Dinner

Mac ’n’ Cheese Sliders Recipe

ByCleo Brixton December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

Introduction

These Mac ’n’ Cheese Sliders are a fun twist on a classic comfort food. Creamy, cheesy macaroni bites baked with mozzarella and served in mini rolls make for a perfect party snack or a tasty meal for any casual occasion.

The image shows a set of mini sandwiches arranged closely on a white textured napkin over a white marbled surface. Each sandwich has three layers: a sesame or multigrain white bun top, a layer of green leafy spinach, and a thick yellow square of baked macaroni and cheese at the bottom, resting on the bottom half of the bun. The buns vary in color from light brown to dark with seeds, showing different textures like soft and crusty. There are a few small green leaves scattered around the sandwiches. The background is softly blurred with a warm light source and a small decorative house with yellow windows. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500g macaroni
50g butter
3 shallots, finely chopped
50g plain flour
500ml whole milk
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
100g cream cheese
100g cheddar, grated
1 egg, beaten
300g mozzarella, chopped into 36 chunks
3 x 12-pack assorted mini bread rolls
1 pack watercress
Barbecue sauce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5). Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped shallots and cook gently for 10–15 minutes until soft.
Step 3: Stir in the plain flour and mix well. Slowly add the milk a little at a time, stirring continuously to create a smooth sauce. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard, cream cheese, grated cheddar, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Pour the cooked macaroni into a deep baking dish and coat it evenly with the cheese sauce.
Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes until the top starts to turn lightly golden. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely, then chill in the refrigerator overnight.
Step 7: The next day, preheat the oven to 190°C (170°C fan/gas mark 5). Cut the chilled macaroni cheese into 36 blocks and place them spaced out on two baking trays.
Step 8: Press a chunk of mozzarella into the center of each block. Bake for 10–15 minutes, until the edges start to crisp and the mozzarella has melted.
Step 9: Place each macaroni cheese block into a mini roll with a few sprigs of watercress. Add a squeeze of barbecue sauce if you like. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Make the macaroni cheese a day ahead to save time. Chilling it overnight helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Try adding crispy bacon bits or jalapeños into the cheese sauce for extra flavor and a bit of heat.
Use different types of cheese such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack to customize the flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover macaroni cheese blocks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 180°C until warmed through and cheese is melted. Assemble the sliders fresh before serving to keep the rolls from getting soggy.

How to Serve

A group of small square sandwiches with three layers sit on a white marbled surface, arranged neatly on a white tray lined with a white napkin. Each sandwich has a soft bread bun top, some plain white, some topped with black poppy seeds, and some with a slightly darker or sesame-seed textured crust. The middle layer is a block of yellow macaroni and cheese with visible pasta holes. Beneath the macaroni is a fresh green leaf adding color contrast. The bottom bun is white or whole wheat, soft and slightly textured. Small green leaves are scattered around the tray, adding detail. The background shows soft lighting with blurred shapes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta instead of macaroni?

Yes, small shaped pasta like shells or penne work well, but macaroni is preferred for the classic texture and flavor balance.

Can I freeze these sliders?

You can freeze the baked macaroni cheese blocks before adding mozzarella. Wrap them tightly and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then proceed with adding mozzarella and baking.