Toaster Oven Mini Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly portioned, this toaster oven mini mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food for one or two. Quick to prepare and baked to perfection, it's a delightful meal without the full-sized oven hassle.
Why This Works in a Toaster Oven
Making mac and cheese in a toaster oven means smaller portions, faster cooking, and less energy use — perfect for when you want a cozy meal without heating up the entire kitchen.
Toaster Oven Setup
- Temperature: 375°F (190°C)
- Setting: Bake
- Convection: No
- Rack Position: Middle
- Pan Size: 7 x 5 in (18 x 13 cm)
- Batch Size: 2 servings
- Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
- Rotate Pan: Yes, halfway through
- Ready When: The top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
💡 No convection setting? You're all set — this recipe uses the regular Bake setting, so any toaster oven can make it, with or without a convection button.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese
- 1 cup (113 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- 1 cup (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/4 cup (28 g) breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) melted butter
Equipment
- Toaster oven
- 7 x 5 in (18 x 13 cm) baking dish
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- Preheat your toaster oven to 375°F and set the rack in the middle position.
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into the baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle over the macaroni.
- Bake in the preheated toaster oven for 20–25 minutes, rotating halfway, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Get ready to savor every cheesy, golden-brown bite!
How to Know It's Ready
The top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Troubleshooting
- If the top browns too quickly, cover with foil and continue baking.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it before baking.
- Ensure the rack is in the middle to avoid uneven cooking.
- Start checking the mac and cheese at 18 minutes if your toaster oven runs hot.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the toaster oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Variations
- Add cooked bacon bits for extra flavor.
- Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and gouda for a different taste.
- Incorporate steamed broccoli for a veggie boost.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Top with crushed crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small pasta shapes like shells or rotini work well.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and substitute the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
What if I don't have cheddar cheese?
You can substitute with any melty cheese like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the mac and cheese and refrigerate for up to a day before baking.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Ensure the milk is added gradually and whisked continuously to maintain a smooth sauce.