This quick microwave macaroni and cheese couldn't be any easier. Enjoy this classic comfort food in a matter of minutes and with only one mug required!
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Delicious homemade mac and cheese in just a matter of minutes isn't as crazy as it sounds! This microwave mac and cheese is perfect for a quick lunch or snack and can be customized with your favorite cheeses and toppings.
I have a deep love for single-serve microwave recipes. They make the perfect quick meal and require hardly any prep time at all. If you love them as much as I do then be sure to check out my microwave french toast in a mug, Banana Bread in a mug, make-ahead breakfast scrambles, or fried rice in a mug.
Ingredients and Substitutions
This recipe has pretty much the same ingredients as classic mac and cheese, just in much smaller quantities!
- Noodles - Macaroni is the classic choice, but you can use any small pasta shape. Penne, shells, or cavatappi would all work well.
- Water or chicken broth for more flavor!
- Cheese - I used Colby Jack Cheese but other varieties such as cheddar, gruyere, or even American cheese for a super smooth and creamy mac and cheese would also work well.
- Milk - Use heavy cream for a richer mac and cheese!
- Butter
- Salt and Pepper
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
To make this microwave mac and cheese simply combine the water, macaroni, and salt in a large (16-ounce capacity or larger) microwave-safe mug or bowl.
Cook the in the microwave on high power for 3-5 minutes, stop the microwave every 30-60 seconds to stir the pasta. This also helps to prevent the pasta from boiling over the mug.
Tip: To prevent any potential messes, place the mug on a microwave-safe plate. That way if the water boils over you can just wash the plate instead of having to clean the entire microwave.
After the pasta is cooked, add the cheese, milk, and butter and stir it all together. If there is water remaining in the mug, you don't need to drain it. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds just to melt the cheese and butter. Season with pepper and additional salt if needed and enjoy!
Variations
This recipe serves as a great base for other microwave meals in a mug. Here are some of my favorite ways to change up this recipe.
- Microwave Tuna Mac - It might sound a little odd, but hear me out. Add two tablespoons of frozen peas in step one. Then, add about ¼ cup of tuna in step 3. The end result is a single serving of tuna mac perfect for a quick meal for one!
- Chicken and Broccoli Mac - Along the same lines as the tuna mac, just add ¼ cup of frozen broccoli florets in step 1, and ¼ cup of cooked and chopped chicken breast in step 3.
- Low Carb - For a low-carb take on this recipe check out my microwave cauliflower mac and cheese! This recipe can even be prepped ahead of time and frozen until you are ready to cook it.
For more than one serving, be sure to check out my Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese recipe!
FAQs
To make a creamier mac and cheese, use American cheese and swap the milk for heavy cream.
Top tips:
- To prevent any potential messes, place your mug on a microwave-safe plate. That way if the water boils over you can just wash the plate instead of having to clean the entire microwave.
📖 Recipe
Microwave Mac and Cheese in a Mug
Equipment
- Microwave Safe Mug 16 oz or larger
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Microwave
Ingredients
- ½ cup Macaroni Noodles
- ½ cup Water
- ½ cup Colby Jack Cheese shredded, or sub with the cheese of your choice
- 2 tablespoon Milk or Cream
- 1 teaspoon Butter
- pinch Salt and Pepper I used ¼ teaspoon of each
Instructions
- Place the macaroni and water in a 16-ounce or larger microwave-safe cup or bowl.½ cup Macaroni Noodles, ½ cup Water
- Cook on high power for 3-5 minutes, stirring once every minute, until the noodles are tender.
- Stir the shredded cheese, milk, and butter into the mug with the noodles. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds.½ cup Colby Jack Cheese, 2 tablespoon Milk, 1 teaspoon Butter
- Stir in the salt and pepper to taste and enjoy!pinch Salt and Pepper
Be sure to read the entire post for tips, tricks, and help troubleshooting.
The nutrition information listed here is only an estimate and is simply provided as a courtesy. It nor any other information within this post should constitute medical or nutritional advice. Be sure to read all packaging and ingredient labels for potential allergens. Optional ingredients are not included unless otherwise specified.
Nutrition
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