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Creamy Mac and Cheese

Creamy Mac and Cheese made and served in the glass Anyday dish, featuring tender macaroni pasta coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce from scratch.
PT5M PT12M

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

12 mins
4 reviews

Free Time

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Creamy Mac and Cheese

4 reviews
Microwaved mac and cheese gets a bad rap, but this take is just as easy as the stovetop boxed version and a million times tastier. We use al dente macaroni for texture and evaporated milk and jack cheese for extra creaminess.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Microwaved mac and cheese gets a bad rap, but this take is just as easy as the stovetop boxed version and a million times tastier. We use al dente macaroni for texture and evaporated milk and jack cheese for extra creaminess.

All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwaves and home kitchens to make sure they work — and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.

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Select your microwave wattage in the dropdown. The cook times in this recipe will automatically change accordingly.

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To find your microwave’s wattage, look at the front panel, the side of the door, in the back, in the user manual, or Google the model number. If both an input and output wattage are listed, use the output.

Wattage translates to how powerful the microwave is. The higher the wattage, the faster your food will cook. The lower the wattage, the longer the cook time.

When in doubt, start with less time — you can always add more.

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Dish

The Medium Deep Dish

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (140g) dry macaroni
  • 1⅓ cups (300ml) water
  • Salt, to taste
  • ¾ cup (180ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 cup (80g) shredded jack cheese
  • ½ tablespoon butter

Preparation

  1. Place the pasta, water, and salt in an Anyday Deep dish and stir to combine.
  2. Cook uncovered for 12 minutes or until the pasta is tender and most of the water is absorbed. Strain only if needed.
  3. Add the evaporated milk, cheese, and butter to the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
  4. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, or until the cheese has melted completely, then stir well. The sauce will thicken as it sits. If the sauce is still too thin, add more time in 30-second increments. If it’s too thick, add more evaporated milk. Serve and enjoy!

Suggestions

  • Use sharper cheddar: Swap out jack cheese for cheddar to bring a sharper, more robust flavor to your mac and cheese.
  • Mix in some veggies: Add spinach or broccoli and cook as indicated for extra nutrition and flavor.
  • Add a spicy kick: Stir in hot sauce or top with thinly sliced scallions for an extra burst of heat and flavor.
  • Make it a loaded mac: Add shredded cooked chicken, or bacon for a heartier, protein-packed version of mac and cheese.
  • Add a crunchy topping: Top fried shallots or breadcrumbs  for a savory, satisfying crunch that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Short on time? Check out our recipe for boxed mac and cheese instead!

Recipe Notes

  • Many pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can result in a grainy sauce texture. We suggest grating cheese by hand— you’ll have plenty of time while the pasta cooks!
  • If the water overflows, you can switch to a Large Deep or Extra Large, or reduce to Power Level 8 and then continue cooking
  • Parent trick: Add shredded carrot, zucchini, or sweet potato to the filling for extra veggies.
  • Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.

All You Need to Know About Making Creamy Mac and Cheese in the Microwave

What is creamy mac and cheese?

Creamy mac and cheese is a comforting dish made with tender macaroni pasta coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce. This quick, from-scratch version uses evaporated milk and shredded cheddar for an extra creamy texture. Make this cozy classic entirely in the microwave with an Anyday dish—no stovetop required.

Can I make creamy mac and cheese in the microwave?

Yes! Using an Anyday dish, you can cook the pasta and make the cheese sauce all in one dish. The microwave simplifies the process and minimizes cleanup, delivering a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese in minutes.

Do I need to pre-cook the pasta for this recipe?

No, you don’t need to pre-cook the pasta! Using an Anyday dish, the pasta  cooks in the microwaves in the same (or less) time  it takes to bring a pot of water to a boil. Simply add the dry macaroni and water to the Anyday dish, and the microwave does the rest—no separate boiling required.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While cheddar, jack, or American cheese are great options, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Gruyere, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorites. Be sure to use cheeses that melt well for a smooth, creamy sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the evaporated milk, butter, and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Look for dairy-free cheeses that melt well and unsweetened plant-based milks like almond, oat, or cashew for the best results.

How do I store leftover mac and cheese?

Once cooled, cover the mac and cheese in an Anyday dish with the lid and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy texture.

Can I freeze mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese. Portion it into our silicone Anytime Freezer Trays and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the microwave for a quick, comforting meal.

What’s the best way to reheat mac and cheese?

To reheat from the fridge, place the mac and cheese in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. If reheating from frozen, add the frozen portions into an Anyday dish and microwave on full power for 3-5 minutes, stirring as needed, until heated through. Add a splash of milk to refresh the creamy texture. For more tips on reheating, check out our blog.

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