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

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

Cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Fontina, and Gouda cheese are good options.

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 can I add to homemade mac and cheese to give it more flavor? ›

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 is the most perfect cheese to use on Mac & cheese? ›

For a mac and cheese recipe, consider the combination of sharper cheddar cheeses and a flavorful Parmesan. This cheese adds a boost of fruity, nutty notes to your favorite macaroni recipes. Parmesan is also ideal for grating on top of mac and cheese before you bake it to add golden color.

What makes mac and cheese taste so good? ›

Great mac n' cheese needs one or more cheeses that melt well, and one or more cheeses that bring the flavor. The best melters include monterey jack, fontina, baby swiss, asiago, provolone, mozzarella, and alpine-style. Cheeses for flavor: cheddar, havarti, smoked gouda, gorgonzola, feta and any other of your favorites.

What's in Bob Evans mac and cheese? ›

Cooked Enriched Pasta (Water, Elbow Macaroni [Semolina (Wheat), Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk, Water, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (American Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Contains Less than 2% of ...

What is the best cheese according to chefs? ›

A Cheese Expert's Guide to 10 Essential Cheeses to Know and Love
  • Brie de Meaux-Style Brie.
  • Pyrénées Sheep.
  • Comté
  • Clothbound Cheddar.
  • Aged (Goat) Gouda.
  • Bleu d'Auvergne AOC/PDO.
  • Époisses de Bourgogne PDO.
  • Le Chevrot.

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

Take boxed mac and cheese to the next level by experimenting with different combination of add-ins. Adding cold butter to the sauce and baking the mac in the oven helps with both texture and flavor. Incorporating things like real cheese, bacon, or leftover veggies can turn boxed mac and cheese into a full meal.

How can I keep my mac and cheese creamy? ›

Add more milk if you haven't already. More milk leads to less dry mac and cheese. If that doesn't work and you've already tried, use a different type of cheese. Velveeta works well.

Why does my homemade mac and cheese taste bland? ›

Try adding a little more salt first, because that might fix it. If the problem was the cheese you use doesn't have much flavor, then try adding some other flavors, such has mustard or hot sauce.

Does Gordon Ramsay have a mac and cheese recipe? ›

Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese is a simplified recipe. Just boil pasta in milk and then, add butter, cheese, salt, and pepper to it. Merge all the elements and Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese will be ready in no time.

Can you use sour cream instead of milk for mac and cheese? ›

I think sour cream is a great substitute! However, it may change the flavor just slightly. For sour cream, mix it in just like I outlined in the cream cheese example, but with far less or no extra liquid. Sour cream is slightly sour (duh), so this may impact the final flavor a bit.

Why isn't my homemade mac and cheese creamy? ›

Cook your noodles in milk instead of water

Cooking your noodles in milk instead of water makes your resulting mac and cheese creamier. According to The Kitchn, cooking your noodles in milk instead of water makes the sauce creamy before you even add the cheese sauce.

What 3 cheeses are in 3 cheese blend? ›

Ingredients. Romano Cheese (Pasteurized Cows' Milk, Culture, Salt and Enzymes), Parmesan Cheese (Pasteurized Part-Skim Cows' Milk, Culture, Salt and Enzymes), and Asiago Cheese (Cows' Milk, Culture, Salt and Enzymes), Starch and Powdered Cellulose to Prevent Caking. Contains Milk.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

The remaining ingredients are simple: butter and flour (which makes the sauce thicken), milk, spices, salt, and pepper. For the milk, I prefer whole milk since it makes a creamier sauce, but I've used reduced fat milk plenty of times without complaint.

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