Easy Mug Mac and Cheese Recipe in 5 Minutes Perfect for Quick Meals
A quick and easy mug mac and cheese recipe ready in under 5 minutes, perfect for solo meals or quick snacks with simple pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup dry elbow macaroni (about 40g)
- ¼ cup water (60ml)
- 2 tablespoons milk (whole or 2%, dairy-free milk works too)
- ¼ cup shredded cheese (28g), sharp cheddar recommended
- 1 teaspoon butter (5g)
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of pepper
- Optional: garlic powder, paprika, or hot sauce
Instructions
- Place ¼ cup (40g) of dry elbow macaroni into a microwave-safe mug.
- Pour in ¼ cup (60ml) of water, just enough to cover the pasta.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Pause halfway to stir and separate any sticking pasta.
- Microwave for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring every minute until pasta is tender. Watch carefully to avoid boil over.
- Drain any excess water carefully if present.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon (5g) butter and ¼ cup (28g) shredded cheese while pasta is hot.
- Add 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk and stir vigorously until cheese melts and coats pasta evenly.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Add optional garlic powder or paprika if desired.
- Let the mug mac and cheese rest for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent clumps and boil over. Adjust milk and cheese quantities to achieve desired creaminess. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free pasta or cooked cauliflower florets. For vegan, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: One mug serving (abo
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 12
Keywords: mug mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, microwave mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, solo meal, comfort food