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Creamy 5-Minute Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese – Best Easy Recipe

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This creamy 5-minute microwave mug mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food for late-night cravings or busy weeknights. Made with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers a rich, velvety cheese sauce in minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup (about 50g) elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) water
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) whole milk (or 2%)
  • 1/4 cup (about 30g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • A pinch of freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • A pinch of paprika (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • A few dashes of hot sauce (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add 1/2 cup of elbow macaroni and 1/2 cup of water to a microwave-safe mug. Ensure the pasta is submerged.
  2. Microwave on high for 2 minutes until the pasta is partially cooked (al dente). The water should be mostly absorbed.
  3. Stir in 3 tablespoons of milk, 1 tablespoon of butter, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of pepper. Add any optional seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, Dijon mustard, hot sauce) now.
  4. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir gently until the butter begins to melt.
  5. Microwave on high for 30-45 seconds. Stir after 30 seconds; if cheese isn’t fully melted, microwave for another 15 seconds. Do not overcook.
  6. Let the mug sit for 1 minute to allow the sauce to thicken and the pasta to finish cooking.
  7. Stir one final time and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Do not skip the 1-minute rest time; it allows the sauce to thicken and flavors to meld. Microwave power varies; adjust cooking times as needed. For extra creaminess, mash a few pieces of pasta against the mug before adding cheese to release starch. If the mac and cheese becomes too thick after resting, stir in a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, mug mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, 5-minute mac and cheese, single serving mac and cheese, comfort food, late-night snack

Find it online: https://siennaspoon.com/creamy-5-minute-microwave-mug-mac-and-cheese-best-easy-recipe/