Slow Cooker Mac Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that invites warmth and nostalgia into every bite. This creamy dish, reminiscent of home cooking, is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in. Whether you’re a busy parent or a culinary novice, this recipe will delight your taste buds and fill your kitchen with the inviting aroma of melting cheese. Let’s dive into how to create this deliciously satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Mac Cheese
There are numerous reasons why this Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is a favorite:
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- The slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy your evening without stress.
- This dish is rich and creamy, providing that comfort food satisfaction.
- With simple ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and accessible.
- Versatile: you can customize it with add-ins like bacon or veggies.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser, ideal for potlucks or family meals.
This Easy Slow Cooker Mac Cheese Recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings everyone to the table.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mac Cheese
Gather these items:
- 1 pound Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups Half and Half
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (grated)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 12 ounces Evaporated Milk
- 1 tablespoon Ground Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 bunch Chopped Chives
How to Make Slow Cooker Mac Cheese Step-by-Step
- Step 1: In your slow cooker, combine the uncooked macaroni, half and half, melted butter, cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and evaporated milk. Mix well for a rich base.
- Step 2: Sprinkle in the ground mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Step 3: Cover the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Step 4: Once cooked, serve the warm mac and cheese straight from the slow cooker. Garnish with freshly chopped chives.
Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Mac Cheese
Keep these in mind:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting results.
- For a gluten-free option, swap the elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta.
- Stir occasionally to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking; this is especially important for Crockpot Mac and Cheese.
Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Mac Cheese
Here are some serving ideas:
- Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken or BBQ.
- Top with crispy bacon for a delicious twist with Slow Cooker Mac Cheese with Bacon.
- Pair it with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Mac Cheese
To store leftovers, keep the mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. This makes it perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Mac Cheese
What is Slow Cooker Mac Cheese?
It’s a creamy, cheesy pasta dish made in a slow cooker, resulting in perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a smooth cheese sauce. This dish is a favorite comfort food for many.
Can I make Slow Cooker Mac Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and store them in the fridge. Just cook them in the slow cooker when you’re ready for a delicious meal.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Mac Cheese?
To avoid mushy pasta, make sure to follow the cooking times closely and stir occasionally. Also, be mindful of the cheese types used for optimal melting.
Variations of Slow Cooker Mac Cheese You Can Try
Here are some tasty variations:
- Make it vegetarian by using vegetable broth.
- Add in some steamed broccoli or cauliflower for extra nutrition.
- For a spicy kick, include jalapeños or hot sauce!
With these variations, you can keep the dish fresh and exciting each time you make it.
For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe collection or try making Salted Caramel Cookies for dessert!
Learn more about the benefits of slow cooking here.
Print
Ultimate Slow Cooker Mac Cheese for Comfort Food Lovers
- Total Time: 160 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese That Feels Like Home
Ingredients
- 1 pound Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
- 2 cups Half and Half
- 1 stick Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (grated)
- 2 cups Monterey Jack Cheese (grated)
- 8 ounces Cream Cheese
- 12 ounces Evaporated Milk
- 1 tablespoon Ground Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 bunch Chopped Chives
Instructions
- In your slow cooker, combine the uncooked macaroni, half and half, melted butter, cheddar, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and evaporated milk. Mix well for a rich base.
- Sprinkle in the ground mustard, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Cover the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it cook for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender.
- Once cooked, serve the warm mac and cheese straight from the slow cooker. Garnish with freshly chopped chives.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg