Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (2024)

Jump to Recipe

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two is gooey, rich, creamy ultimate comfort food using just 6 ingredients. This dish makes two generous-sized main dish portions.

  • Why I love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Substitutions and Additions
  • Equipment used for this recipe
  • How to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese
  • Pro Tips
  • Recipe FAQs
  • You may also enjoy

Why I love this recipe

This is one of my favorite small batch recipes. I love the look and texture of Cavatappi pasta but any pasta works excellently in this classic mac.

Need something to go with it? Try this Raspberry Chocolate Freezer Cake or this Strawberry Cobbler.

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (1)

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Ingredients

(amounts are listed in the recipe card at the bottom of the post)

dry pasta

unsalted butter

shredded cheese

heavy whipping cream (or whole milk)

egg

Velveeta cheese

Substitutions and Additions

You can use any pasta like elbow macaroni, or any of the different pasta shapes.

Use a mixture of your favorite melty cheeses like sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, white cheddar, American cheese, pepper jack, or any combination of cheese.

Try adding in a sprinkle of onion powder, garlic powder, mustard powder, or even cayenne pepper to this homemade baked macaroni.

If you like a crispy topping, add a sprinkle of bread crumbs, or crushed Ritz crackers, and parmesan cheese to the top before baking.

Equipment used for this recipe

How to make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1 – On a cutting board, dice the Velveeta into small cubes.

Step 2 –Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Add the uncooked pasta and cook for 8 – 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the water off the pasta and return it to the cooking pot.

Step 3 –Stir the butter into the pasta until melted.

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (2)

Step 4 –Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 5 –In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.

Step 6 –Add the heavy cream mixture, 1 cup of pre-shredded cheese, and the Velveeta pieces to the cooked pasta. Mix it all together and season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (3)

Step 7 –Pour the creamy cheese sauce and pasta mixture, divided evenly, into two 18.6-ounce oven-safe baking dishes sprayed with non-stick cooking spray (or an 8×8). Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (4)

Step 8 –Bake for 30 – 35 minutes until heated, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (5)

Pro Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 – 4 days.

Recipe FAQs

What 2 cheeses are best for mac and cheese?

The best cheeses for the ultimate mac are the ones that melt the easiest. I prefer a mixture of Cheddar Jack cheese and Velveeta cheese.

You may also enjoy

Bacon Gouda Mac and Cheese

Hawaiian Macaroni Salad

Shrimp Macaroni and Cheese

Chicken Zucchini Bake

Yield: Serves 2

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (6)

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two is gooey, rich, creamy ultimate comfort food using just 6 ingredients. This dish makes two generous-sized main dish portions.

Prep Time15 minutes

Cook Time30 minutes

Total Time45 minutes

Ingredients

  • 6 ounces of dry pasta
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream (or whole milk)
  • 1 egg
  • 4 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese
  • Optional - salt and black pepper

Instructions

  1. On a cutting board, dice the Velveeta into small cubes.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium heat. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt. Add the uncooked pasta and cook for 8 – 10 minutes until al dente. Drain the water off the pasta and return it to the cooking pot.
  3. Stir the butter into the pasta until melted.
  4. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
  6. Add the heavy cream mixture, 1 cup of pre-shredded cheese, and the Velveeta pieces to the cooked pasta. Mix it all together and season with salt and pepper, if desired.
  7. Pour the creamy cheese sauce and pasta mixture, divided evenly, into two 18.6 ounce oven-safe baking dishes sprayed with non-stick spray (or an 8x8). Sprinkle the tops with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
  8. Bake for 30 – 35 minutes until heated, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 - 4 days.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

2

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving:Calories: 1431Total Fat: 103gSaturated Fat: 62gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 29gCholesterol: 401mgSodium: 1850mgCarbohydrates: 77gFiber: 3gSugar: 11gProtein: 50g

Nutrition information is a guideline only, is calculated automatically by third party software, and absolute accuracy is not guaranteed.

Did you like this recipe?

Please leave a comment on this post and pin this recipe on Pinterest.

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (11)

Hi and welcome. I’m Zona and I have a passion for recipes. I share recipes, tips, tricks, and resources to help you cook for two. Eat, drink, and enjoy!

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Web Story

Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

What do should I add to homemade mac and cheese for taste? ›

Additional Add-in & Toppings:
  1. Extra cheese topping – Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese on top before baking.
  2. Breadcrumbs– combine about 1 cup of breadcrumbs and 3 tablespoons of melted butter in a bowl. Sprinkle over top of the macaroni and cheese just before baking.
  3. Bacon Bits – Cook about 4-5 slices of bacon.
Jul 20, 2022

How do you doctor up mac and cheese? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

How can I make my mac and cheese better? ›

10 ways to take mac 'n' cheese to the next level:
  1. Make the sauce with brown butter.
  2. Add evaporated milk.
  3. Choose the right cheese.
  4. Choose the perfect pasta.
  5. Double up on breadcrumbs.
  6. Boost the flavour with Marmite.
  7. A hit of heat.
  8. Extra seasoning.

What does adding an egg to mac and cheese do? ›

But if you like a casserole texture, the eggs would help hold it together. I have before, yes. It gives it more of a baked casserole taste/texture, which I really like. Yes, I have used a recipe that called for eggs in the mac & cheese.

Why is my homemade mac and cheese not creamy? ›

Pro Tip: Don't use pre-shredded cheese. Many store-bought shredded cheese brands coat their cheese with an anti-caking agent than can make sauces grainy and less creamy. While it requires a bit of an arm workout, grating your own yields the best texture.

Is evaporated milk better than whole milk for mac and cheese? ›

Why Evaporated Milk Makes Better Mac. That higher concentration of milk proteins means evaporated milk is more stable, so it's less likely to “break” or curdle. Evaporated milk also usually contains stabilizers, such as carrageenan, which help keep your mac's sauce super smooth and silky.

How do you add depth of flavor to mac and cheese? ›

Browned butter is the secret ingredient to multi-dimensional flavor in both baked goods and savory dishes. It adds richness and depth of flavor to boxed mac and cheese—and all it takes is a few extra minutes on the stovetop.

What is the most common thing added to mac and cheese? ›

Crispy and golden breadcrumbs are the most traditional addition to mac and cheese. The interplay of texture between soft pasta and rich, buttery breadcrumbs is the reason why this combination has endured the test of time.

Why put mustard in mac and cheese? ›

Mustard Powder: The secret ingredient you should always add to your Mac and cheese. The acidity in the mustard helps cut through the fat. You can find it in the spice section of any major grocery store. Otherwise, swap it for 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard to taste or omit it.

What does adding more milk to mac and cheese do? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious.

Is it better to cook mac and cheese in milk or water? ›

Similar recipes call for cooking pasta in milk, which can scorch. Cooking in water and adding evaporated milk toward the end fixes this problem. Evaporated milk contains protein micelles, which help keep an emulsified sauce smooth and creamy.

What happens if you put too much cheese in mac and cheese? ›

Can you put too much cheese in mac and cheese? Yes, adding more cheese than a recipe calls for will not improve the dish. Too much cheese will result in a dish that is heavy and greasy.

What are the ingredients in Gordon food Service mac and cheese? ›

COOKED ENRICHED MACARONI PRODUCT (WATER, SEMOLINA [MILLED WHEAT, NIACIN, FERROUS SULFATE, THIAMINE MONONITRATE, RIBOFLAVIN, FOLIC ACID]), WATER, CHEDDAR CLUB CHEESE (CHEDDAR CHEESE [CULTURED PASTEURIZED MILK, SALT, ENZYMES], WATER, SALT, ANNATTO [COLOR]), CHEDDAR CHEESE (PASTEURIZED MILK, CHEESE CULTURES, SALT, ENZYMES ...

What recipe is Gordon Ramsay famous for? ›

Top 10: Recipes that made Gordon Ramsay Famous
  • Beef Wellington. gordon ramsay's beef wellington recipe. ...
  • Coq au Vin. gordon ramsay's Coq au Vin recipe. ...
  • Beef Stroganoff. gordon ramsay's Beef Stroganoff recipe. ...
  • Chicken Piccata. ...
  • Rack of Lamb. ...
  • Baked Salmon with Lemon and Dill. ...
  • Shrimp Scampi. ...
  • Beef and Guinness Stew.

What is the favorite food of Gordon Ramsay? ›

Ramsay previously said if he could choose his last meal on Earth, it would be beef Wellington. Ramsay is a huge fan of the British dish, and many regard his own recipe as his greatest of all.

What is the best cheese according to chefs? ›

  • Some chefs said scamorza is a smoky alternative to mozzarella. ...
  • One chefs said that, when prepared correctly, a raclette can make for a showstopping appetizer. ...
  • Some chefs said Parmigiano-Reggiano is as delicious on a cheese plate as it is in a cooked dish. ...
  • One chef said pecorino can be great for snacking.
Aug 6, 2020

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