How to Cook Annie's Macaroni & Cheese in the Microwave

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheddar

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheddar lowers calories while processed cheese is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier for heart health and margarine is usually cheaper.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water

Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative while water can reduce costs.

bread crumbs

🥗Healthier: panko

💰Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko adds crunch while crushed crackers are often less expensive.

Take out the cheese packet from the box.

Put the dry macaroni noodles into a large microwave-safe container.

Add 1 and 3/4 cups of water to the container with the macaroni.

Give it a good stir.

Put the container in the microwave and set the timer for 3 minutes.

After 3 minutes, take it out and stir the macaroni.

Repeat this process two more times, stirring in between each 3-minute segment.

After the third 3-minute segment, check that all the water has been absorbed or evaporated and the pasta is cooked.

Add butter, milk, and the cheese packet to the cooked macaroni.

Stir everything together until well combined.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens