Description
This creamy and comforting Crock Pot Mac & Cheese is an easy, hands-off recipe for classic macaroni and cheese made in a slow cooker. Cooked elbow macaroni is combined with a rich blend of evaporated milk, whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, cream cheese, butter, and flavorful seasonings. The mixture simmers slowly in the Crock Pot, developing a luscious, cheesy texture perfect for a cozy family meal. Optional add-ins like ham, bacon, or broccoli can customize this dish to your taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 fl oz)
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp dry mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped ham
- Crispy bacon bits
- Hot sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Cooked broccoli
Instructions
- Prepare the Crock Pot: Spray the inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray to prevent the mac and cheese from sticking during cooking.
- Cook pasta al dente: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just tender but still firm to the bite, then drain well.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, cubed cream cheese, 2/3 of the shredded cheddar cheese, butter, salt, pepper, dry mustard, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
- Combine ingredients in Crock Pot: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese-milk mixture and stir to combine. Pour everything into the prepared Crock Pot. Add any optional add-ins like ham, bacon, or broccoli if desired. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cook the mac and cheese: Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir the mixture occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. The mac and cheese will become creamy and bubbling hot.
- Serve hot: Once cooked, scoop portions onto plates. Optionally garnish with freshly ground pepper or chopped parsley before serving warm.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcook the macaroni before adding to the Crock Pot; it should be slightly firm as it will continue cooking.
- Stir occasionally during slow cooking to prevent the cheese mixture from sticking to the Crock Pot.
- Feel free to customize with add-ins like diced ham, crispy bacon, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor and texture.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a richer flavor; mild cheddar will result in a milder taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
