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Easy 5-Ingredient Dorm Room Microwave Mac and Cheese

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This creamy, cheesy microwave mac and cheese is made with just five simple ingredients and ready in under 10 minutes. Perfect for dorm rooms, office kitchens, or any time you need quick comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add the pasta and water to your bowl. Put 1/2 cup elbow macaroni in your microwave-safe bowl. Pour in enough water to cover the pasta by about 1 inch—roughly 1 cup of water. Don’t add any salt to the water yet.
  2. Microwave the pasta for 4-5 minutes. Place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high power for 4 minutes. Check the pasta—it should be tender but still firm to the bite. If it’s still too hard, microwave in 30-second bursts until al dente.
  3. Drain the pasta carefully. Pour the hot water out of the bowl using a colander or by holding the lid slightly ajar. Be very careful—that water is boiling hot! Leave the drained pasta in the bowl.
  4. Add the butter and milk. While the pasta is still hot, add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1/2 cup of milk. Stir until the butter is completely melted.
  5. Add the cheese and seasonings. Sprinkle in 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus salt and pepper to taste. Stir vigorously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more milk. If it’s too thin, let it sit for a minute.
  6. Microwave for an additional 30-45 seconds. This final blast of heat ensures everything is piping hot and the cheese is fully incorporated. Watch it carefully—you don’t want it to bubble over.
  7. Stir one more time and let it rest. Give it a final stir, then let it sit for 1-2 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together.
  8. Enjoy immediately. Grab a spoon and dig in while it’s hot and creamy. This doesn’t reheat well, so eat it all in one sitting.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese from a block—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. If the sauce seems grainy, you likely overheated the cheese; next time, add the cheese after draining and let residual heat melt it gently. This recipe is best enjoyed immediately and does not reheat well.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, dorm room recipe, 5 ingredient mac and cheese, quick comfort food

Find it online: https://crispcraving.com/easy-5-ingredient-dorm-room-microwave-mac-and-cheese/