# What you'll need:
→ Pasta
01 - 7 oz ditalini pasta
→ Cheese Sauce
02 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
03 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
04 - 1 cup whole milk
05 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
08 - ½ tsp Dijon mustard
09 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
10 - ¼ tsp salt
→ Coating
11 - 1 large egg
12 - ¼ cup milk
13 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
14 - 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
15 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
16 - Cooking spray or oil for greasing
# Method:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 24-cup mini muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
02 - Boil ditalini pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
03 - In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
04 - Gradually whisk in milk and simmer while stirring until the sauce thickens, about 2 to 3 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and salt until smooth and creamy.
06 - Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
07 - Spoon the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared mini muffin cups and gently press down to compact.
08 - Whisk egg and milk in a small bowl. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and smoked paprika.
09 - Brush the tops of the bites with the egg mixture then sprinkle the panko mixture generously over each.
10 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden and crisp. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing gently. Serve warm.
