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Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort food made effortlessly in a slow cooker. With a blend of sharp cheddar and American cheese, combined with evaporated milk and whole milk, it yields a rich and velvety texture. The slow cooking method ensures the pasta cooks perfectly while absorbing all the cheesy goodness, making it ideal for a hands-off, delicious meal.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Dairy and Liquids

  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into cubes
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
  • 8 ounces American cheese (from the deli), cut into small cubes

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¾ teaspoon ground mustard
  • Ground black pepper, to taste
  • 16 ounces elbow pasta (macaroni), uncooked

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Combine liquids and seasonings: Add the whole milk, evaporated milk, kosher salt, ground mustard, and ground black pepper to the slow cooker. Whisk them together until fully combined to ensure even distribution of flavors.
  3. Add pasta: Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni and stir gently to mix with the milk mixture, making sure the pasta is submerged as much as possible.
  4. Top with cheese and butter: Evenly distribute the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and cubed American cheese over the top of the pasta mixture. Scatter the cubes of unsalted butter on top. Do not stir these in at this stage.
  5. First cooking phase: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 1 hour. After this time, stir the mixture well to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
  6. Second cooking phase: Cover again and cook for an additional 30 minutes on low. Stir again to ensure smooth and even texture.
  7. Final cooking phase: Cover and cook for a further 30 minutes on low until the mac and cheese is creamy, thick, and the pasta is tender.
  8. Keep warm: Switch the slow cooker to the warm setting to keep the mac and cheese at serving temperature until ready to eat.

Notes

  • Do not stir in the cheese and butter at the beginning; they should be added on top to melt gradually during cooking for a creamy texture.
  • Use sharp cheddar for a strong, tangy flavor paired with the creamy American cheese.
  • Use elbow macaroni or a similar small pasta shape that cooks evenly in the slow cooker.
  • Check the mac and cheese toward the end of cooking and stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even melting of the cheese.
  • If you prefer thicker mac and cheese, allow it to cook for the full time; for creamier with more liquid, reduce the last cooking phase slightly.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/crockpot-mac-and-cheese-recipe/