Description
Creamy mac & cheese crockpot magic brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen to modern dinner tables. Cheese-laden pasta melts into a blissful symphony, inviting you to savor each spoonful of pure, nostalgic deliciousness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Cheeses:
- 3 cups (300g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyere or Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Dairy:
- 16 ounces (450g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups (960 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
Seasonings and Garnish:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by thoroughly coating the interior with a thin layer of cooking spray or butter to ensure easy release and prevent unwanted sticking.
- Gather all ingredients into the crockpot, creating a harmonious mixture by combining uncooked macaroni, dairy components, melted butter, and an ensemble of cheeses including cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyere. Integrate the seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper – using a comprehensive stirring technique to distribute flavors evenly throughout the mixture.
- Position the crockpot lid securely and set the temperature to low, allowing the ingredients to slowly transform and meld together. Periodically interrupt the cooking process every half-hour to gently fold the contents, preventing pasta from clustering and ensuring uniform heat distribution.
- After approximately 2-2.5 hours, assess the dish’s consistency. The pasta should exhibit a tender texture, with cheese thoroughly melted into a luxurious, creamy landscape. The final product should appear glossy and inviting, with no distinct liquid separation.
- Once cooking completes, transition the crockpot to its warming setting. Optionally embellish the mac and cheese with fresh herb garnishes like delicate parsley or snipped chives, adding a vibrant visual and flavor dimension before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Use full-fat milk for ultimate creaminess, as lower-fat versions might separate during slow cooking.
- Grate cheese fresh for better melting and smoother texture compared to pre-shredded options.
- Stir periodically to distribute heat evenly and prevent pasta from sticking to crockpot bottom.
- Experiment with cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, smoked gouda, or fontina for deeper flavor profiles.
- For gluten-free version, substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta varieties.
- Add crispy bacon bits or breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and textural contrast.
- Keep extra milk nearby to adjust consistency if mac and cheese becomes too thick during cooking.
- Avoid lifting crockpot lid frequently, as this releases heat and increases cooking time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2-3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg