Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb dry macaroni pasta
recommend Barilla
- 1 1/3 cups water
then hot water to thin as needed
- 4 Tbsp butter
cut into small cubes
- 12 oz. evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
- 10 oz. sharp cheddar cheese
* shredded, 2 1/2 cups
- 4 oz. deli American cheese
, shredded, recommend Boars Head
- 4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese
shredded, 1 cup
Directions
- 1
Spray a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
- 2
Add macaroni pasta, butter, water, evaporated milk, heavy cream, onion powder, garlic powder and season with salt to taste. Stir then level and submerge pasta in liquid as best you can.
- 3
Cover and cook on low heat until macaroni about 2/3 of the way tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
- 4
Working quickly remove lid and add cheddar, American cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir then quickly return lid.
- 5
Cook covered 15 to 30 minutes longer until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
- 6
Stir. Thin with a little hot water as needed. Season with pepper to taste if desired.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
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About this Recipe
Craving the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort? This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a hearty, cheesy experience that’s destined to become your go-to side dish. Forget constant stirring and oven-watching; your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting to bring you a truly delicious meal.
Why This Mac and Cheese Works
What sets this recipe apart is the generous combination of over a pound of three distinct cheeses: sharp cheddar, American, and Monterey Jack. This trifecta creates an incredibly rich and complex flavor profile while ensuring a consistently smooth, creamy texture. The blend of evaporated milk and heavy cream further enhances the luxurious mouthfeel, ensuring every bite is pure indulgence without ever feeling greasy.
What to Expect
Prepare for an exceptionally creamy and undeniably cheesy experience. The macaroni pasta cooks up perfectly tender, nestled in a decadent sauce that clings to every noodle. The sharp cheddar provides a classic tang, balanced by the smooth melt of American cheese and the mild, buttery notes of Monterey Jack. This is the kind of mac and cheese that feels like a warm hug, comforting and deeply satisfying—the perfect centerpiece for any family meal or potluck.
Customization & Variations
While this Crockpot Mac and Cheese is perfect as is, it's also wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Colby, Gouda, or even a smoked cheddar for an extra layer of flavor. You can also adjust the seasoning by adding a pinch of paprika for color, or a dash of cayenne for a subtle kick. If you find the mac and cheese a little too thick after cooking, a splash of additional hot water or milk can bring it to your desired consistency.
Serving & Context
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the quintessential ultimate comfort food side dish. It's fantastic alongside roasted chicken, barbecue ribs, or a simple green salad. Its rich, satisfying nature makes it ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you need a hearty, crowd-pleasing dish to brighten the table.