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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Liz
Turned out surprisingly good for a microwave mac and cheese. I used mini shell pasta, and a mix of cheese I had on hand: cheddar and mozzarella. Next time I would add more pasta but keep the sauce amount the same.
MichelleK
Omg, this is indeed so very delicious and creamy! And barely more work than boxes mac & cheese. I don't live in the US and don't have access to jack, but usually have a mix of grated english cheddar, goats and dutch mature cheese in my freezer, so used that, worked really well.
Sara
Thank you so much. I was starving and I didnt want to make to much food. Thank you.
Elena
Wow! I was surprised at just how yummy this came out! I did add more water and more time to cook the macaroni (I used mini shells). I also added a pinch of salt to the water. So easy, so good! Thank you!
Kristen Whitby
Thank you Elena! I love it too!
Jacq Kozak
This is going to get me through my freshman year of college. And probably the other three as well!
AriesAngel
Do you have the nutritional info for this dish?
Debbiedoos
Oh my gosh my boys would love this!
Jim Armstrong
Cool! I'm a Macandcheeseista and hate to have to wait until it's on the "dinner menu". Thanx! ^_^
kneadwhine
This is great - not sure I will be able to make this for my son, might have to just make it for me!
TheWombat1702
Even though I put too much milk in, this is delicious!
TheWombat1702
Even though I put too much milk in, this is delicious!
PolishPals
Love this! Mac & Cheese.... IN A CUP! 😀
stef. wit a f
So good! I used mini shells and double-ed the recipe. I was pleasantly surprised at how well it came out. Thanks!
Jackie Johnson
I think this will work as long as you don't try it in a Stone Wave. It boiled all out the sides.
Jackie Currie
Well, aren't you a smarty pants. Can't wait to try this. My hollow-legged teenagers will love it too!
Danielle
I made this and it was great! My problem was cleaning the cup after, the cheese really stuck to it and took tons of hot water and scrubbing and theres still a little residue left on the bottom. Is this perhaps from being over-cooked? Or does it typically happen?
Casual Bystander
You might try softening up the cheese by putting water in the cup and heating it up with the microwave. I like to use a paper towel to wipe out messes like that, then clean it normally. Hope that helps. Wayne
jen montgomery
love it was so simple cooking the noodles took some practice but i got it down i added some mustard and garlic powered with a splash of hot sauce with the milk so yummy
Quotes
I added a little salt to the water when cooking the pasta and it was perfect!
ChristianZ
My first attempt turned out alright:
Pinterest-inspired Macaroni & Cheese.
Nikki
This is pure genius. I don't know how it never occurred to me all those times that I was eating hard, undercooked processed powder stuff. Thanks for thinking of it!