Single-Serve Mac ‘n Cheese
Updated Dec 11, 2025, Published Feb 29, 2020
This post contains affiliate links. Please see our disclosure policy.
Comfort in a Bowl (Perfect for One!)
Sometimes all you want is a cozy, creamy bowl of mac ’n cheese — and Single-Serve Mac ’n Cheese delivers that comfort in minutes. This gluten-free twist on a classic favorite is ideal when you’re craving cheesy goodness without making a whole pot. Whether it’s lunch, a snack between meetings, or a quick dinner for one, this recipe is quick, easy, and ridiculously satisfying.
With simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand, this microwaveable mac packs rich cheddar flavor and smooth cheesy sauce into one satisfying serving. No fuss, no leftovers to worry about, just cheesy comfort exactly when you want it.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
- ½ cup gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ½ cup water (plus a splash more if needed)
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (feel free to use more if you like it extra cheesy)
Why This Single-Serve Version Works
Quick & Convenient
Forget boiling huge pots of water — everything cooks in one microwave-safe bowl. You’ll have tender pasta and cheesy sauce in under 20 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy days or late-night cravings.
Creamy Cheese Magic
The combination of milk and shredded cheddar melts into a rich, velvety sauce that coats every noodle. You can dial up the cheese to your taste or experiment with sharper or milder varieties depending on what you’ve got in the fridge.
Perfect Portion Every Time
This recipe is designed for one, so no waste, no storing leftovers, and no decision about who gets the last bite. It’s comfort food on your terms — portioned perfectly, no extra dishes needed.
Customizable Comfort
Feel free to make it your own! Add a pinch of pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or even a sprinkle of paprika or garlic powder for extra flavor. You can also stir in cooked bacon pieces, diced tomatoes, or steamed veggies for a heartier meal.
Serving Suggestions & Ideas
- Classic and simple: Just mac ’n cheese, straight from the bowl.
- Extra creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash more milk.
- Add veggies: Fold in steamed broccoli or peas for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Snack upgrade: Top with crushed gluten-free crackers or crumbled bacon for texture.
- Perfect pairing: Enjoy with a crisp salad or fruit on the side for a balanced quick meal.
Why This Recipe Will Be Your Go-To Comfort Food
Single-Serve Mac ’n Cheese proves that great comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated, time-consuming, or full of leftovers. It’s the perfect portion, delightfully creamy, and ready in minutes — exactly what you need when hunger strikes but time doesn’t cooperate.
Whether you’re cooking for one on a quiet night in, need a quick meal between Zoom calls, or are craving nostalgia with a gluten-free twist, this cheesy bowl delivers every time.
Single-Serve Mac ‘n Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ cup gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ¼ teaspoon kosher or fine sea salt
- ½ cup water, plus more as needed
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese , – I used Vermont sharp
Instructions
- Add the dry macaroni, cornstarch, and salt to a deep microwave-safe bowl. Stir to coat the pasta and then stir in the water.
- Microwave for 2 minutes, stir well, then microwave for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of water, as needed. Continue to heat in 2-minute intervals and add 1-2 tablespoons of water with each heating, as needed. Total cooking time will be 6-8 minutes but will depend on your microwave and the brand of pasta you use.
- When the pasta is soft, stir in the milk and shredded cheese until combined.
- Microwave in 30 second intervals until the cheese is melted.
- Let stand for 1 minute before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
