Microwave Macaroni and Cheese with Gruyère, Cheddar, and Parmesan Recipe

Introduction

This microwave macaroni cheese is a quick and comforting dish that comes together in just minutes. With a creamy blend of mature gruyère, cheddar, and parmesan, it’s perfect for a satisfying meal when time is short.

Ingredients

• 150g macaroni or spirali pasta
• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 185ml milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 45g mature gruyère, grated
• 45g extra mature cheddar, grated
• 2 tbsp parmesan, grated
• 15g unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Step 1: Put the pasta in a ceramic or glass microwavable bowl. Pour over 700ml boiling water and cook on high for 2 minutes. Stir, then repeat twice more so the pasta cooks for a total of 6 minutes. Drain the pasta and return it to the bowl.
2. Step 2: In a jug, mix the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of milk to form a smooth paste. Add the remaining milk and stir well. Pour this mixture over the drained pasta.
3. Step 3: Stir in the Dijon mustard, grated gruyère, and cheddar until well combined. You can leave the mixture in the same bowl or transfer it to a microwavable serving dish.
4. Step 4: Cook on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle the parmesan over the top and dot with small pieces of butter. Cook for a further 2 minutes until golden and bubbling. Serve with a good grating of black pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of cheeses you enjoy or have on hand to create your own flavor profile.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of cream or a spoonful of crème fraîche before microwaving.
• If you prefer a crispy topping, transfer the cooked macaroni cheese to an oven-safe dish and grill for 2-3 minutes until golden.
• Stir in some cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover macaroni cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cheddar instead of extra mature cheddar?

Yes, you can use regular cheddar, but extra mature cheddar gives a stronger, sharper flavor that enhances the dish.

Is it necessary to cook the pasta in boiling water before microwaving with the cheese sauce?

Yes, cooking the pasta first in boiling water ensures it’s tender. The microwaving in the cheese sauce then melts the cheese and combines the flavors perfectly.

Microwave Macaroni and Cheese with Gruyère, Cheddar, and Parmesan Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 140 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A quick and creamy microwave macaroni cheese recipe that uses a blend of mature Gruyère, extra mature cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses for a rich and cheesy flavor. Perfect for a speedy yet comforting meal, this recipe cooks the pasta and cheese sauce entirely in the microwave, making it a convenient and delicious option.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 150g macaroni or spirali pasta

Cheese Sauce

• 1 tbsp cornflour
• 185ml milk
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 45g mature gruyère, grated
• 45g extra mature cheddar, grated
• 2 tbsp parmesan, grated
• 15g unsalted butter

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Place the pasta in a ceramic or glass microwavable bowl. Pour over 700ml boiling water and cook on high in the microwave for 2 minutes. Stir and repeat the process two more times for a total cooking time of 6 minutes. Drain the pasta well and return it to the bowl.
2. Prepare the sauce base: In a jug, combine the cornflour with 1 tablespoon of milk and stir to make a smooth paste. Add the remaining milk and mix thoroughly until well combined. Pour this mixture over the cooked pasta.
3. Add cheese and mustard: Mix in the Dijon mustard along with the grated mature Gruyère and extra mature cheddar. Stir well to distribute the cheese evenly throughout the pasta. You may cook the pasta in the same bowl or transfer it to a microwavable serving dish.
4. Microwave the macaroni cheese: Cook the pasta mixture on high for 5 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and melting of the cheeses.
5. Finish with parmesan and butter: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top and dot with small pieces of unsalted butter. Cook for a further 2 minutes on high in the microwave until the topping is melted and slightly golden.
6. Serve: Optionally, add a good grating of black pepper before serving for extra flavor.

Notes

• Use a microwave-safe glass or ceramic bowl to prevent cracking and ensure even cooking.
• Stirring halfway during cooking helps prevent clumping and promotes even melting of the cheese.
• You can substitute different types of cheese based on preference, but mature cheeses will provide better flavor.
• Ensure to drain the pasta well after initial cooking to avoid excess water diluting the sauce.
• Adding mustard enhances the depth of flavor in the cheese sauce, but can be omitted if preferred.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 13 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Microwaving
• Cuisine: British

Keywords: microwave macaroni cheese, quick mac and cheese, easy cheese pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, microwave dinner, comfort food