July 14 is National Mac & Cheese Day! I've been meaning to make these kid-friendly Tuna Mac & Cheese Bites, and National Mac & Cheese Day seems like the perfect excuse! They look like a fun way to add a little extra protein to a family favorite. Would your kiddo eat these?
For this recipe, we're using Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna, a brand that's especially popular with Woodlands mommies. From what I've been able to learn, Safe Catch is the only tuna and salmon brand that tests every single fish for mercury to meet Consumer Reports' Low Mercury Criteria for sensitive populations, including pregnant women and young children. Their commitment to purity helps give families added peace of mind at mealtime.
Ingredients
- 1 can Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 box organic mac & cheese (Annie's recommended)
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Lightly coat a 24-count mini muffin pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare the mac & cheese according to the package directions and transfer it to a medium mixing bowl.
- Open the can of Safe Catch Elite Wild Tuna. Do not drain. Flake the tuna with a fork until all of the natural juices are absorbed, then add it to the bowl along with the eggs.
- Stir in the panko bread crumbs and ⅔ cup of the shredded cheddar until everything is well combined.
- Spoon the mixture evenly into the muffin cups, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking, until the tops are lightly golden.
- Let the bites cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the pan with a table knife.
Serving Tip
These cheesy bites are sure to be delicious served warm as an appetizer, snack, or easy family meal. You can also use them for meal prep! Freeze any leftovers and simply microwave a frozen bite for about 35 seconds for a quick kid-friendly snack.
Recipe Credit: Paul Laubscher
