Craving comfort food but don't want a mountain of pasta? This single-serving mac & cheese recipe delivers all the cheesy goodness without the leftovers. Perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or a comforting treat after a long day, this recipe is easy to customize to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk recommended for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, bacon bits, hot sauce
Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 2 tablespoons of pasta water.
- Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot (no need to wash!), melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will thicken your sauce.
- Add milk and cheese: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to whisk until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and enjoy: Pour the mac & cheese into a small oven-safe dish (ramekin or small bowl). For extra cheesy goodness, top with breadcrumbs and broil in the oven for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown. Alternatively, enjoy it as is! Add your favorite toppings like bacon bits or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Tips & Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
- Gourmet cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere, Gouda, or Fontina for a more sophisticated flavor.
- Veggie boost: Stir in some sautéed vegetables like broccoli florets or spinach for a healthier twist.
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the cheese sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it gently before adding the cooked pasta.
- Adjust portion size: Easily double or triple this recipe to make more servings.
Why This Single-Serving Mac & Cheese Recipe is a Winner:
This recipe is perfect for those who:
- Want a quick and easy meal: It takes less than 15 minutes to prepare.
- Love mac & cheese but hate leftovers: This recipe is the perfect portion size for one.
- Want to customize their meal: It's easy to add your favorite toppings and variations.
- Need a comforting and satisfying meal: Mac & cheese is always a good idea!
This single-serving mac & cheese recipe is a delicious and convenient way to enjoy this classic comfort food without the commitment of a larger portion. Try it today and experience the creamy, cheesy goodness for yourself!
