Mac-n-Cheese in a Mug

Wow_and I mean WOW! Mac-n-Cheese in a Mug!  That will never work! Seriously?  But...but it can never work.  Really?  Okay, I'll give it a try.  ...and Wow! just about covers it.

That was what was going through my head when I first found this recipe on Pinterest.  instant-mug-o-mac-cheese-in-the-microwave  Believe me, once you make your first mug of Mac-n-Cheese you will never go back to the "box" again.

But wait, like all good cooks I tweaked the recipe just a bit.  So, here's my 'tweaked' version.




Mac-n-Cheese _Single Serve from the Microwave;)

     1/3 Cup of Macaroni Noodles or Pasta Shells
     1/2 Cup Water
     Pinch of Salt
     1 tbsp. butter
     1/4 milk (I used 2%)
     1/2 cup of shredded cheese

Notes: The container of choice needs to be large enough to keep the water from boiling up and over too much.  I put a microwaveable bowl beneath the container to catch any spill over.  I've used my glass 2-cup measure with no problems. 

For this batch I used Velveeta Shreds but I've also used mild and medium cheddar cheese with the same success.  I don't recommend Mozzarella or Italian Blend Shredded cheese.  They don't blend well for a cheesy sauce. I tried :)

In a large (at least 14 oz) microwaveable mug or container with high sides add pasta, water and salt.  Stir.  Place in microwave on high for 2 minutes.  Carefully take out mug and stir.  Return the mug to microwave and heat on high for another 2 minutes. I've made this several times and 4 minutes has always been enough for the water to be absorbed and the pasta to be done.  But I have a 1100 watt microwave.  If your pasta needs more time then add another minute.  Just remember to stir after each minute.  When I made this version with pasta shells I found the shells needed 5 minutes to be fully cooked to al dente.

cheese and milk have been added

right out of the microwave

Take mug out of microwave when pasta is done and add the butter.  Stir till the butter is melted. Add milk and cheese and stir.  Place back in the microwave for another minute.

stirred and ready to eat!

Very Carefully (the container will be HOT) remove mug from microwave. Stir till cheese is well melted into the pasta and EAT Up!  Quick, super easy and 5 to 6 minutes later you're eating Mac-n-cheese from scratch!

For a crust top: Sprinkle crumbled crackers on top.

To change it up a bit try different combinations of cheeses.  Want something a tad spicy then try 1/4 cup of Pepper Jack with mild Cheddar.  Delish!  I added crushed Doritos on top for some crunch.