This post is sponsored by Annie’s and Target, and we’re celebrating back-to-school with tasty ideas for snacks, lunch boxes, and easy meals to simplify this busy season.
Summer’s winding down and it’s time to shift into back-to-school mode. We had a wonderful few months of relaxed days, and I loved watching the boys use their imaginations—building tiny stores, gas stations and houses from cardboard for their toy cars. If you’re in need of boxes, scissors or tape, I’m officially out!
I got a head start on supplies at Target—not just pencils and notebooks but all the snacks, lunchbox favorites and breakfast basics we rely on. We love Annie’s cereals, crackers, cookies and mac and cheese because they’re made with simple ingredients and no artificial flavors, which makes them easy to keep on hand for hungry kids.
Cocoa Bunnies cereal is a favorite—especially for sipping the leftover chocolate milk. Cheddar Bunnies are perfect for tossing into lunch boxes for a crunchy, cheesy bite.
I’m not usually a lunchbox-decorator type—mornings are hectic and everyone’s out the door fast. But recently I made simple ham-and-cheese toothpicks and the boys declared them “TIE Fighters.” I’ll take that as a win.
Here’s a simple, kid-friendly twist on Annie’s Shells & Real Aged Cheddar: Southwestern Mac and Cheese cups. I add black beans, corn and pepper jack for a little kick, mix in an egg to bind, and bake the portions in a muffin tin for portable, hand-sized servings.
For a crunchy topping, let the kids crush some Cheddar Bunnies and sprinkle them on top. They add great texture and flavor, and make these cups a fun option for lunch or an after-school snack.
Right now, through September 2nd, Target’s Cartwheel App has deals on Annie’s Fruit Snacks, Granola Bars, and Microwavable Mac & Cheese Cups—handy for stocking up before school starts.
If you’ve got little ones heading back to school, enjoy the shopping and prepping—and have fun finding easy, nourishing snacks and meals that make mornings and afternoons run a little smoother.
Southwestern Mac and Cheese Cups
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- Author: Julie
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 10 cups
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Southwestern Mac and Cheese cups are an easy, family-friendly way to enjoy Annie’s mac and cheese with a flavorful twist. They’re portable, kid-approved, and great for lunches or snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box Annie’s Shells & Real Aged Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese (prepared according to the box directions with 2 tablespoons butter)
- Nonstick cooking spray
- Cornmeal for dusting muffin wells
- 1/2 cup Mexican-style canned corn
- 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies, crushed
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon dried chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare a muffin pan by spraying each well with nonstick spray, then dust lightly with cornmeal so the cups release easily.
- To the prepared mac and cheese add the corn, black beans, pepper jack cheese, and beaten egg; stir to combine.
- Scoop about 1/3 cup of the mixture into each muffin well.
- In a small bowl combine the crushed Cheddar Bunnies, melted butter, chili powder and parsley; mix well.
- Sprinkle about one teaspoon of the crumb mixture over each mac and cheese cup.
- Bake for 15 minutes, then let cool for 10 minutes to set before removing from the pan.
- Run a knife around the edges if needed and gently lift each cup out from the bottom.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Target & Annie’s. The opinions and text are my own.