Intro
Oh, the comfort of mac and cheese! It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug, doesn’t it? I remember those late nights in college, craving something cheesy and delicious but having zero time or energy. That’s where this magical Mug Mac and Cheese comes in! It’s ridiculously simple, incredibly fast, and delivers that gooey, cheesy goodness right to your favorite mug. Seriously, this is a game-changer for a quick lunch, a solo dinner, or even a midnight snack attack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish!
- Easy: Minimal ingredients and super simple steps.
- Giftable: Imagine gifting a cute mug filled with these ingredients for a “make-your-own” treat!
- Crowd-pleasing: Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? Perfect for picky eaters too!
Ingredients
Gather your goodies! You probably have most of these in your pantry right now.
- ⅓ cup uncooked elbow pasta: The classic shape for mac and cheese, but feel free to use shells or other small pasta shapes!
- Pinch of salt: Just a little to bring out the flavors.
- ⅓ cup water: For cooking that pasta to perfection.
- ⅓ cup whole or 2% milk: This is what makes it creamy and cheesy. Whole milk will give you the creamiest result!
- ½ cup finely shredded cheese: This is the star of the show! Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that classic flavor, but feel free to mix it up!
How to Make It
Let’s get cooking! Grab your favorite mug and let’s do this.
- First things first, grab a large, wide mug. We’re talking about a 2-cup capacity one if you have it, so your pasta has room to cook and bubble up. Toss in your ⅓ cup of uncooked elbow pasta, a pinch of salt, and ⅓ cup of water. Give it a quick stir to make sure nothing is clumped together.
- Now, pop that mug into your microwave. We’re going to microwave it for 4 minutes, but here’s the secret: stop the microwave every minute to give it a good stir. This helps the pasta cook evenly and stops that boiling water from escaping the mug!
- After 4 minutes, carefully take the mug out (it’ll be hot!). Check if all the water has been soaked up by the pasta. If it still looks a bit watery, pop it back in for another 30 seconds. You want that pasta to be tender and all the liquid absorbed.
- Once all the water is gone, it’s time for the creamy magic! Stir in your ⅓ cup of milk and that glorious ½ cup of finely shredded cheese.
- Put the mug back into the microwave for just 1 more minute. This is just enough time to melt that cheese into a dreamy, creamy sauce.
- Give everything a good stir. You’ll see all that melted cheese coating the pasta beautifully. Oh, the aroma!
- Now, the hardest part: letting it cool for a couple of minutes. It will be super hot right out of the microwave, so be patient! Then, dive in and enjoy your personal pot of mac and cheese!
Substitutions & Additions
Want to jazz things up? You’ve got options!
- Cheese Please: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Colby Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious. A mix is always fun too!
- Spice It Up: Add a dash of paprika, a pinch of garlic powder, or even a tiny bit of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Veggies: Stir in some finely chopped broccoli florets (microwave with the pasta in step 2, adding them after the first minute) or some peas right before serving.
- Protein Power: A sprinkle of pre-cooked bacon bits or some shredded rotisserie chicken would be a yummy addition.
Tips for Success
A few little pointers to make sure your mug mac and cheese is perfect every time:
- Mug Size Matters: Using a mug that’s too small can lead to boil-overs. A wider, larger mug is your best friend here.
- Stirring is Key: Don’t skip those stirs! It prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Watch the Water: Microwave wattages vary, so keep an eye on that water absorption. You want the pasta cooked through but not mushy.
- Prep Ahead: You can portion out the pasta, salt, and cheese into individual mugs and store them in a container in the pantry. Then all you need is milk and water when the craving strikes!
How to Store It
Honestly, this recipe is so quick, it’s usually devoured right away! But if you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can cover the mug and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if it seems a bit dry.
FAQs
Q: Can I use any kind of pasta?
A: While elbow macaroni is classic, other small pasta shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even alphabet pasta will work. Just make sure they’re small enough to cook in the microwave.
Q: Do I have to stir every minute?
A: Yes, it’s highly recommended! Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking together and helps to manage the boiling water, reducing the chance of spills in your microwave.
Q: My cheese isn’t melting well. What should I do?
A: Make sure your cheese is finely shredded, as it melts more easily. If it’s still not smooth, try microwaving for another 15-20 seconds, stirring well after each interval.
Mug Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Mug 2-cup capacity, wide mug recommended
- Microwave
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 0.333 cup uncooked elbow pasta or other small pasta shapes like shells
- pinch salt
- 0.333 cup water
- 0.333 cup whole or 2% milk whole milk for creamiest result
- 0.5 cup finely shredded cheese sharp cheddar recommended, or a mix
Instructions
- In a large, wide mug (about 2-cup capacity), combine ⅓ cup uncooked elbow pasta, a pinch of salt, and ⅓ cup water. Stir to ensure nothing is clumped.
- Microwave for 4 minutes, stopping every minute to stir. This helps with even cooking and prevents boil-overs.
- Carefully remove the hot mug from the microwave. Check if all water has been absorbed. If not, microwave for an additional 30 seconds, or until the pasta is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in ⅓ cup milk and ½ cup finely shredded cheese.
- Return the mug to the microwave for 1 more minute to melt the cheese into a creamy sauce.
- Stir everything well until the cheese coats the pasta.
- Let it cool for a couple of minutes before enjoying.