Best 3 Carolyns Easy Cheesy Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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**Macaroni and cheese**, a delectable dish loved by people of all ages, is a culinary symphony of flavors and textures. This classic comfort food, often referred to as "mac and cheese," is a harmonious blend of tender macaroni pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, creating a symphony of cheesy goodness. This versatile dish can be customized to suit various tastes, making it a favorite among home cooks and restaurant patrons alike.

**Carolyn's Easy Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese** is a delightful recipe that embodies the essence of this beloved dish. With its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe promises a creamy and flavorful macaroni and cheese that will tantalize your taste buds.

**The recipe collection** in this article offers a delightful array of macaroni and cheese variations, each with its own unique twist. From the classic stovetop method to the convenience of the microwave or the air fryer, these recipes cater to different cooking preferences and time constraints.

**The "One-Pot Mac and Cheese"** recipe streamlines the cooking process by using a single pot for both the macaroni and the cheese sauce, making cleanup a breeze.

**For those seeking a healthier alternative**, the "Skinny Mac and Cheese" recipe incorporates whole wheat pasta and low-fat cheese, resulting in a guilt-free indulgence.

**The "Loaded Mac and Cheese"** recipe takes this classic dish to new heights with the addition of bacon, diced tomatoes, and green chilies, creating a flavor-packed sensation.

**The "Lobster Mac and Cheese"** recipe elevates this comfort food to a luxurious level with the inclusion of succulent lobster meat, creating an indulgent and unforgettable dish perfect for special occasions.

**Finally, the "Air Fryer Mac and Cheese"** recipe offers a healthier and crispier take on this classic, utilizing the air fryer to achieve a golden brown crust and a gooey, irresistible center.

Whether you prefer a classic rendition or are seeking innovative variations, this collection of macaroni and cheese recipes is sure to satisfy your cravings and delight your palate.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CHEESY MAC & CHEESE



Cheesy Mac & Cheese image

Everyone comes home for dinner when I make this homemade macaroni and cheese. It also receives great compliments at potlucks. -Debra Sult, Chandler, Arizona

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 50m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup half-and-half cream
1/4 cup sour cream
1 large egg
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
8 ounces cheddar cheese, cubed
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the flour, cream, half-and-half, sour cream, egg, mustard, cayenne, salt, pepper and nutmeg until smooth., Drain pasta. Transfer to a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Stir in cubed cheeses. Top with cream mixture. Sprinkle with shredded cheese., Bake, uncovered, at 350° until bubbly and golden brown, 30-40 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 563 calories, Fat 43g fat (28g saturated fat), Cholesterol 172mg cholesterol, Sodium 648mg sodium, Carbohydrate 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 25g protein.

RICH 'N' CHEESY MACARONI



Rich 'n' Cheesy Macaroni image

This delicious dish puts a new twist on traditional macaroni and cheese. The three different cheese flavors blend wonderfully. Plus, it's easy to prepare-I plan to make it often when husband Ken and I start traveling.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

2-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
6 tablespoons butter, divided
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups whole milk
8 ounces process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1-1/3 cups 4% cottage cheese
2/3 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1-1/2 cups soft bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Place in a greased 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt and sugar until smooth. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat; stir in American cheese until melted. Stir in cottage cheese and sour cream. Pour over macaroni. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Melt remaining butter and toss with bread crumbs; sprinkle over top. , Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 508 calories, Fat 31g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 101mg cholesterol, Sodium 1109mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Simple Macaroni and Cheese image

A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.

Provided by g0dluvsugly

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (8 ounce) box elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt
ground black pepper to taste
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
  • Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will have a big impact on the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or fontina.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: You don't want the macaroni to be too soft or it will become mushy. Cook it until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a thickening agent made from butter and flour. It will help to thicken the cheese sauce and make it smooth and creamy.
  • Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make the cheese sauce rich and creamy. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or even half-and-half.
  • Season the cheese sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices to taste. You can also add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder for extra flavor.
  • Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs will add a nice crunch to your macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a macaroni and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and delicious. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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