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Maple Meatballs Breakfast Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This Maple Meatballs Breakfast Mac and Cheese recipe combines homemade cherry and maple-infused breakfast meatballs with creamy stovetop mac and cheese, baked to perfection with eggs. It’s a comforting, flavorful brunch dish that elevates classic macaroni and cheese with savory meatballs and perfectly baked eggs.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings

Ingredients

Creamy Stovetop Mac and Cheese

  • 6 oz cavatappi or elbow macaroni
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ tsp dry mustard
  • 10 oz cheese (cheddar or a blend of your choice)

Cherry Maple Meatballs

  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Black pepper blend, to taste
  • 1 tsp Girl Carnivore egg blend (or substitute a pinch of seasoning blend)
  • ¼ tsp sage
  • ¼ tsp thyme
  • 2 tbsp cherry preserves
  • 2 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 lb country breakfast sausage

Assembly

  • 4 large eggs
  • Chopped parsley, for garnish
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly with warm water, then set aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the now empty pot, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the egg yolks, milk, and dry mustard until fully combined. Slowly add the cheese, stirring constantly until melted into a smooth, velvety sauce. Return the cooked pasta to the pot and toss thoroughly to coat with cheese sauce.
  3. Roll the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, black pepper blend, egg blend, sage, thyme, cherry preserves, and maple syrup with the country breakfast sausage. Mix well with your hands until evenly combined. Roll the mixture into about 28 small meatballs.
  4. Cook the Meatballs: Heat a preheated skillet over medium heat. Cook the meatballs in batches, turning often to brown on all sides. Continue cooking for approximately 15 minutes, or until the meatballs reach an internal temperature of 160°F and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
  5. Bake the Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Mix 12 of the cooked meatballs into the macaroni and cheese. Spoon the mixture into an oven-safe skillet or baking dish. Using the back of a spoon, create 4 small divots around the dish to hold eggs. Carefully crack an egg into each divot. Sprinkle additional cheese over the top if desired. Bake for 25 minutes, until the eggs are set and the macaroni is bubbly and golden.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, season the eggs with salt and pepper, and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm for an elevated brunch experience.

Notes

  • Use your favorite sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a richer mac and cheese.
  • The Girl Carnivore egg blend is a seasoning mix; you can substitute with a pinch of nutmeg or your preferred spice blend.
  • Make sure to cook the meatballs thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety.
  • Allow the dish to rest 5 minutes after baking before serving for best flavor and texture.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/maple-meatballs-breakfast-mac-and-cheese-recipe/