Easy Cheesy Microwave Mac and Cheese Recipe for Dorm Rooms in 5 Minutes
A quick and easy microwave mac and cheese recipe perfect for dorm rooms, ready in just 5 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal equipment.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (56g) dry elbow macaroni
- ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (150ml) water
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk (whole or 2%, or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
- ½ cup (56g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted softened butter
- Pinch of salt, to taste
- Pinch of black pepper (optional)
- Optional: smoked paprika, hot sauce, chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Put ½ cup (56g) dry elbow macaroni into a microwave-safe bowl. Add ½ cup plus 2 tablespoons (150ml) water, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
- Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Stir the pasta to prevent clumping.
- Return to microwave and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, checking every 30 seconds after the 3-minute mark until pasta is tender but not mushy (total 4 to 5 minutes).
- Drain excess water if necessary, leaving just enough to keep the pasta moist.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon softened butter, ¼ cup (60ml) milk, and ½ cup (56g) shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute, stirring halfway through, until cheese melts and sauce is creamy.
- Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Stir and serve immediately.
Notes
Use a bowl with high sides to prevent boiling over. Stir pasta halfway through cooking to avoid clumping. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Adjust microwave time based on your appliance’s wattage. Add a splash of water if pasta looks dry during cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 serv
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Protein: 12
Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, dorm room recipes, quick meals, cheesy pasta, college food