appetizer or side dish.

• Ready In: 50 mins
• Serves: 6-8
• Yields: 24 mini cups

Ingredients

• 4  ounces pancetta, sliced
• 1 (20 ounce) package  Simply Macaroni & Cheese
• 1⁄2 cup  seasoned panko breadcrumbs
• 1⁄2 tablespoon  snipped fresh chives
• 8  grape tomatoes

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease or spray a 24-cup size mini-muffin pan.
2. Cook pancetta slowly in a large pan over medium heat. Turn slices frequently until crispy, about 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
3. Add crumbled pancetta to the macaroni and cheese and stir well.
4. Spoon macaroni and cheese mixture into mini-muffin cups.
5. In a small bowl, mix bread crumbs and chives. Sprinkle on top of each cup.
6. Cut each grape tomato into 3 slices crosswise. Garnish each cup with one tomato slice, pressing it down gently.
7. Bake in oven until bread crumb topping is light golden brown, about 18-20 minutes.
8. Let cool for 15 minutes. Using a butter knife, run the edge around the cups to lift out.