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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

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3.9 from 12 reviews

This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a creamy, rich, and comforting dish made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Combining elbow pasta with cheddar and cream cheese in a flavorful milk and broth base, this recipe delivers classic cheesy goodness with minimal hands-on time, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or hearty side dish.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • ¾ pound elbow pasta (or cavatappi)

Liquids

  • 1⅔ cups milk
  • 9 ounces evaporated milk (about ¾ of a 12-ounce can)
  • ¼ cup chicken stock or chicken broth (or vegetable stock)

Cheeses & Dairy

  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably shredded fresh)
  • ¼ cup cream cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, chopped

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Other

  • Cooking spray (for the slow cooker)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Rinse the pasta under cold water to remove excess starch, which helps create a creamier final dish. Add the rinsed pasta to the slow cooker.
  2. Add the base ingredients: Pour the milk, evaporated milk, and chicken stock into the slow cooker over the pasta. Stir gently to combine all liquids evenly.
  3. Add the flavors: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, salt, pepper, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Then dot the chopped butter over the top of the mixture in the slow cooker.
  4. Cook the pasta: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the LOW setting for 1 hour. This slow cooking method allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and the cheese to melt thoroughly.
  5. Check the pasta: After 1 hour, check the pasta for doneness. If the pasta is still firm or undercooked, continue cooking for an additional 30 minutes on LOW, as cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker model.
  6. Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy, let the mac and cheese rest in the slow cooker for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and thicken slightly, improving texture.

Notes

  • Rinsing the pasta before cooking removes excess starch, which prevents the mac and cheese from becoming gluey and ensures a creamy texture.
  • If you prefer a more intense cheese flavor, consider mixing in a sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste after cooking if necessary.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • Slow cookers vary, so check the pasta early to avoid overcooking.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/slow-cooker-mac-and-cheese-recipe/