There’s something magical about mac and cheese — it’s warm, it’s creamy, it’s nostalgic, and honestly… It’s the culinary version of a hug. But sometimes you don’t want to make a massive casserole dish. Sometimes you want a small, cozy bowl of deliciousness made just for you (or you and one fortunate person).
Enter: Small-Batch Mac & Cheese.
It’s fast. It’s comforting. It’s ultra creamy. And best of all — it’s built on a blend of delicious cheeses and a savory seasoning mix that features some of the BEST Watkins spices.
And don’t worry — this recipe is fully updated with your special ingredient: ⅛ tsp Basi, a type of sugarcane wine used to deepen, sweeten, and round out savory dishes. π✨
Make this once, and I guarantee you’ll never go back to boxed mac again.
Grab your spoon… things are about to get cheesy. ππ§π
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Small-Batch Mac & Cheese
Mac and cheese already has a loyal fan club, but this small-batch version just hits different. Here’s why:
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π§ Ridiculously creamy (four cheeses — need I say more?)
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⏱️ Ready in under 15 minutes
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π₯£ Perfect portion size — no leftovers, no waste
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π₯ Stovetop-only recipe — fast comfort
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π₯ Includes bacon for smoky, savory goodness
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πΏ Packed with flavor thanks to Watkins spices
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π€ Totally customizable (extra cheesy, spicy, crunchy — however you like it!)
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π The perfect cozy-night-in dish
It’s like giving yourself a little self-care moment in a bowl.
⭐ The Watkins Flavor Advantage π§πΏ✨
What makes this mac and cheese SPECIAL is the seasoning.
This isn’t a one-note cheese sauce — this is a creamy, layered, savory, aromatic blend of flavors thanks to:
π§ Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt
Pure, bright, and balanced — elevates every ingredient.
πΆ️ Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper
Warm, aromatic, and beautifully grounded.
π§ Watkins Organic Garlic Salt
Instant flavor boost — doesn’t overpower but adds irresistible savoriness.
π§ Watkins Organic Onion Powder
Adds depth and ties the buttery, cheesy base together.
π₯ Watkins Organic Paprika
Gives color, warmth, and a touch of smoky-sweet flavor.
πΏ Watkins Organic Parsley Flakes
Freshness and a little pop of color.
π Watkins Organic Ground Mustard
This is KEY — it sharpens and brightens the cheese flavor like magic.
And then your special touch:
πΆ ⅛ tsp basi (sugarcane wine)
A gentle, warm sweetness that enhances the cheese and butter.
Think of it as the secret “why is this so good?” ingredient.
π Need to restock your Watkins spices? You can order them here to recreate this recipe perfectly.
π§ Main Ingredients
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1 cup macaroni
(Use just ½ cup for an even cheesier, thicker mac — highly recommended π) -
¼ cup Cheddar cheese, grated
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¼ cup Monterey Jack, grated
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¼ cup Mozzarella, grated
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2 Tbsp Parmesan, grated
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1 Tbsp flour
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1 Tbsp butter
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¾ cup milk
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Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt, to taste
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Watkins Pure Ground Black Pepper, to taste
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2 slices of bacon, cooked and diced
πΏ Herb & Seasoning Mixture
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¼ tsp Watkins Organic Ground Mustard
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¼ tsp Watkins Mediterranean Sea Salt
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¼ tsp Watkins Organic Garlic Salt
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¼ tsp Watkins Organic Onion Powder
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¼ tsp Watkins Organic Paprika
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¼ tsp Watkins Organic Parsley Flakes
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⅛ tsp basi (a Filipino sugarcane wine that adds mild sweetness + depth)
⭐ How to Make Small-Batch Mac & Cheese
This recipe is easy enough for beginners, fast enough for busy nights, and delicious enough for ANYONE who loves cheese.
Let’s cook. π₯π§✨
π² Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring salted water to a boil.
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Add macaroni and cook until al dente.
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Drain and set aside.
Mac tip: A quick rinse with warm water keeps the noodles from sticking.
π§π₯ Step 2: Make the Roux
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Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
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Add the flour and whisk until smooth.
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Cook 1–2 minutes (but don’t brown it).
This is the silky base of your cheese sauce!
π₯ Step 3: Add the Milk
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Slowly pour in the milk while whisking.
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Keep whisking until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
The sauce should look glossy and luxurious. ✨
πΏπ§ Step 4: Add the Seasoning Blend + Basi
Sprinkle in:
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Watkins Organic Ground Mustard
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Watkins Sea Salt
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Watkins Garlic Salt
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Watkins Onion Powder
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Watkins Paprika
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Watkins Parsley Flakes
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⅛ tsp basi
This is where your kitchen begins to smell AMAZING. ππ₯
The base adds that subtle depth and warmth — don’t skip it!
π§ Step 5: Add ALL the Cheese
Lower the heat and add:
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Cheddar
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Monterey Jack
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Mozzarella
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Parmesan
Stir until melted and smooth — it should look like liquid gold. π§π
π²π Step 6: Coat the Pasta
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Pour your cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce.
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Stir gently until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness.
This is the moment you’ll want to grab a spoon. π
π₯ Step 7: Add the Bacon
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Stir in the diced bacon
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Sprinkle it on top for crunch
Bacon + cheese = happiness. π₯✨
π₯ Optional Step: Broil for 1–2 Minutes
If you love a crispy top, pop it under the broiler.
Watch closely — it browns FAST.
⭐ Tips, Tricks & Delicious Variations π‘π§
✔️ Want it creamier?
Add an extra splash of milk while mixing.
✔️ Want it cheesier?
Use only ½ cup of pasta.
This gives you a MACHEESY bowl (yes, that’s a word).
✔️ Want heat?
Add Watkins Red Pepper or Cayenne.
✔️ Want crunch?
Top with toasted panko breadcrumbs.
✔️ Want gourmet vibes?
Add truffle oil, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic.
✔️ Want veggies?
Mix in broccoli, peas, or roasted cauliflower.
This is the easiest recipe to play around with — truly foolproof. π₯π
⭐ Serving Suggestions π₯£ππ½️
This mac and cheese pairs perfectly with:
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Roasted or grilled chicken
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Turkey (especially your Classic Thanksgiving Turkey!)
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Meatloaf
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Garlic bread
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A simple green salad
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Or… nothing at all, because this bowl is enough ππ
⭐ Why This Recipe Works
This isn’t just “easy mac.”
This is premium mac & cheese because:
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The roux ensures a silky, non-grainy sauce
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The cheese blend melts beautifully
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Watkins spices add complexity & warmth
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Basi enhances the savory notes with subtle sweetness
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Perfect proportions → perfect results
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Takes 15 minutes or less
It’s everything you want from homemade mac and cheese — cozy, creamy, cheesy, flavorful… and FAST.
⭐ Save, Share & Shop ππ
Before you grab your spoon:
π Order your Watkins spices here
π Save this to your Pinterest comfort food board
π©π³ Share with a mac & cheese lover
π Keep an eye out for your Watkins Recipe eBook!
⭐ Final Thoughts
Small-batch mac and cheese is one of the easiest ways to treat yourself — no fuss, no giant dishes, no complicated steps. Just pure, cozy comfort in one warm bowl.
And with Watkins spices and that special touch of basi?
It becomes something unforgettable. π✨
Make it once… and this little recipe will become your go-to comfort meal for nights when you need something warm, cheesy, and made with a bit of love.
Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself, and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links through which, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
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