In today’s fast-paced world, where time is a precious commodity, comfort food like mac and cheese has evolved to suit our busy lives. At With the Bickhams, we’ve taken this beloved classic and simplified it to create the easiest mac and cheese you’ll ever make, right in your Air Fryer. Join us on this culinary journey as we delve into the history of mac and cheese and share our delicious recipe that’s perfect for busy individuals and families alike.
The Evolution of Mac and Cheese: From Simplicity to Speed
Mac and cheese has a rich history dating back to the 14th century in Europe. Originally, it was a simple dish of pasta and cheese, cooked slowly to perfection. However, as the world became busier, so did our need for quicker and easier recipes. Mac and cheese transformed from a labor-intensive dish to a convenient comfort food that could be whipped up in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Two to three small blocks of your favorite cheese (Colby, Swiss, Pepper Jack)
- Two cans of evaporated milk (or 1 1/2 cups of half and half)
- Seasoning blend (salt, black pepper, granulated garlic, granulated onion – about a tablespoon)
- Two tablespoons of spicy or yellow mustard
- 1/3 cup of All-Purpose flour
- A stick of butter (1 tablespoon for noodles, the rest for cheese mixture and breadcrumbs)
- Half a pack of Egg noodles (about 8 ounces)
Cooking Directions:
- Start by spraying the Air Fryer pan with a little cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the cheese, evaporated milk (or half and half), seasoning blend, mustard, butter (3.5 tablespoons), and flour. Don’t worry if you forget the Worcestershire sauce; it’s still amazing without it.
- Cook the cheese mixture in the Air Fryer at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until everything is melted and creamy. Stir it every ten minutes for a smooth consistency.
- While the cheese mixture is cooking, prepare the noodles. Cook them in 12 cups of salted water with 1 tablespoon of butter until they reach the desired al dente texture.
- Melt the remaining butter from the stick in the microwave.
- When the cheese sauce mixture is fully melted and creamy, add in the cooked noodles and mix them together.
- Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Cook for another 8 minutes in the Air Fryer or until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
Conclusion:
Our Air Fryer mac and cheese is not only incredibly easy to make but also incredibly delicious. It’s comfort food at its finest, ready in no time. We hope you enjoy trying out this recipe and savoring the rich history and modern convenience of mac and cheese. Thank you for visiting our blog, and don’t forget to watch the video tutorial on our With the Bickhams YouTube channel. While you’re there, please subscribe to stay updated on our latest recipes and adventures. We’re Craig and Melissa Bickham, and we can’t wait to share more with you. Also, visit our Small Town Wreath Shop website and explore our social media pages for even more inspiration. Happy cooking!