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Easy Microwave Mug Mac and Cheese Best Dorm Room Dinner

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This easy microwave mug mac and cheese is the ultimate dorm room comfort food, ready in under 5 minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. Perfect for late-night cravings, it delivers creamy, cheesy goodness without a stove or colander.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup elbow macaroni (or any small pasta shape)
  • 1/2 cup water (plus a splash more if needed)
  • 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons whole milk (or any milk you have)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt (about 1/8 teaspoon)
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • Pinch of garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add the pasta and water to your mug. Pour in 1/2 cup of elbow macaroni and 1/2 cup of water. The water should just barely cover the pasta. If it doesn’t, add an extra tablespoon.
  2. Microwave for 2 minutes on high. Watch the mug closely. If it looks like it’s about to overflow, stop the microwave, stir, and continue in 30-second intervals.
  3. Stir and check the pasta. After 2 minutes, the pasta should be almost tender but still have a tiny white dot in the center when you bite one. If it’s still crunchy, microwave in 20-second bursts until al dente.
  4. Add the butter and stir until melted. Drop in 1 tablespoon of butter and stir it into the hot pasta.
  5. Add the milk and cheese. Pour in 2 tablespoons of milk and add 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir vigorously for about 15 seconds.
  6. Microwave for 30 seconds more. Watch it carefully — you want it bubbly but not boiling over.
  7. Stir again and add seasonings. Give it one more good stir. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if you’re using them. Stir to combine.
  8. Let it rest for 1 minute. This allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency.

Notes

Use a deep mug to keep pasta submerged. Add cheese off-heat to prevent graininess. For best results, shred cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded. Let the mac rest for 1 minute before eating to allow the sauce to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, dorm room recipe, easy mac and cheese, mug mac and cheese, quick comfort food, college meal, 5 minute recipe

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