This 5 minute mac and cheese recipe allows you to have a single serving of creamy cheesy pasta in a jiffy. It basically makes instant macaroni and cheese and it’s so simple that a kid can do it without help. It is perfect for lunch or a quick and easy snack.
Make yourself a delicious bowl of macaroni and in just a few minutes. The best part is you likely have the ingredients on hand already.
This recipe is a great hearty after school snack or lunch that older children can make on their own. It would also make a super simple meat free meal for adults too, it is perfect for any age.
If you happen to have the little prepackaged single serve bowls of microwave mac and cheese in your cabinet, take them to the food pantry and bookmark this recipe. It tastes better, is customizable, and basically takes no effort.
Tips and Tricks
Use any small shape of pasta that leaves room for the liquid to surround the noodles. Elbow macaroni, small shells, rotini, and similar shapes work well.
You can also use whatever cheese you like as well. Just choose something that melts well.
Sharp cheddar gives a big bold cheesy flavor whereas Colby jack gives a nice mild comforting finish. Of course you can mix and match as well.
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You can also easily adjust the seasonings. Little Dude likes his pretty plain.
However if you like a little mustard powder, paprika or garlic in your macaroni, feel free to add some. Just remember how small the batch is, so a little bit goes a long way.
Also, be sure to pick a large enough bowl. The water will foam and bubble a bit, so pick a bowl that could easily accommodate at least 2 cups.
That way you won’t have a boil over mess to clean. Cleaning the microwave is never fun!
The last word of warning should be a pretty obvious one, but the bowl will be hot. So be careful when taking it out.
Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool off for a few minutes after it is done cooking. The cheese sauce will thicken a bit as it sits too.
For a different non traditional take on macaroni and cheese, try no boil mac and cheese. It is cooked in the oven and you don’t have to boil the noodles first.
Energy bites are another easy to make snack. Monster cookie dough energy bites are super fun or try making chunky monkey energy bites with some ripe bananas.
5 Minute Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup elbow macaroni or other pasta shape
- ⅓ cup water
- ⅓ cup milk
- ⅓ cup shredded colby jack cheese or your favorite melting cheese
Instructions
- Pick a large bowl or mug than you think you’ll need to account for the boiling water. Then spray the inside with cooking spray.
- Add pasta and water to prepared bowl and microwave on high for 2 minutes. The water should be mostly absorbed. If not. cook a little bit longer until there is almost no water left.⅓ cup elbow macaroni, ⅓ cup water
- Stir in milk and cheese. Microwave in 30 second bursts until the cheese is melted and the pasta is cooked to your liking. It’s ok if it is a little bit runny at this point, it will thicken as it cools.⅓ cup milk, ⅓ cup shredded colby jack cheese
- Allow to cool for a minute or two and then dig in!
Video
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This was easy and delicious.
Thank you!
Would it still work if instead of using a microwave you use a saucepan.
I am sure it would. You would likely need a bit more water as you’d likely lose more to evaporation and probably longer cook time too.
After 7 minutes of checking after each 30 second burst, in a 1100w microwave, my small elbow macaroni was still crunchy, but since the cheese started burning I cannot cook longer to finish. How can 4min possibly work? Is thus supposed to be for fresh pasta instead of dried?
No, we definitely make it with just the boxed pasta and we have done it several times. Microwaves do vary quite a bit though. I would add more time to the first trip to the microwave when it is just water and pasta. The water should be mostly absorbed before you add the milk and cheese. I am so sorry it didn’t work for you, but I think with a little playing you can get there!
I need comfort food! This is getting in my belly today!
It is so quick and easy. I hope you love it!