I don’t know about you, but I’m all about the side dishes in a meal. Entrees are great, but mashed potatoes, veggies, fries, and noodle dishes are what I most look forward to.
Of all the amazing sides out there, mac and cheese for two is one of my all-time favorites. Cooked noodles coated in a rich, creamy sauce is so decadent and so satisfying.
Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you grew up eating homemade mac and cheese or mac and cheese from a box, we can all agree that it’s an incredible dish.
This simple mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner for two. It is easy to make and packed full of flavor. If you are in need of an easy recipe in small portions, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.
Mac and Cheese for Two
If you find yourself making macaroni and cheese for just you and another person, you may find that most recipes make more mac and cheese than you need. If you don’t want to have loads of leftovers, this can pose a challenge in your cooking.
This easy homemade mac and cheese for two is perfectly portioned for only two people, so you can enjoy this delicious side with little to no leftovers!
This is my favorite recipe for super easy-to-make mac and cheese and it comes together in under half an hour. Mac and cheese is the perfect side for just about any meal and it makes a great main dish too!
Ingredients
Cheese: The best mac and cheese recipes use a combination of cheese types. In this one, we’ll use sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese.
Noodles: For a classic mac and cheese, use elbow pasta. If you want to mix it up, any noodle with a large surface area is great, such as cavatappi or fusilli.
Seasoning: We’re going for maximum flavor in this recipe with a variety of seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard.
Milk: For the creamiest, most delicious mac and cheese, use whole milk.
What to Serve
Mac and cheese is one of the most versatile sides. It goes with all kinds of main dishes or it can even be the main dish!
To make mac and cheese for two a little more filling as an entree, it’s a great idea to stir in some bacon, chicken, or vegetables.
Meat: Mac and cheese goes with basically everything! Pulled pork, brisket, or grilled chicken are great options.
Vegetables: I like to pair it with a nice side salad or some green beans.
Garlic Bread: You can’t go wrong with garlic bread as a side. Add this easy sourdough garlic bread to your meal for a light, flavorful side.
Tips
- Don’t use pre-shredded cheese. If you can, try to shred your own cheese for the best results. Freshly grated cheese melts better than pre-shredded cheese and will give you the best texture possible.
- Watch your roux closely. One of the easiest mistakes to make when whipping up a pot is burning the roux. Once you add the flour to the butter, whisk it constantly to prevent burning or sticking.
- Don’t overcook your noodles. Noodles can become mushy so easily. Be sure to cook them al dente or just a hair softer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?
A: I like to use a combination of cheeses for a flavorful, well-rounded mac and cheese. A combination of sharp cheddar cheese and parmesan is good for a tangy flavor. For a sweeter, creamier macaroni and cheese, use low-moisture mozzarella, cheddar, and American cheese.
Q: How long is macaroni and cheese good for?
A: Leftovers can last about 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. It can also be frozen for long-term storage.
Q: Can I make this a baked mac and cheese?
A: Yes! If you prefer baked over stovetop mac, all you need to do is put the finished macaroni and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle it with extra cheese and bread crumbs and pop it in the oven at 350 for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: If you need larger portions, you can definitely double or triple this recipe! You can also make our full-portion.
Q: How can I make this dish a little healthier?
A: Swap whole milk for low-fat milk, add a handful of steamed broccoli or spinach, and use whole wheat pasta. It keeps the comfort without the guilt.
The Perfect Comfort Dish Made Just for Two
There’s something so satisfying about sitting down to a warm bowl of mac and cheese for two — simple ingredients, creamy texture, and just the right amount to share. It’s comfort food at its best, made without the fuss or the mountain of leftovers. Whether you’re cooking for date night, a cozy dinner, or just craving something indulgent, this easy recipe is your go-to.
If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Leave a comment below and share your twist — maybe a little bacon, some hot sauce, or an extra layer of cheese. And if you’d rather skip the cooking and just enjoy delicious food, visit our store here: https://mortadellaheadstore.com/.
Homemade Mac and Cheese for Two | Easy Small Batch Recipe
Ingredients
1 ½ cups elbow macaroni noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon dry mustard powder
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and salt generously. Cook the noodles al dente according to the package instructions.
- While the noodles cook, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour to the melted butter and cook for a couple minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the milk and whisk for 2-3 minutes until it thickens.
- Remove from heat and add in the seasonings and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the spices are fully incorporated.
- Once your noodles are finished cooking, drain them. Add your cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
5 Responses
The mac and cheese was very tasty. I made the following changes: I used two slices of processed cheese instead of one-half cup shredded Parmesan cheese; I used a combination of evaporated and whole milk; and I increased the milk from one cup to two cups. I found the cheese sauce too pasty using just one cup. And I did pour the mixture into casserole a dish, and baked it in the oven at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes. Thank you for sharing.
Make sure to whisk well
Don’t ove do the cheese
i have made this recipe several times two person mac and cheese, and it is fabulous. Now I can’t find the exact measurements of the ingredients. did you remove them from the website?
With these recipe blogs, the recipe is usually way down at the bottom after you read through all the commentary/ads.
This recipe is definitely worth the slog
I love this recipe because it’s not a huge commitment of cheese but the Parmesan in it is what makes it next level yummy. I always bake mine with a little extra Parm and breadcrumbs on top . I always play a little fast and loose with the amount depending on how much ingredients I have or whatever but the basic recipe -the proportion of the white cheddar and the palm is just really good and the sauce is really good and creamy. I really like this one and I’ve made a lot of Mac n cheese in my life.