Microwave Mac and Cheese (One Bowl!)
4/1/2026
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Ready in less than 10 minutes and made with 5 simple ingredients, microwave mac and cheese is the perfect solution for busy weeknights. This single-serve recipe is just as creamy and cheesy as classic mac, but made in the microwave for an effortless homemade meal. Keep this recipe in your back pocket anytime you’re craving comfort food but are short on time!
Why I’m Obsessed
- Quick: This 10-minute meal is convenient for busy schedules or chaotic weeknights. It’s just as easy as boxed mac and cheese, but made without artificial flavors – only real ingredients here!
- Easy: Made with just 5 simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
- Single-serve: This recipe makes just the right amount of mac and cheese for solo dinners or whenever you’re craving something cheesy and comforting, no need to store leftovers or deal with reheating them later.
- Customizable: Top with your favorite mac and cheese toppings!
What You’ll Need
Macaroni noodles: I love using classic elbow macaroni noodles – the shape is perfect for holding the sauce.
Water: Used to cook the noodles. Unlike other mac and cheese recipes, you don’t drain the noodles for microwave mac and cheese.
Salt: A little salt adds welcome flavor.
Milk: Whole milk creates a creamy sauce.
Shredded cheese: It’s not mac and cheese without it – use freshly grated cheddar cheese to create an ultra cheesy, ooey-gooey sauce.
How to Make Microwave Mac and Cheese
- Cook the noodles: Add the noodles and water to a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until the noodles are al dente, about 5 minutes. The bowl will be hot, so be careful when removing it from the microwave.
- Mix it all together: Add the salt, milk, and cheddar cheese to the noodles. Mix well until the cheese is melty and a sauce forms. If the cheese isn’t melting well, microwave for 15 seconds at a time.
- Serve + enjoy: This mac and cheese is best enjoyed immediately while it’s nice and hot!
Variations to Try
- Use your favorite noodle shape (choose one comparable in size to elbow macaroni).
- Instead of whole milk, try a milk alternative like almond, oat, or soy milk. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be creamy.
- Experiment with any of your favorite cheeses for a different flavor. Try shredded white cheddar cheese, American cheese, or Monterey Jack cheese.
- For a little spice, add a dash of hot sauce or sprinkle of crushed red pepper before serving.
Serving Ideas
Microwave mac and cheese is great for a standalone meal when crunched for time (or a late night snack!) and also tastes great paired with a simple salad, roasted veggies, or your favorite protein.
Try topping these single-serve bowls with crumbled bacon, chopped fresh herbs, breadcrumbs, a sprinkle of additional shredded cheese, or sliced jalapeños for a kick!
FAQ
When testing this recipe, I found that 1/2 cup of noodles + 3/4 cup of water is the perfect combination for the noodles to absorb the water and stay moist while they cook.
Sometimes the cheese doesn’t melt when added to the noodles. If this happens, mix in the milk and cheese, then microwave for 15-second intervals, stirring in between each. This will help the cheese melt and create a cheesy sauce.
I haven’t tested a double batch of microwave mac and cheese. As written, it’s made to be a single-serve portion of mac and cheese! It’s such a quick recipe, so you can always make 2 batches back to back. For a quick, larger batch recipe, try my recipe for Instant Pot mac and cheese!
Storing & Reheating Leftovers
This mac and cheese recipe yields a single serving, meant to be enjoyed immediately after preparing. If you do have leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. I don’t recommend freezing mac and cheese as the noodles and dairy do not thaw and reheat well.
When ready to reheat: Transfer the mac and cheese to a microwave-safe plate or bowl. Cover it with plastic wrap and leave a small vent for the steam to escape. Microwave on high power in 30-second increments, stirring after each interval until it reaches the desired temperature.
Be careful not to overcook the mac and cheese when reheating it, as it can become dry and rubbery. Aim for a creamy consistency, and add a bit of milk or cream cheese if necessary to achieve the right consistency.
Microwave Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni noodles
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 2 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, ~½ cup
Instructions
- Place the noodles and water into a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave for 5 minutes.
- Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave.
- Mix in the salt, milk, and cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted. If the cheese is not melting well, microwave for 15-second intervals until desired consistency.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Watch It
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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