Description
This creamy and delicious Mac & Cheese recipe is made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for a comforting meal with minimal prep. Featuring sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese, it delivers rich flavor and a velvety texture, ideal for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Dairy & Cheese
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 2 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
Seasonings
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp mustard powder (optional)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings
- Paprika
- Hot sauce
- Cooked crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Grease the crockpot: Lightly spray or butter the inside of your slow cooker to prevent the macaroni from sticking during the cooking process.
- Add everything in: Combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella, cubed cream cheese, unsalted butter, garlic powder, mustard powder if using, and salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to mix all the ingredients evenly in the slow cooker.
- Cook on LOW: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW heat for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 to 45 minutes to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta becomes tender and the cheese sauce forms a thick, creamy consistency. Avoid using HIGH heat to prevent overcooked or mushy pasta.
- Finish & serve: Once the macaroni is cooked to your preference, stir everything once more to incorporate all the melted cheese and creamy sauce. Serve the mac and cheese immediately. Top with extra shredded cheese, paprika, hot sauce, or crispy cooked bacon for an additional burst of flavor if desired.
Notes
- Stirring every 30 to 45 minutes is crucial to prevent pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute the elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes if preferred.
- Adding mustard powder is optional but enhances the cheese flavor.
- Use whole milk for the creamiest texture; lower fat milk can be used but may result in a less rich sauce.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger crowds but ensure your crockpot has enough capacity.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
