One of the staples of many college dorm rooms are instant noodle cups. From ramen to macaroni and cheese, these meals are easy to make for any student who doesn’t have the space or utensils for a full, home cooked meal. However, there is an alternative to instant macaroni and cheese cups that some may think is worth a try: not instant, but still simple, macaroni and cheese in a cup.

For this recipe, all you need are elbow macaroni noodles, water, milk, shredded cheese, a mug and a fork. All of these ingredients are fairly cheap and easy to store without taking up too much precious fridge space, and this recipe is a great alternative to the same old instant noodles.

To make macaroni and cheese in a cup, first fill the mug with about a half cup of noodles. Then, pour in about a half cup of water. Microwave the noodles for about eight minutes total, but be sure to stop and stir the noodles every two minutes. If the water level gets too low, add in some more. Admittedly, this recipe may take some trial-and-error to get perfect, but the end result will be worth it!

Once the noodles are fully cooked and the water is mostly gone, add in about a half cup of shredded cheese and a splash of milk. Then, stir together and microwave for another 20-30 seconds. Once the cheese is melted, stir the noodles again, add salt (or any other toppings) and enjoy!

Some may be asking: why bother with this recipe when I can buy instant noodle cups for less effort? While instant recipes may be convenient, trying something new can be fun to make and taste-test. Taking the time to make something from scratch can be a good excuse for a study break while doing homework, and sometimes cooking from scratch simply just tastes better. Whether your preference is for the instant or homemade version, this recipe for macaroni and cheese in a cup just might be a game-changer for those looking for a quick, easy dorm recipe to try.