Craving a delicious, creamy bowl of mac and cheese but short on time? Look no further! This Instant Microwave Mac and Cheese recipe is your ticket to a quick, satisfying meal that you can whip up in just 10 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, late-night snacks, or when you just want to indulge in some comfort food without the fuss. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a cheesy masterpiece that rivals your favorite diner’s dish. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that will have you saying goodbye to boxed versions forever!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 serving
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup macaroni
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Place the dry macaroni in a microwave-safe ceramic bowl that holds at least 4 cups in volume.
- Pour 1/2 cup of water directly over the macaroni, ensuring all pasta is submerged.
- Microwave on high power for 2-3 minutes, stopping midway to stir and prevent pasta from sticking.
- Check pasta for doneness - it should be tender but not mushy. If needed, add 30 seconds more cooking time.
- Once pasta is cooked, carefully remove bowl using oven mitts as it will be hot.
- Add butter and stir until it melts completely into the hot pasta.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the hot pasta and stir vigorously until cheese is fully melted and creates a creamy sauce.
- Season with salt to taste, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasoning.
- Let stand for 1 minute to allow sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve immediately while cheese is hot and creamy.
Tips
- Choose the Right Bowl: Ensure you use a microwave-safe ceramic bowl that can hold at least 4 cups to prevent any overflow during cooking.
- Stir Midway: Don’t forget to stir the macaroni halfway through the cooking time. This helps keep the pasta from sticking together and ensures even cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Microwaves can vary in power, so keep an eye on your pasta. It should be tender but not mushy; if it needs more time, add it in 30-second increments.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a gourmet touch, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder, a dash of hot sauce, or even some cooked bacon bits for a smoky flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the mac and cheese to stand for a minute after stirring in the cheese. This helps the sauce thicken and enhances the creaminess of the dish.
- Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is classic, feel free to mix it up! Try mozzarella, gouda, or even a sprinkle of parmesan for a unique twist.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 427kcal
Carbohydrates: 23g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 31g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 91mg
