Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 ozelbow macaroni
uncooked
- 6 tbspbutter
cut into cubes
- 12 ozcan evaporated milk
- 2 chalf & half
- ½ cwhole milk
- 16 ozsharp cheddar cheese)
shredded (about 4 cups
- 8 ozvelveeta cheese
cut into cubes
- ¼ tspsalt
- ¼ tsppepper
Directions
- 1
Spray a slow cooker (4 to 6-quart capacity) with cooking spray. Cook the pasta to al dente and drain. Place the macaroni in the slow cooker, immediately add the butter and stir until melted.
- 2
Add the evaporated milk, half & half, whole milk, 3½ cups of the cheddar cheese, the Velveeta, salt and pepper; stir to blend well.
- 3
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese. Once done, turn the slow cooker setting to warm until ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 417 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food without endless stirring over the stovetop? This incredibly easy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy experience, perfect for feeding a crowd or making weeknight dinners special.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this mac and cheese lies in the slow cooker, transforming simple ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish with minimal effort. By combining classic sharp cheddar with velvety Velveeta, evaporated milk, half & half, and whole milk, you achieve an unparalleled creamy texture and depth of flavor that a stovetop version often struggles to match. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every bite is a creamy, cheesy dream.
What to Expect
Prepare for a mac and cheese that's luxuriously creamy, wonderfully rich, and bursting with cheesy goodness. The blend of sharp cheddar and Velveeta creates a complex flavor profile that's both familiar and incredibly satisfying, striking the perfect balance between classic comfort and elevated indulgence. You'll find the pasta perfectly tender, enveloped in a smooth, thick sauce that holds up beautifully, offering that comforting experience you crave without any fuss.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese can be easily adapted to your preferences. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of nutmeg to the cheese sauce. You can also experiment with different cheeses; try a portion of Gruyère or Monterey Jack alongside the cheddar for a unique twist. For a touch of heat, a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be stirred in.
Serving & Context
This robust mac and cheese is hearty enough to be a main course on its own, offering ultimate comfort food any day of the week. It also shines as a show-stopping Thanksgiving side dish or at any potluck, guaranteeing rave reviews. Serve it warm, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to balance the richness.