Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, comforting, and hands-off way to enjoy classic macaroni and cheese. With the convenience of slow cooking, the pasta becomes tender and infused with rich cheddar cheese, cream, and butter for a perfectly smooth and cheesy texture. Ideal for busy days or family gatherings, this dish requires minimal prep and delivers maximum flavor with a cheesy crust option at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked or pre-cooked al dente)
- 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Prep the Crockpot: Lightly grease the inside of your Crockpot with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Add elbow macaroni, freshly grated cheddar cheese, milk, cream, butter, salt, and pepper to the Crockpot. Stir everything together to evenly coat the pasta in the cheese mixture.
- Cook on Low Heat: Set the Crockpot to low and cook for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The mac and cheese is done when the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and creamy.
- Stir and Check Consistency: About halfway through cooking, check the sauce’s consistency. If too thick, add a splash of milk or cream and stir well. If too thin, continue cooking with the lid off for a bit to evaporate excess liquid.
- Add Finishing Touches: In the last 10 minutes of cooking, add extra cheese on top to melt and form a crust. Optionally, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for a toasted topping, allowing it to toast inside the Crockpot.
Notes
- Using freshly grated cheese helps achieve the smoothest sauce with better melting.
- Pre-cooking pasta until just al dente can help ensure even texture but is optional.
- Stirring occasionally prevents pasta from sticking and promotes even cooking in the Crockpot.
- Adjust liquids as needed depending on if pasta is added pre-cooked or uncooked.
- For a richer flavor, use a sharp cheddar or mix cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gruyère.
- Optional toppings can include breadcrumbs or extra cheese to create a crispy crust.
Keywords: Crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, comfort food, cheddar mac and cheese, cheesy pasta
Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/crockpot-mac-and-cheese-recipe/