Microwave macaroni cheese

Craving a comforting bowl of macaroni cheese but short on time? Say goodbye to a sink full of dirty dishes and reach for your trusty microwave. Bursting with the rich flavors of three types of cheese, our microwave macaroni and cheese recipe is your ultimate solution. In less time than traditional stovetop cooking, you can enjoy a steaming hot dish with delicious cheeses. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your hunger, all with minimal cleanup. Don’t wait any longer and treat yourself to this quick and easy microwave masterpiece!

Ingredients

150 g macaroni or spirali noodles
1 tbsp cornstarch
185 ml milk
1 tsp Dijon mustard
45 g ripe Gruyère, grated
45g extra mature cheddar, grated
2 tbsp parmesan, grated
15g unsalted butter

Preparation steps

Place the noodles in a microwave-safe ceramic or glass bowl.
Pour 700 ml boiling water over it and cook on high for 2 minutes. stir and repeat twice more (6 minutes total).
Drain the pasta and return it to the bowl.
Put the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of milk in a jug and mix to form a paste.
Add the remaining milk and mix well.
Pour over the noodles.
Mix in the mustard along with the grated Gruyère and Cheddar and stir well.
You can cook the pasta in the same bowl or transfer it to a microwave-safe serving bowl.
Cook on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Sprinkle the Parmesan on top and sprinkle with small pieces of butter.
Cook for another 2 minutes.
Serve with a good grind of black pepper if desired.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
665	31g	19g	65g	0g	4g	30g	1.5g

Equipment and tools

Microwave safe bowl
microwave
measuring spoon
grater
Spatula or spoon for stirring

Allergen information

This microwave macaroni and cheese recipe contains the following allergens:

milk
Wheat (from the macaroni noodles)

Please ensure you are aware of any allergies or dietary restrictions your guests may have.

Storage and leftovers

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk and stir to keep the cheese sauce from drying out.

Note: For optimal results, it is recommended to consume the macaroni cheese freshly prepared.

The Health Benefits of Microwave Macaroni Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a favorite comfort food that brings back memories of childhood. Although it may not be considered the healthiest option, with a few modifications you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious version of this classic dish. With the convenience of a microwave, making macaroni and cheese has never been easier.

Something similar you might also like:

Whole wheat pasta

The recipe calls for 150g of macaroni or spirali pasta. Opting for whole-wheat pasta instead of the traditional white pasta can have several health benefits. Whole-wheat pasta contains more fiber, which aids digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels. It also contains other essential nutrients such as B vitamins, iron and magnesium.

Cornmeal as a thickener

This microwave macaroni and cheese recipe uses cornstarch as a thickener. It gives the dish a creamy texture without requiring an excessive amount of butter or cream. Corn flour is a gluten-free alternative to conventional flour and is therefore suitable for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Low-fat milk

The recipe calls for 185ml of milk, and choosing a low-fat version can help reduce the calorie and fat content of the dish. Low-fat milk continues to provide important nutrients such as calcium and protein while reducing the amount of saturated fat. It also helps make a rich and creamy sauce for macaroni and cheese.

Dijon mustard for flavor

A teaspoon of Dijon mustard is added to the recipe, not only for taste but also for health reasons. Mustard contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and may have anti-cancer properties. It also adds a spicy touch to the dish and enhances the overall flavor.

Different types of cheese

The recipe combines three different cheeses: aged Gruyère, extra aged Cheddar and Parmesan. Although cheese is often associated with high fat and calorie content, consuming various types of cheese in moderation can still provide health benefits. Cheese is an excellent source of calcium, protein and certain vitamins. Additionally, the stronger flavors of mature and extra-ripe cheese allow you to use less cheese overall and still enjoy the richness and flavor.

Moderate use of unsalted butter

Although the recipe contains 15g of unsalted butter, it is used in moderation. Butter adds flavor and richness to the dish, but overuse can lead to unhealthy levels of saturated fat. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the sodium content of the dish.

In summary, while macaroni and cheese may not sound like the healthiest option at first, this microwave macaroni and cheese recipe offers several health benefits. By using whole-wheat pasta, low-fat milk, a variety of cheeses, and a moderate use of ingredients like butter, you can enjoy a nutritious and delicious dish.