Creamy Single-Serve Baked Mac & Cheese

Step 1

Fill a small pot with about 3 cups of water and place it on the stove.

Step 2

Turn the stove to high heat and wait until the water starts boiling rapidly (large bubbles rising quickly).

Step 3

Add ½ teaspoon salt to the water.

Step 4

Add the ½ cup dry pasta from the ingredient list into the boiling water.

Step 5

Stir the pasta so it does not stick together.

Step 6

Cook the pasta for 7–9 minutes or until it is soft but still slightly firm.

Step 7

Turn the stove off and carefully pour the pasta into a strainer to drain the water.

Step 8

Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 9

Make the Cheese Sauce: Place a small saucepan on the stove.

Step 10

Turn the stove to medium heat.

Step 11

Add the 1 tablespoon butter from the ingredient list into the pan.

Step 12

Let the butter melt completely (about 20–30 seconds).

Step 13

Add the 1 tablespoon flour into the melted butter.

Step 14

Stir continuously with a spoon or whisk for about 1 minute. This creates a base for the cheese sauce.

Step 15

Slowly pour in the ¾ cup milk, a little at a time.

Step 16

Continue stirring so the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick.

Step 17

Cook the sauce for 2–3 minutes on medium heat until it thickens.

Step 18

Add the cheddar cheese and mozzarella

Step 19

Stir until all the cheese melts into a smooth creamy sauce.

Step 20

Add the salt and black pepper and mix again.

Step 21

Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce.

Step 22

Stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated in the cheese sauce.

Step 23

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and olive oil from the ingredient list.

Step 24

Stir until the breadcrumbs look slightly coated with oil.

Step 25

Turn the oven on and preheat it to 400°F (200°C).

Step 26

Transfer the mac and cheese into a small oven-safe bowl or ramekin.

Step 27

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.

Step 28

If you like extra cheese, sprinkle a little more shredded cheese on top.

Step 29

Place the bowl onto a baking tray.

Step 30

Bake in the oven for 5–7 minutes until the top becomes golden and slightly crispy.

Step 31

Carefully remove the bowl from the oven. Let the mac and cheese cool for about 2 minutes before eating because it will be very hot.

Step 32

Serve warm and enjoy your homemade single-serve mac and cheese.