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Easy 5-Minute Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese: Best Quick Recipe

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This easy 5-minute microwave mug mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for those days when you need food now. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s a reliable and delicious quick meal that saves the day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup (about 60g) elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk (whole milk preferred, 2% works, unsweetened oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter (salted butter works, skip extra salt)
  • 1/4 cup (about 30g) shredded cheddar cheese (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • A pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) salt
  • A pinch black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add the pasta and water to your mug. Pour in 1/3 cup of elbow macaroni and 1/2 cup of water. The pasta should be fully submerged. Do not add milk or butter yet.
  2. Microwave for 2-3 minutes on high power until the water is bubbling and the pasta is mostly cooked but still slightly firm in the center. Watch carefully to prevent overflow; if needed, pause and continue in 30-second bursts.
  3. Carefully drain the water using a small strainer or by pouring it out over the sink. Keep the pasta in the mug. Be cautious of hot steam.
  4. Add the butter and milk. Drop in 1 tablespoon of butter and 2 tablespoons of milk. Stir until the butter melts completely. If needed, microwave for 10 seconds.
  5. Add the cheese. Sprinkle in 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk or extra cheese as needed.
  6. Microwave for 30-45 seconds to bring everything together and make the sauce extra creamy. Watch closely to prevent the cheese from bubbling too much.
  7. Stir and season. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Optionally add garlic powder or other seasonings.
  8. Let it cool for 1 minute before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Notes

Cook pasta in water first to prevent gummy texture. Adjust microwave time based on wattage (700W needs ~3 min, 1200W needs ~1.5 min). Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother sauce. Best eaten immediately; leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but texture will suffer. Reheat with a splash of milk in 20-second bursts.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, mug mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, 5-minute mac and cheese, single serving mac and cheese

Find it online: https://milacook.com/easy-5-minute-microwave-mug-mac-and-cheese-best-quick-recipe/