Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese Recipe
This Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and simple to prepare. Just set it in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your time! Perfect for busy days or feeding a crowd.
Ingredients
(Serves 6-8)
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a bit of butter.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Note: You can skip pre-cooking the pasta, but the dish will take longer to cook if you do.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta (or uncooked, if you prefer) to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the milk, heavy cream, and add the butter pieces.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Add in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Stir everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the cheese mixture.
4. Cook the Mac & Cheese
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring once or twice during the cooking time. The cheese sauce should melt and thicken as it cooks, creating a creamy texture.
5. Finish & Serve
- Once the macaroni is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy, taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if necessary.
- If you want a crispy top, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the macaroni & cheese and cover for the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Tips
- For Extra Creaminess: Add an extra 1/2 cup of heavy cream or more cheese to make it even richer.
- Add-ins: You can add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or even jalapeños for a twist on the classic.
- Don’t Overcook: Slow cooker times may vary. Keep an eye on it, and stir occasionally to avoid overcooking the pasta or burning the cheese.
This Slow Cooker Macaroni & Cheese is easy, cheesy, and the ultimate comfort food! Perfect for parties, potlucks, or cozy family dinners. 🧀🍝
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