Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Two is a creamy, cheesy stovetop comfort food made from scratch in just 20 minutes. This small-batch mac and cheese is perfectly portioned for two, making it ideal for couples, empty nesters, or an easy weeknight side dish.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Ingredients for Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Two
- 1 cup elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra cheese
How to Make Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Two
- Bring a small pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, to form a smooth roux.
- Slowly whisk in the milk. Continue cooking for 2–3 minutes, whisking frequently, until the sauce thickens.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar cheese (and Parmesan, if using) until fully melted and smooth.
- Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Stainless Steel Measuring Cups
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Durable, & easy to clean. - Double-Ended Stainless Steel Measuring Spoons
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Fits easily into spice jars & dishwasher safe. - Sauce Pan
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Tips for Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Two
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1 tablespoon cream cheese at the end.
- Use half cheddar and half Monterey Jack for a smoother, milder sauce.
- For baked mac and cheese, transfer to a small baking dish, top with cheese or breadcrumbs, and broil for 2–3 minutes until lightly golden.
What to Serve with Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Two
- Lemon Herb Chicken Breasts for Two
- Honey Garlic Pork Chops
- 15-Minute Garlic Butter Steak for Two
- Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy for Two
Cost Breakdown for Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Two
Estimated U.S. Average Costs:
- Elbow macaroni: ~$0.50
- Milk: ~$0.40
- Cheddar cheese: ~$1.25
- Butter, flour, seasonings: ~$0.50
Estimated Total:
Approximately $2.50–$3.00 total, or about $1.25–$1.50 per serving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese for Two
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
Why is my sauce grainy?
Keep the heat low when adding cheese and avoid boiling after it melts.
Can I reheat leftovers?
Yes. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
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