Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two (6 Ingredients) • Zona Cooks

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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

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.

Macaroni and Cheese with a spoon lifting some out. — Best Mac and Cheese Recipe for Two

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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

cutting board
large sauce pan
mixing bowl
two 18.6 ounce oven safe dishes (or an 8×8 casserole dish)

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.

cooked cavatappi macaroni mixed with melted butter

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.

cooked cavatappi macaroni mixed with the cream and cheeses

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.

mac and cheese without flour topped with shredded cheese ready to go in the oven

Step 8 – Bake for 30 – 35 minutes until heated, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese in a baking dish. — Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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.

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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 is gooey, rich, creamy ultimate comfort food using just 6 ingredients. This dish makes two generous-sized main dish portions.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 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

On a cutting board, dice the Velveeta into small cubes.
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.
Stir the butter into the pasta until melted.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and heavy cream.
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.
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.
Bake for 30 – 35 minutes until heated, golden brown, and bubbling around the edges.