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Easy 5-Ingredient Dorm Room Microwave Mac and Cheese

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This creamy, cheesy mac and cheese comes together in under five minutes with just five simple ingredients. Perfect for late-night cravings or when you need comfort food fast, it’s the ultimate dorm room hack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (60g) elbow macaroni
  • Water (enough to cover the pasta)
  • ⅓ cup (40g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) milk
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add ½ cup of elbow macaroni to a microwave-safe bowl. Pour in enough water to cover the pasta by about an inch. Microwave on high for 2 minutes. Check; if still hard, microwave for another 30 seconds to 1 minute until al dente.
  2. Carefully remove the bowl from the microwave. Pour out the water, leaving about a tablespoon of starchy water in the bowl.
  3. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot pasta and stir until melted.
  4. Pour in 2 tablespoons of milk and stir to combine.
  5. Sprinkle in ⅓ cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir vigorously until fully melted and smooth. Add more milk if too thick, or more cheese if too thin.
  6. Season with a pinch of salt and a crack of black pepper. Stir and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese and leave a tablespoon of starchy water after draining to help the sauce emulsify. Microwave power varies; start with 2 minutes and add 30-second bursts as needed. Eat immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: microwave mac and cheese, dorm room recipe, easy mac and cheese, 5 ingredient mac and cheese, quick mac and cheese, college meal

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