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Mug Mac & Cheese

Featured in: Everyday Flavors

This creamy single-serving macaroni and cheese is a quick, comforting dish made entirely in the microwave. Using elbow pasta, shredded cheddar, and flavorful seasonings, the macaroni cooks in water until tender. Milk and cheese are stirred in to create a smooth sauce, enhanced by optional Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a hint of smoked paprika. Ideal for a speedy snack or light meal, it comes together in just minutes with minimal cleanup.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Nov 2025 13:13:00 GMT
Steaming mug mac & cheese, topped with paprika, offers a warm, cheesy, and quick comfort meal. Save
Steaming mug mac & cheese, topped with paprika, offers a warm, cheesy, and quick comfort meal. | oventhyme.com

A creamy comforting single-serve macaroni and cheese made in minutes using just your microwave—perfect for a quick snack or meal.

Whenever I need a fast homemade meal or late-night bite, this mug mac & cheese comes to the rescue. It has saved me on busy days and always hits the spot without a pile of dishes to clean.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 1/2 cup (50 g) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • Liquid: 1/2 cup (120 ml) water, 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk (whole or 2%)
  • Cheese & Seasonings: 1/2 cup (50 g) shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard (optional), 1/8 tsp garlic powder (optional), salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Topping (optional): 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, pinch of smoked paprika

Instructions

Cook Pasta:
Place the macaroni and water in a large microwave-safe mug (at least 12 oz/350 ml capacity). Stir to combine.
Microwave:
Microwave on high for 2–3 minutes. Stir, then continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until pasta is al dente and most of the water is absorbed (total 4–5 minutes). Watch to prevent overflow.
Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Add milk, shredded cheddar, mustard, and garlic powder. Stir well.
Final Microwave:
Microwave for another 30–40 seconds, until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
Finish and Serve:
Stir again, season with salt and pepper, and sprinkle with Parmesan and smoked paprika if desired. Serve immediately.
A close-up of creamy, bubbling mug mac & cheese, ready in minutes with melted cheddar cheese. Save
A close-up of creamy, bubbling mug mac & cheese, ready in minutes with melted cheddar cheese. | oventhyme.com

This is a favorite for my kids on weekends—they love to customize their own mug with extra cheese or a sprinkle of paprika. It's become a microwaved family tradition.

Required Tools

Large microwave-safe mug and a spoon are all you need to whip up this recipe.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 410, Total Fat: 18 g, Carbohydrates: 42 g, Protein: 18 g per serving.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains wheat (gluten) and dairy. Double-check cheese and pasta packaging if cooking for those with allergies.

Easy, single-serve mug mac & cheese is shown, with parmesan for a simple, flavorful lunch. Save
Easy, single-serve mug mac & cheese is shown, with parmesan for a simple, flavorful lunch. | oventhyme.com

Enjoy this speedy comforting mug mac & cheese right out of your favorite mug. It's perfectly creamy with practically no cleanup.

Kitchen Guide

→ What type of pasta is best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni works best, providing the perfect texture and shape to hold the creamy cheese sauce.

→ Can I use different cheeses?

Yes, while sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used for a milder taste.

→ Is it important to use a large mug?

Yes, a large microwave-safe mug prevents overflow during cooking and allows space to stir ingredients properly.

→ How do I know when the pasta is done?

Microwave the pasta with water in intervals, stirring between, until it's tender and most water is absorbed.

→ Can this be made gluten-free?

Absolutely, substituting regular pasta with gluten-free pasta works well for those avoiding gluten.

Mug Mac & Cheese

A creamy, comforting single-serve mac and cheese made quickly in the microwave for a satisfying snack or meal.

Prep duration
3 min
Kitchen time
5 min
Complete duration
8 min
Created by Grace Mitchell


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 1 Portions

Dietary requirements Meat-free

What you'll need

Pasta

01 1/2 cup uncooked elbow macaroni

Liquid

01 1/2 cup water
02 1/4 cup whole or 2% milk

Cheese & Seasonings

01 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
02 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
03 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
04 Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping (optional)

01 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
02 Pinch of smoked paprika

Method

Phase 01

Combine pasta and water: Place elbow macaroni and water into a large microwave-safe mug and stir to combine.

Phase 02

Cook pasta in microwave: Microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until pasta is al dente and most water is absorbed, about 4 to 5 minutes total. Monitor to avoid overflow.

Phase 03

Add dairy and seasonings: Stir in milk, shredded cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until well combined.

Phase 04

Melt cheese mixture: Microwave for an additional 30 to 40 seconds until cheese melts and mixture becomes creamy.

Phase 05

Finish and serve: Stir again, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Optionally, top with grated Parmesan and smoked paprika. Serve immediately.

Kitchen tools needed

  • Large microwave-safe mug
  • Spoon

Allergy notes

Always review ingredients for potential allergens and seek professional medical advice when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, and cheese (dairy). Verify product labels if allergies are a concern.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 410
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Proteins: 18 g