I had hoped to share a couple of projects with you, but this week had kind of gotten away from me! Does that ever happen to you, too? Instead, I have one of my favorite recipes to share with you today~ Homemade Single-Serve Microwave Macaroni and Cheese. Not only is this creamy and delicious, but it is SO much healthier than the store bought kind! I love that I can give Ella mac & cheese without the chemicals from the boxed kind. And, yet it is just as quick and easy to make!
Several months ago, I had seen a couple of recipes for this and I tried all of them. I wasn't pleased with any of them, so I made up my own recipe. It is seriously SO creamy and good! And, trust me... it is super easy!
Homemade Single-Serve Macaroni and Cheese in a Mug
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Ingredients
- Whole grain elbow macaroni
- Water
- Cheddar-Jack Shredded Cheese
- Splash of milk
Instructions
-
In a microwave safe {big} mug or bowl (make sure it is a big one or it will boil over), put 1/3 cup whole grain elbow macaroni and 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup water (If you have a stronger microwave than mine, you may need more water… just play with it adding a couple extra Tbs at a time). Microwave for 6 minutes, stirring at 4 minutes, 2 minutes, and 1 minute.
-
(Microwave times may vary depending on the strength of your microwave. Mine is fairly average I think. You may want to check it at the 1 min interval to make sure it hasn’t dried up if you have a stronger microwave~ stronger microwaves will need a bit more water)
-
The pasta should be cooked and there will be a tiny bit of thick pasta water in the bottom. Leave this water.
-
Add a heaping 1/3 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese (pictured above). Return to the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds to melt the cheese.
-
Stir well, adding a small splash of milk (maybe 2 teaspoons).
Recipe Notes
NOTE: I have tried several different types of pasta/cheese combinations, and this my favorite by far. It is so creamy,yet the pasta is still nice and firm. Please note: if you use different ingredients, your results may be a bit different. For example, white pasta usually takes a little less time to cook. Just keep an eye on it, and you will be fine!
In a microwave safe {big} mug or bowl (make sure it is a big one or it will boil over), put 1/3 cup whole grain elbow macaroni and 1/3 cup + 1/4 cup water (If you have a stronger microwave than mine, you may need more water... just play with it adding a couple extra Tbs at a time). Microwave for 6 minutes, stirring at 4 minutes, 2 minutes, and 1 minute.
(Microwave times may vary depending on the strength of your microwave. Mine is fairly average I think. You may want to check it at the 1 min interval to make sure it hasn't dried up if you have a stronger microwave~ stronger microwaves will need a bit more water)
The pasta should be cooked and there will be a tiny bit of thick pasta water in the bottom. Leave this water.
Add a heaping 1/3 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese (pictured above). Return to the microwave for 30 to 45 seconds to melt the cheese.
Stir well, adding a small splash of milk (maybe 2 teaspoons).
Enjoy!
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Steph Jacobson
I made this for lunch today--delicious!
Kristen Whitby
Hi Sarah! When I use a different kind of cheese, it tends to do that. That is why it is really important to use the Cheddar-Jack cheese. It makes it creamy enough to not do that. Thanks!
Sarah Marier
how did you get it to not turn into a big blob of cheese. mine didnt mix well 🙁
Rose
Mix the cheese in before you put it in the microwave. That's what I did, anyway.
Amy
My 2 year old and I just made this for lunch. It turned out great! We added peas and diced ham and it made a very well rounded lunch. It was actually better than the stuff I make from scratch with a white sauce! And my son really enjoyed making it (and eating it!). Thanks!
P.S. Found you from Pinterest.
Kelly Rinzema
So trying this! Looks awesome 🙂
Charlene Beck
I just made this.......YUM!
Meredith @ unoriginalmom.com
Looks so yummy and so convenient! I featured this on my blog today, come check it out!
maygger
Excited for the Mac And Cheese! Also- what fonts did you use for your title?! Love how "Mac and cheese" looks!
Kristen Whitby
Thanks for your comment Rachel! I updated the post saying that you may have to play with the amount of water if your microwave is stronger than mine.
Rachel
My microwave must be stronger than yours. I need to add more water next time. Pasta wasn't cooked completely but still tasted good.
Rachel
Perfect for when the hubs is away.
Stacey
That looks especially yummy!
Anna
Look yummy!
Also, I just clicked your "follow me on Pinterest" link and, lady, you have got a CRAZY number of pins! Holy gracious! I'm so pumped to follow along 🙂
Kristin @ Simply Klassic Home
This is so awesome! Cooper loves mac n cheese but Riley hates it. This would be perfect!!
jaime ♥ raising up rubies
my daughter will love this for an after school snack! love this...thanks for sharing Kristen! ♥
Katherine Wolak
That looks absolutey delicious and I am sure much more healthy! 😀
Hugs,
Melissa @ No. 2 Pencil
This is such a great idea! Love it!
Katie
THis is genius! I have to try this soon!
Allison
This is awesome. I've seen cake in a mug, but never mac and cheese! Thanks for sharing!!!
Blondie's Journal
Thanks so much! I'd love to try this!
XO,
Jane