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Easy 5-Ingredient Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese

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A quick and creamy single-serving mac and cheese made entirely in the microwave with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for emergency meals, late-night snacks, or lazy days when you need comfort food fast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup dry elbow macaroni
  • Water (enough to cover pasta in mug)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk
  • 1/4 cup packed shredded cheddar cheese
  • Pinch of salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Add pasta and water to your mug. Put the 1/3 cup of dry elbow macaroni into your microwave-safe mug. Pour in enough water to cover the pasta by about half an inch.
  2. Microwave the pasta for 2-3 minutes. Place the mug on a small plate or paper towel in the microwave. Cook on high for 2 minutes. Check the pasta—it should be tender but still have a little bite. If it’s still hard in the center, microwave in 30-second increments until it’s al dente.
  3. Carefully drain the water. Using oven mitts or a towel, carefully pour out the excess water. You can hold the pasta back with a fork or just tilt the mug and let the water run out.
  4. Add butter and stir. Drop in the tablespoon of butter while the pasta is still hot. Stir gently until the butter is completely melted and coats the pasta.
  5. Add milk and stir again. Pour in the 2 tablespoons of milk and stir until everything is combined.
  6. Add the cheese and stir. Sprinkle in the 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese starts to melt. If it’s not melting fast enough, pop the mug back in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
  7. Microwave for 30 seconds more. This final burst of heat brings everything together. Watch it closely—you just want it hot and bubbly, not boiling over.
  8. Stir, taste, and adjust. Give it one final stir. Add a pinch of salt if needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a tiny splash of milk. If it’s too thin, microwave for another 10-15 seconds.
  9. Let it cool for a minute. The mug will be extremely hot, and the mac and cheese will be molten. Let it sit for 60 seconds before eating.

Notes

Watch for boil-overs. Use a mug that’s at least 12 ounces and place a plate under it. Don’t overcook the pasta—take it out when al dente. Shred your own cheese if possible for smoother melting. Add cheese gradually to avoid clumping. Use room temperature dairy if possible. Experiment with add-ins like garlic powder, paprika, bacon bits, or steamed broccoli.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, mug mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, 5 ingredient mac and cheese, single serving mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, comfort food, college meal, emergency meal

Find it online: https://fizzlefork.com/easy-5-ingredient-microwave-mug-mac-and-cheese/