Make creamy Microwave Mac n Cheese in a Mug for 1 in just 7 minutes with 3 simple ingredients! This quick, easy, single-serving macaroni cheese is not only easy but tastes incredible. Perfect for dorm rooms, quick snacks or solo dinners.
Microwave Mac and Cheese in a Mug is a game-changer when it comes to quick and easy comfort food.
With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes in the microwave, you can indulge in a bowl of creamy and cheesy goodness.
There's nothing quite like a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, however, traditional mac and cheese recipes can be time-consuming and require multiple pots and pans, or make a huge batch.
But fear not, because this Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese for One recipe is here to save the day!
In just seven minutes, you can have a single serving of macaroni cheese that is not only quick and easy but also incredibly delicious.
You only need macaroni, cheese, milk, a mug, a spoon and a microwave!
It's the ultimate solution for those times when you want a delicious meal without the hassle or have limited cooking facilities.
If you're cooking in a dorm room, looking for a quick snack, or just want an easy dinner for 1, then you'll love this microwave recipe.
Serve it up with a green salad or even Blackened Salmon! Or use your microwave with these great microwave recipes. You could follow it up with a Chocolate Mug Cake.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for those moments when you're short on time but still want a satisfying meal. With just a few minutes in the microwave, you can have a creamy and delicious mac and cheese ready to enjoy.
- Single-Serving: If you're cooking for yourself and don't want to deal with leftovers, this recipe is ideal. It allows you to indulge in a bowl of mac and cheese without making a big batch.
- Minimal Ingredients: You only need three ingredients for this recipe - water, macaroni, and cheese. It's a simple and fuss-free way to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings.
- Versatile: While the recipe calls for classic macaroni and cheese, you can easily customize it to your liking. Add in some cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or even some herbs and spices to take it to the next level.
Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: The classic choice for mac n cheese in a mug. It cooks up perfectly in the microwave in minuts.
- Cheese: Choose your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar, mozzarella, and a blend of the two work well.
- Milk: I use whole milk, but 2% will work too.
- Water: The base for cooking the macaroni in the microwave.
See the recipe card for the full method and quantities.
Instructions
If you're wondering how to make this microwave mug mac n cheese recipe, don't worry, it's easy!
Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then scroll down to the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Add the water and macaroni to a large microwavable mug and stir.
Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until cooked.
Stir, pour away any remaining water, then stir in the milk and cheese.
Return the mug to the microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds.
Stir and serve!
Variations
- Add cooked vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach for a nutritious twist. Or add frozen peas or corn when cooking the pasta - make sure you use a large mug.
- Sprinkle some chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to give your microwave mac and cheese in a mug a spicy kick.
- Crumble some cooked bacon on top for a smoky and savory flavor.
- Add diced ham or turkey ham.
Recipe Tips
- Use a Large Microwavable Mug: Make sure to choose a mug that is large enough to accommodate the macaroni and water without boiling over. If your mug is small, place it into a bowl in case it boils over, pause and stir every minute during cooking and add more water if it boils over.
- Stir Halfway Through: To ensure even cooking of the macaroni, give it a good stir halfway through the cooking time. This will help prevent any clumping and ensure that each pasta piece is cooked to perfection.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: While the recipe calls for a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda, Swiss, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a unique twist to the flavor.
- Add Toppings or Mix-Ins: Once your mac and cheese in a mug is ready, don't be afraid to get creative with toppings or mix-ins. Crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped herbs, or even a drizzle of truffle oil can take your dish to the next level.
Side Dishes
Looking for a side dish to serve? Try these!
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Make the most of your handy microwave with these tasty microwave recipes!
FAQ
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use other short pasta shapes like shells, penne, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different pasta shapes may require more time in the microwave.
Certainly! If you're cooking for two or simply want a larger portion, you can double the ingredients and use a larger microwavable container. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly.
📖 Recipe
Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Mug
- Microwave
Ingredients
- ¾ cup water 180ml
- ½ cup elbow macaroni 80g
- 1 teaspoon milk or heavy cream
- ¼ cup cheese I use half mozzarella, half cheddar 30g
Instructions
- Tip: if your mug is small, place the mug into a microwaveable bowl (in case it boils over) and stop and stir every minute.
- Add the water and macaroni to a large microwavable mug and stir.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through, or until cooked.
- Stir, pour away any remaining water, then stir in the milk and cheese.
- Return the mug to the microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds.
- Stir and serve!
Notes
- Use a Large Microwavable Mug: Make sure to choose a mug that is large enough to accommodate the macaroni and water without boiling over. If your mug is small, place it into a bowl in case it boils over, pause and stir every minute during cooking and add more water if it boils over.
- Stir Halfway Through: To ensure even cooking of the macaroni, give it a good stir halfway through the cooking time. This will help prevent any clumping and ensure that each pasta piece is cooked to perfection.
- Customize the Cheese Blend: While the recipe calls for a mix of mozzarella and cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gouda, Swiss, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can add a unique twist to the flavor.
- Add Toppings or Mix-Ins: Once your mac and cheese is ready, don't be afraid to get creative with toppings or mix-ins. Crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped herbs, or even a drizzle of truffle oil can take your dish to the next level.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Charla says
I love mac and cheese but sometimes can't be bothered with how long it takes to prepare. This was such a speedy alternative and tasted great!
Cher says
This was the perfect dorm room recipe! I would have lived on this in college! I sent this to my daughter and she said she makes it all the time!
Dannii says
This was super comforting, and so quick and easy to make too.
Jackie says
I would never had thought of making it in a mug in the microwave, great idea! This was such a good quick dinner! I used the heavy cream and it was surprisingly creamy. I topped it with a dash of sriracha and it was so easy and so good.
Tayler says
I made this for the kids for lunch yesterday and it couldn't have been easier! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!
Susan says
This is genius! Printed the recipe so my teenager could make herself some mac and cheese while I'm at work and she's made it loads of times since!
Heather says
This microwave mug mac n cheese for 1 recipe is a perfect quick fix when you're craving something cheesy and comforting. It comes together in no time and delivers a satisfying single-serving meal. Thanks for sharing this handy recipe!
Paula says
I love knowing how to make single serve mac from scratch, tastes amazing!
Adri says
This microwave mug mac and cheeese is dangerously easy and hits the spot! I added some leftover cooked veggies and it made a delicious quick lunch.