Description
This Crock Pot Mac & Cheese recipe offers a creamy, gooey, and comforting classic American dish with minimal effort. Using a slow cooker, elbow macaroni is combined with a rich cheese sauce made from evaporated milk, whole milk, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese, then slow-cooked to perfection. Optional add-ins like ham, bacon, or broccoli allow for customizable flavors, making this a perfect dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- seasonings: salt, pepper, dry mustard, garlic powder (to taste)
Dairy Ingredients
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 1.5 cups whole milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 tbsp butter
Optional Add-Ins
- Chopped ham
- Crispy bacon bits
- Hot sauce
- Smoked paprika
- Cooked broccoli
Instructions
- Spray the Crock Pot: Begin by spraying the inside of your Crock Pot with cooking spray to prevent the mac and cheese from sticking during cooking.
- Cook pasta al dente: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender but still firm to the bite (al dente). Drain well.
- Mix up the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together evaporated milk, whole milk, cream cheese cubes, about two-thirds of the shredded cheddar cheese, butter, and seasonings including salt, pepper, dry mustard, and garlic powder until smooth and combined.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the cooked macaroni into the prepared Crock Pot and add the cheese-milk sauce. If desired, stir in optional add-ins such as chopped ham, crispy bacon bits, hot sauce, smoked paprika, or cooked broccoli. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook in Crock Pot: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and creaminess. The cheese should melt fully and the mixture should become bubbly and thick.
- Serve hot: Once cooked, scoop the mac and cheese onto plates. Garnish with fresh cracked pepper or parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness after slow cooking.
- You can customize the recipe by adding proteins like ham or bacon or vegetables like broccoli for added texture and flavor.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking helps prevent cheese from settling at the bottom or burning.
- Use sharp cheddar for the best flavor; mild cheddar may result in a less intense taste.
- If you like a creamier texture, add a splash more milk before serving.
