This quick and easy microwave mac and cheese recipe turns simple ingredients like cheddar cheese and macaroni into a creamy, comforting meal in minutes. It’s a great option for easy meals for one or a fast family dinner that feels homemade without the wait.
Homemade Microwave Macaroni and Cheese
Course: MainCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes20
minutes30
minutes600
kcal30
minutesThere’s nothing like a warm bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese, made quickly in the microwave for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups macaroni, raw (8 ounces)
2 cups hot water
⅓ cup butter or margarine
¾ teaspoon onion salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 ¼ cups milk
8 ounces cheese, cut into cubes
⅓ cup flour
Directions
- Mix together the macaroni, hot water, butter, onion salt, and pepper in a 2-quart covered casserole. Cover tightly.
- Microwave on high for 5 minutes, stir, then cover and microwave on medium (50%) for 4 to 6 minutes until boiling.
- Stir in the milk, cheese, and flour until well combined.
- Cover tightly and microwave on high (100% power), stirring every 4 minutes for about 10 to 12 minutes.
- It’s ready when it’s bubbly and the macaroni is tender.
What You’ll Need
Gather these ingredients and tools to make a delicious bowl of homemade macaroni and cheese in the microwave:
- 2 cups raw macaroni (8 ounces)
- 2 cups hot water
- ⅓ cup butter or margarine (unsalted)
- ¾ teaspoon onion salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 8 ounces cheese (cut into cubes, cheddar or Monterey Jack)
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 2-quart covered casserole dish
Detailed Cooking Instructions
- Combine the macaroni, hot water, butter, onion salt, and pepper in a 2-quart covered casserole.
- Cover the casserole tightly to retain moisture and microwave on high for 5 minutes.
- Remove the casserole, stir the mixture, cover again, and set the microwave to medium power (50%). Heat for 4 to 6 minutes until boiling.
- Stir in the milk, cheese, and flour until the ingredients are fully mixed.
- Cover the casserole again and microwave on high (100% power), stirring every 4 minutes for about 10 to 12 minutes, until the mixture is bubbly and the macaroni is tender.
Tips & Tricks
- For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of milk.
- Consider adding cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor and protein.
- If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat using the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
- Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda or Pepper Jack for unique flavors.
- To make this dish vegetarian, use a plant-based cheese option.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can cook boxed mac and cheese in the microwave by boiling the pasta with water in a microwave-safe bowl, then mixing in the cheese sauce and milk as directed.
First, add macaroni and water to a microwave-safe bowl and cook until the pasta is soft. Then stir in the cheese powder and milk, and heat again until creamy and thick.
Yes, microwave mac and cheese works well as a quick and easy meal. It cooks the pasta and melts the cheese sauce evenly when done correctly.
Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl with water covering it. Microwave in intervals, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender, then drain any excess water.
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