Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

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Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this recipe is incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort.

The slow cooker allows the pasta to absorb all the cheesy goodness, resulting in a rich and satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese for its simplicity and deliciousness. The slow cooker takes all the hassle out of making this classic dish, allowing you to set it and forget it. With a blend of creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta, this mac and cheese is both comforting and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Use High-Quality Cheese: For the best flavor and creaminess, use high-quality cheeses that melt well, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
  • Pre-Cook the Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Stir Occasionally: Stir the mac and cheese occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
  • Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings; a bit of garlic powder, mustard powder, or paprika can add great depth of flavor.
  • Add a Topping: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
  • Meaty Version: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, or ground beef for a heartier meal.
  • Vegetable Additions: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for a boost of vegetables.
  • Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or blue cheese for a unique flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese as a main course or a side dish. Pair it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It’s also a great addition to any potluck or buffet table. For a comforting drink pairing, try it with a glass of milk, iced tea, or a light beer.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to restore its creaminess. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, you can use any short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rotini.

Do I have to pre-cook the pasta? Slightly undercooking the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker helps prevent it from becoming too soft.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.

How can I make the mac and cheese creamier? Add more cream or a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Is this recipe suitable for a potluck? Absolutely! This mac and cheese is perfect for potlucks and can be kept warm in the slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes

Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this easy recipe features a blend of creamy cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta. Let your slow cooker do the work and enjoy a rich, satisfying meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup butter, melted
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Pre-Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 5 minutes, until slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: In the slow cooker, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, milk, heavy cream, sour cream, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  3. Add Pasta: Stir in the slightly undercooked pasta, ensuring it is well coated with the cheese mixture.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
  5. Add Topping (Optional): If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a crunchy topping.
  6. Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Stir Occasionally: Stir the mac and cheese occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.
  • Pre-Cook Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Add Toppings: For a crunchy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

    • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 585Total Fat: 45gSaturated Fat: 26gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 726mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 1gSugar: 6gProtein: 25g
    © Chasety.com
    Cuisine: American / Category: Side Dishes

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