Imagine satisfying your cheesy comfort food craving in just 10 minutes, without a massive pot or complicated cooking process. This microwave mug mac and cheese is your secret weapon for instant culinary bliss - perfect for busy professionals, hungry students, or anyone who wants restaurant-quality comfort food in the time it takes to scroll through social media. Get ready to transform your microwave into a gourmet kitchen and create a creamy, indulgent meal that'll make your taste buds dance!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Select a microwave-safe ceramic mug with at least 12 ounces capacity to prevent overflow during cooking.
- Add the elbow macaroni and water to the mug, ensuring the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid.
- Microwave the pasta and water on high power for 2-3 minutes, pausing halfway to stir and prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente and most of the water absorbed.
- Carefully remove the mug from the microwave using oven mitts, as it will be hot.
- Add butter to the cooked pasta and stir until the butter is completely melted and coats the pasta evenly.
- Gradually sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the warm pasta, stirring gently to help the cheese melt smoothly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute the seasonings.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 1 minute to allow the cheese to fully melt and the dish to cool slightly.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your quick, single-serving mug mac and cheese.
Tips
- Choose the Right Mug: Always use a microwave-safe ceramic mug with at least 12 ounces capacity to prevent messy overflows.
- Water Ratio Matters: Ensure the pasta is completely submerged but not swimming - this helps achieve perfect al dente texture.
- Stir Strategically: Pause midway during microwaving to stir, preventing pasta from sticking and ensuring even cooking.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Add cheese gradually and stir gently to create a smooth, creamy texture without clumping.
- Season Wisely: Taste before adding salt, as cheese can already be quite salty.
- Let It Rest: Give your mac and cheese a quick 1-minute rest to allow perfect cheese melting and temperature balancing.Pro tip: Experiment with different cheese blends like adding a touch of parmesan or using smoked cheddar for extra flavor complexity!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
