This macaroni and cheese recipe is for the times when you just can’t be bothered to pull out a pan. One bowl. Made entirely in the microwave. All yours. Comments
This mac and cheese is for those times when you just can’t be bothered to pull out a pan. You need some cheesy goodness, and you need it now. One bowl. All yours. No leftovers. (Image credit: Emma Christensen)I originally learned this method of making easy mac and cheese in the microwave from Beth Sheresh in her book, Picture Yourself Cooking With Your Kids. In the book, she includes a recipe for a full batch of mac and cheese made entirely in the microwave and using only a handful of very basic ingredients. Inspired by this, I thought I’d try a single-serving version made right in the bowl. Both Beth’s original recipe and my single-bowl version are perfect for older children and teens who are ready to take responsibility for their own after-school snacks. For us grownups, it also makes the perfect after-meeting snack at the office – just pack the raw macaroni and a handful of shredded cheese with your lunch and snag a splash of milk from the coffee cart. Apologies in advance for your jealous coworkers. Preparing Mac and Cheese at HomeIf you’re at home, you can also jazz up your bowl however you like. Throw in some leftover veggies or cooked meat. Add a few pinches of your favorite spice mix or a squeeze of Sriracha. If you have some goat cheese or feta crumbles to add to your cheese scenario, all the better. Tips on Microwaving Mac and CheeseOne thing to watch out for: During the initial few minutes of cooking the pasta, the water can sometimes bubble up and get very foamy in some microwaves. Use a deeper bowl than you might otherwise think you’d need, or just stop the microwave and stir the pasta if you see this happening. The bowl can also get quite warm during microwaving. Use oven mitts or a kitchen towel to handle the bowl if you need to move it in and out of the microwave during cooking. Tester’s NotesI had completely forgotten how brilliant this little microwave trick can be. It’s so easy – perfect for a snack or a quick dinner when I’m eating on my own. There’s just something so very nice about being able to make yourself a bowl of creamy mac and cheese without pulling out a pan or turning on the stove. This macaroni and cheese recipe is for the times when you just can’t be bothered to pull out a pan. One bowl. Made entirely in the microwave. All yours. Ingredients
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Instructions
Recipe NotesCan you add milk to microwave mac and cheese?Just add milk.
No joke. This is the easiest way to make your mac way better. Either add a combo of milk and water when you're first adding it to the noodles, or pour some in after it's done cooking. It makes the cheese powder mix in more smoothly AND your mac is instantly creamier.
Can you use milk in Kraft microwave mac and cheese?Instructions: Fill the cup with water until just below the fill line. Add milk to make up the difference.
Can Kraft Mac and Cheese be microwaved?Products like boxed Kraft Macaroni & Cheese dinners, which include the pasta and packets of powdered or liquid cheese, can also be cooked in the microwave. As with stovetop mac and cheese, the microwaved versions can be served traditionally, or with a bit of tweaking to make these meals your own.
Can I use milk instead of water for Kraft Mac and Cheese?Creamier Mac and Cheese Starts with Milk
Instead of water, cook your pasta in milk! Now, you usually add milk later in the cooking process to make the cheese sauce, but for an extra touch of luscious creaminess, incorporate the milk at the very beginning of cooking.
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