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5 Minute Mac and Cheese

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5 minute mac and cheese allows you to have a single serving of creamy cheesy pasta in a jiffy. This easy recipe basically makes instant macaroni and cheese and it’s so simple a kid can do it without help. It is perfect for lunch or a quick and filling snack.

Bowl of easy single serve macaroni and cheese ready to eat.

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.

Milk, pasta and cheese ready to be made into easy mac, ingredient shot.

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, 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.

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, a little 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.

Spoonful of creamy single serve microwave macaroni and cheese.

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.

More Great Mac and Cheese Recipes

No boil mac and cheese is completely cooked in the oven. You don’t have to boil the noodles first.

Kielbasa mac and cheese is quickly mixed up on the stovetop to make a simple kid-friendly meal or side dish recipe that picky eaters enjoy.

More Snacks Kids Can Make

Mug cakes are another fun small batch treat. I have a recipe for a peppermint white chocolate mug cake that is fun, maybe it’s time to make some more!

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.

Love this recipe? Give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review in the recipe card below!

Bowl of easy single serve macaroni and cheese ready to eat.

5 Minute Mac and Cheese

Carlee
5 minute mac and cheese allows you to have a single serving of creamy cheesy pasta in a jiffy. This easy recipe basically makes instant macaroni and cheese and it's so simple a kid can do it without help. It is perfect for lunch or a quick and filling snack.
4.93 from 26 ratings
Prep Time 1 minute
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Pasta
Cuisine American
Servings 1 Serving
Calories 247 kcal

Ingredients
 

  • cup elbow macaroni or other pasta shape
  • cup water
  • cup milk
  • 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

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 14gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 266mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4g
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Recipe Rating




Paul H

Thursday 27th of January 2022

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?

Carlee

Thursday 27th of January 2022

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!

Andrea Nine

Wednesday 13th of October 2021

I need comfort food! This is getting in my belly today!

Carlee

Wednesday 13th of October 2021

It is so quick and easy. I hope you love it!