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Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 16 reviews

This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for effortless meals. Using a slow cooker, it combines elbow macaroni with sharp cheddar and American cheese, enriched with butter, half and half, and flavored with Dijon mustard and onion powder for a perfectly smooth and flavorful mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb. elbow macaroni pasta

Cheese

  • 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated
  • 4 oz. American deli cheese, cut into 1” cubes

Dairy and Fats

  • 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1” cubes
  • 3 cups half and half

Seasonings

  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes. Drain well to prevent extra water from diluting the cheese sauce.
  2. Add ingredients to crock pot: In the slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni, grated sharp cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese, butter cubes, half and half, Dijon mustard, onion powder, and salt. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
  3. Cook the mac and cheese: Cover the crock pot with the lid and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30-45 minutes to prevent sticking and help the cheese melt evenly.
  4. Check for doneness: After about 2 hours, check the mac and cheese for creaminess and texture. The cheese should be fully melted and the pasta coated in a smooth sauce. If needed, cook an additional 30 minutes.
  5. Serve warm: Once the mac and cheese has reached your desired consistency, turn off the crock pot and serve immediately. Enjoy this creamy and comforting dish straight from the pot.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheddar cheese for the best melting and flavor.
  • If the mac and cheese is too thick, stir in a little extra half and half to loosen the sauce.
  • Stirring regularly prevents the cheese from sticking to the sides and burning.
  • Feel free to add cooked bacon or breadcrumbs on top for extra texture.
  • This dish can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker mac and cheese, crock pot mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/crock-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-2/