Mac and Cheese for One
Macaroni and cheese has been a staple of comfort food for generations, but it often shows up in massive casseroles meant to feed a crowd. What about when you’re cooking just for yourself? You still deserve the rich, creamy, cheesy goodness of homemade mac and cheese without the commitment of leftovers filling your fridge.
This Macaroni and Cheese for One recipe from our Cooking for One – Not an Army cookbook hits all the right notes: warm, buttery, sharp cheddar cheese sauce and that satisfying golden breadcrumb topping. It’s cozy, quick, and perfectly portioned. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet lunch at home or winding down after work, this dish proves that comfort doesn’t have to come in large quantities. However, like all the recipes in our cookbook, you can easily double (or triple) this recipe if you choose. Get your copy on Amazon right here!
The Magic of Cooking for One
There’s something empowering about cooking a meal just for yourself. You get to make exactly what you want the way YOU want it. And in a world that moves so fast, that small act of caring for yourself can mean everything.
For many of us, mealtime is a shared experience. But sometimes, solo meals are the ones that teach us the most about our own tastes. When you’re cooking for yourself, you learn which flavors you really enjoy and how to build meals that make you feel satisfied – not just full. Recipes like this single-serve mac and cheese aren’t just convenient; they’re a little celebration of self-care.
A Taste of Childhood Without the Box
Many of us grew up with boxed mac and cheese, and it still holds a nostalgic place in our hearts. But once you’ve had it from scratch – with real cheese, real butter, and a creamy roux-based sauce – it’s hard to go back to a box. And why would you want to?
Our version brings those childhood memories to life in a more grown-up, flavor-packed way. The sharp cheddar adds boldness, the touch of dry mustard gives it depth, and the breadcrumb topping adds that satisfying contrast in texture. It’s familiar but elevated. You get all the coziness of your favorite childhood meal, only better.
Sister Memories and Leftover Mac
This recipe always brings back memories of when my sister and I were growing up. We didn’t make mac and cheese from a box. It was homemade, bubbling under the broiler with breadcrumbs on top.
Our favorite part? The leftovers. (Just double or triple this recipe and have leftovers!)
We used to fight over who got the mac and cheese the next morning. Sometimes we’d just eat it cold right from the container or warm it up quickly in the microwave. It didn’t matter. What mattered was that familiar, cheesy comfort.
Why This Recipe Works for One
It’s a full experience in one bowl:
-
Creamy cheese sauce made fresh
-
Just enough pasta to satisfy
-
A quick broil for that crispy, restaurant-style finish
It also comes together quickly. You don’t need to preheat your oven or dirty multiple pots. Just boil your pasta, make your sauce, stir everything together, and broil the top for a minute or two. Done.
Customize It Your Way
While we love the classic sharp cheddar in this recipe, you can mix it up to suit your tastes:
-
Use a blend of cheeses like cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella for more depth.
-
Add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
-
Stir in cooked bacon, roasted garlic, or sautéed onions for a savory twist.
-
Swap the Italian breadcrumbs for crushed Ritz crackers or even crushed croutons.
Making mac and cheese for one doesn’t mean it has to be plain. It’s your meal. Have fun with it.
Other Recipes to Try
-
Mom’s Comfort Food Tuna Casserole – A nostalgic and budget-friendly favorite that’s as creamy as it is comforting
-
Shepherd’s Pie Recipe – A hearty meat and potato dish that’s perfect for chilly nights
-
All Cooking for One Recipes – Explore the full category for more solo meals made simple
-
Keto Chicken Lasagna – A low-carb twist that’s perfect if you want something a little lighter
Just because you’re cooking for one doesn’t mean you have to settle for boring meals or skip comfort food altogether. This mac and cheese is a delicious reminder that every meal should be warm, satisfying, and made with love. So grab a bowl, turn on your favorite show, and dig into something that makes you feel good from the inside out.
