Mac and Cheese for One

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Keyword dinner for one, homemade cheese sauce, single serving mac and cheese, stovetop mac and cheese

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings 1 serving

Elbow macaroni in a quick homemade sharp cheddar sauce, made in one small pot.

Ingredients

2 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni (about ½ cup)
1 tablespoon salted butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
½ cup whole milk
½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
⅛ teaspoon dry mustard
⅛ teaspoon kosher salt only if needed

Directions

Cook the macaroni in a 1-quart saucepan of boiling salted water for 7 to 8 minutes, or as the package directs, until al dente. Drain it and wipe out the pan.
Melt the butter in the pan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add the milk a little at a time, whisking so it doesn't lump. Cook for about 2 minutes, until thickened.
Take the pan off the heat and stir in the cheddar and dry mustard until melted. Taste and add the salt only if it needs it.
Stir in the macaroni until it's coated and serve hot.

Notes

2% milk or unsweetened almond milk also works in place of whole milk.

Nutrition

Nutrition is an estimate per serving from USDA FoodData Central, for the whole recipe (1 serving); uncooked elbow macaroni counted as dry pasta, ⅛ teaspoon dry mustard counted as ground mustard seed. Brands and portions vary, so use it only as an approximation.