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This quick and easy mac and cheese for one is made from scratch with a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s the perfect comforting meal when you’re cooking for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made with simple ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes.
- Rich and Creamy: Full of cheesy flavor and classic comfort.
- Perfectly Portioned: Just the right amount for one person.
- Easy to Customize: Add bacon, breadcrumbs, or vegetables.
- Doubles Easily: Make mac and cheese for two with no extra effort.
If you’re anything like me, sometimes you just want a warm, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese without making a whole pot. I created this single serving mac and cheese because some days just call for something familiar and comforting. With just a few basic ingredients and no need to turn it into a big production, you get a homemade dish that feels special—even if you’re only cooking for yourself.
This creamy mac and cheese pairs well with crispy chicken nuggets, oven-baked ribs, meatloaf, or pork tenderloin. Each adds a flavorful contrast to this comforting dish.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch mac and cheese recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Pasta: Use 2 ounces (about 1/2 cup) of uncooked elbow macaroni. You can use another small pasta like shells or rotini. Leftover macaroni works well in recipes like Macaroni Salad, Chili Mac, or Goulash.
- Butter and Flour: Salted butter and all-purpose flour form a roux, which thickens the sauce and adds richness.
- Milk: Any type of cow’s milk works. Almond milk can be used for a dairy-free option.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but other cheeses can be used. Leftover cheese is great in Crack Chicken, Stuffed Peppers, or a Breakfast Bowl.
- Dry Mustard: Adds a hint of tang and boosts flavor. Also used in Baked Beans or Sloppy Joes.
- Salt: Enhances the cheesy flavor of the dish.
Recipe Variations
Here’s a quick way to change up your mac and cheese:
- Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
- Fresh Herbs: Stir in chives, parsley, or thyme for extra flavor and color.
- Gourmet Version: Mix in cheeses like gruyère, fontina, or cheddar for a richer taste.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Add crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory boost.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Try sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added texture and nutrients.
How To Make Mac and Cheese
These photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this single serve mac and cheese recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Make the Roux: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously to keep the sauce smooth. Cook for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
Pro Tip: This is a béchamel sauce. Add milk gradually and whisk the entire time to prevent lumps.
- Add the Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheese and dry mustard (optional).
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and stir until fully coated. Serve right away for the creamiest texture.
Expert Tips
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For a crispy finish, spoon the mac and cheese into a small oven-safe dish or ramekin. Top with 1 tablespoon of seasoned breadcrumbs and a few small pieces of butter. Bake at 350°F (177°C) until golden.
- Season Well: Cheese adds salt, but a small pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of salt can enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap sharp cheddar for gouda, gruyère, or brie to change up the flavor.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it’s best served right after cooking. The sauce thickens as it cools and may need a splash of milk when reheating.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a little milk stirred in to loosen the sauce.
RELATED: Single Serving Comfort Food Recipes
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
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If you’ve tried this simple macaroni and cheese recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Mac and Cheese For One
Watch How To Make This
Equipment
- 10-ounce ramekin or an 8.5-ounce ramekin
Ingredients
- 2 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (about ½ cup)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
- ½ cup milk (Use any type of cow’s milk, or substitute with almond milk for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ⅛ teaspoon dry mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk, whisking continuously. Cook for about 2 minutes, until the sauce thickens.Pro Tip: Add the milk gradually and whisk the whole time to prevent lumps.
- Add the Cheese: Remove from heat. Stir in the shredded cheese and dry mustard.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta and stir until fully coated. Serve right away—it's creamiest when hot and thickens as it cools.
Notes
- Add a Crunchy Topping: For a crispy finish, spoon the mac and cheese into a small oven-safe dish or ramekin. Top with 1 tablespoon of seasoned breadcrumbs and a few small pieces of butter. Bake at 350°F (177°C) until golden.
- Season Well: Cheese adds salt, but a small pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of salt can enhance the sauce’s flavor.
- Try Different Cheeses: Swap sharp cheddar for gouda, gruyère, or brie to change up the flavor.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Very easy, quick and yummy recipe. I do recommend customising it, like adding some bacon and the like.
Uni student approved
Delicious and easy.
Next time instead if the salt added at the end I may use a splash of worcestershire sauce for the tang.
Easy and tastes great. Used leftover Colby jack and American but I agree it needs the extra punch of sharp cheese. Will make again.
This is a very good basic recipe for mac & cheese and easily adaptable for different flavour profiles. I used a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, added onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika and a pinch of nutmeg. I also added a topping of buttered anchovy breadcrumbs. The sauce thickened a bit with the oven bake and the dish wasn’t as creamy as pictured. I’ll add more milk for a thinner sauce the next time. Great make ahead recipe!
Quick, easy, delicious! Added tiny broccolini florets (boiled with the pasta).
I have looked a couple of your recipes………….wonderful for a person living on their own
Thank you!
Pretty good recipe I added some steamed fresh broccoli and a little bit of chopped ham sprinkled with red chili pepper flakes in the bowl. I was very happy. So happy to find you!
I made macaroni cheese and used red leicester and whole grain mustard because these were in my fridge. It was delicious and a perfect amount for one. Looking forward to my next recipe. Brilliant
I’m so happy you enjoyed the mac and cheese and used the ingredients you had on hand – thank you for your feedback.
Thank you! We loved this!
Doubled the recipe and used aged white extra sharp cheddar. A little garlic powder but otherwise as wtitten. Perfect mac n cheese. My husband said it tasted like what he orders at a favorite restaurant. I look forward to playing around with different cheeses and creative add-ins. Thanks so much!
My daughter loved your vegetarian lasagna. She had two servings and asked me to please make it again.
She also loved this macaroni and cheese recipe. It was easy to make and very creamy.
I’m so happy to know that your daughter enjoyed the recipes. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know.