Name: Slow Cooker Macaroni Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 1 pound elbow pasta holds up well in the slow cooker, absorbing flavors without getting mushy; – 2 ½ cups whole milk provides the creamy base and helps achieve that velvety sauce; – 12 ounces evaporated milk adds richness and prevents curdling; – 12 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded melts perfectly for that sharp, tangy flavor without any grittiness; – 4 ounces American cheese, shredded enhances creaminess and bind the sauce, adding a mild taste that complements the sharper cheddar; – 1 teaspoon salt seasons the dish evenly, enhancing all the flavors; – ½ teaspoon black pepper adds a subtle kick, balancing the richness; – ½ teaspoon dry mustard boosts the cheese’s flavor profile; – ¼ teaspoon garlic powder infuses a mild garlic note that elevates the dish; – Dash of cayenne pepper brings a hint of heat; – ¼ cup butter adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce

Ingredients

– 1 pound elbow pasta holds up well in the slow cooker, absorbing flavors without getting mushy

– 2 ½ cups whole milk provides the creamy base and helps achieve that velvety sauce

– 12 ounces evaporated milk adds richness and prevents curdling

– 12 ounces extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded melts perfectly for that sharp, tangy flavor without any grittiness

– 4 ounces American cheese, shredded enhances creaminess and bind the sauce, adding a mild taste that complements the sharper cheddar

– 1 teaspoon salt seasons the dish evenly, enhancing all the flavors

– ½ teaspoon black pepper adds a subtle kick, balancing the richness

– ½ teaspoon dry mustard boosts the cheese’s flavor profile

– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder infuses a mild garlic note that elevates the dish

– Dash of cayenne pepper brings a hint of heat

– ¼ cup butter adds richness and helps create the creamy sauce

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Instructions

1-First Step: Lightly spray the interior of a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier, ensuring your Slow Cooker Macaroni Cheese releases perfectly.

2-Second Step: Rinse the uncooked pasta thoroughly under cold water and drain well. For 1 pound of elbow pasta, this removes excess starch that could make the dish gummy, keeping your Homemade Mac and Cheese light and fluffy.

3-Third Step: Add the uncooked pasta to the slow cooker. Then, pour in 2 ½ cups of whole milk and 12 ounces of evaporated milk, submerging the pasta as much as possible for even cooking in this Easy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese.

4-Fourth Step: Add the shredded cheeses and seasonings. Mix in 12 ounces of extra sharp cheddar cheese, 4 ounces of American cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon dry mustard, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and a dash of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together to combine, which helps distribute flavors evenly in your Creamy Macaroni and Cheese.

5-Fifth Step: Dot the top of the mixture with the cubed butter. Using ¼ cup butter cut into cubes, place them on top for a rich, melted finish that enhances the creaminess of this Crockpot Creamy Mac and Cheese.

6-Sixth Step: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW heat setting for 1 hour. This slow cooking method is key to avoiding mushiness, so don’t rush it for the best results in your Comfort Food Mac and Cheese.

7-Seventh Step: Carefully remove the lid and stir the mixture quickly to minimize heat loss. This helps the ingredients blend without losing too much steam, keeping your Slow Cooker Macaroni Cheese creamy.

8-Eighth Step: Check for doneness after the initial hour. The pasta should be tender, and the liquid thick and creamy; if not, continue cooking on LOW, checking every 30 minutes. Total cook time is about 2 hours, but it can go up to 3 hours depending on your slow cooker model.

9-Ninth Step: Once done, let the dish sit with the lid off for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken further, allowing you to serve up a perfect, piping-hot Slow Cooker Macaroni Cheese. For more ideas on complementary dishes, try our chocolate chip cookie ice cream sundae recipe to turn this into a fun dessert pairing.

10-Tenth Step: Final touches and serving. Dish it out while warm, perhaps with a sprinkle of extra cheese on top, and enjoy with family or friends. This step ensures your Creamy Mac and Cheese is at its best, with a total time of about 2 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish.

Last Step:

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Notes

🧀 Use cheese from the deli section and shred it yourself to avoid a gritty texture caused by anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese.
🍝 Choose a sturdy pasta shape like standard elbow pasta to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy during the long cooking time.
🌡 Cook on the LOW setting for the first hour before stirring to prevent overcooking and maintain pasta texture.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: None

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 574
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 923mg
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 51g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 90mg