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a small yellow bowl filled with macaroni and cheese next to a pink napkin.
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4.94 from 73 votes

Mac and Cheese For One

Quick and easy mac and cheese for one is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Perfectly portioned for a single serving, it’s ready in less than 20 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick homemade meal or a satisfying side dish.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time7 minutes
Total Time17 minutes
Course: Main Dish, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, pasta
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni - about 1/2 cup
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all purpose flour
  • ½ cup milk (Use any fat percentage 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
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain well and set it aside.
  • Make the Roux: Melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
  • Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a smooth sauce. Cook for about 2 minutes until the mixture thickens into a creamy base.
    Pro Tip: To keep it lump-free, add the milk slowly and whisk continuously.
  • Stir in the Cheese: Remove the pan from the heat and mix in the shredded cheese and dry mustard.
  • Combine with the Pasta: Stir in your cooked pasta until it’s well coated in the sauce. Serve immediately for the creamiest, most satisfying mac and cheese.
    The mac and cheese will be ultra-creamy when served and will continue to thicken as it cools.

Video

Notes

  • Add a Crunchy Topping: For a golden, crispy finish, transfer the mac and cheese to a small oven-safe dish or ramekin. Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon of seasoned breadcrumbs over the top and dot with small pieces of butter. Bake at 350°F (177°C) until the breadcrumbs are golden and the butter has melted.
  • Season Well: While the cheese adds saltiness, a small pinch (about 1/8 teaspoon) of salt can enhance the flavor of the sauce and bring out its richness.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to switch it up. Gouda, gruyère, or brie can add a delicious twist to your mac and cheese, giving it a new flavor profile every time!
 

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 608kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 31g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 796mg | Potassium: 372mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 1165IU | Calcium: 569mg | Iron: 1.5mg

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