Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy crockpot mac and cheese. This slow-cooked dish combines tender pasta with a rich, velvety cheese sauce, making it a perfect choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy night in.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply combine the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work.​
• Rich and Creamy Texture: The blend of cheeses melts into a luscious sauce that envelops every piece of pasta.​
• Crowd-Pleaser: A universally loved dish that’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Elbow macaroni​Allrecipes+21Spend With Pennies+21The Chunky Chef+21
• Unsalted butter​
• Cream cheese​Allrecipes+2The Slow Roasted Italian+2The Slow Roasted Italian+2
• Whole milk​Amanda’s Cookin’+5The Slow Roasted Italian+5The Slow Roasted Italian+5
• Evaporated milk​Southern Bite+4Amanda’s Cookin’+4Allrecipes+4
• Sharp cheddar cheese​
• Gruyère cheese​
• Paprika​Spend With Pennies
• Dijon mustard​Amanda’s Cookin’+2The Slow Roasted Italian+2The Chunky Chef+2
• Salt​Allrecipes+4The Chunky Chef+4Spend With Pennies+4

Directions

1. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.​Amanda’s Cookin’+3The Chunky Chef+3Southern Bite+3
2. Combine Ingredients: Add uncooked elbow macaroni, sliced butter, and cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker. Pour in whole milk and evaporated milk. Stir to combine.​
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in paprika, Dijon mustard, and salt until well incorporated.​
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Stir the mixture, ensuring the pasta isn’t sticking. Continue cooking for an additional 1 to 2 hours, checking periodically, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.​Brown Eyed Baker+4The Chunky Chef+4The Slow Roasted Italian+4
5. Incorporate Cheeses: Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.​
6. Serve: Once the cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened to your liking, serve the mac and cheese warm.​

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.​
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes​Allrecipes+3Allrecipes+3Spend With Pennies+3
• Cooking Time: 1.5 to 3 hours on low, depending on your slow cooker.​

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy twist.​
• Three-Cheese Blend: Incorporate mozzarella or pepper jack cheese for added flavor complexity.​
• Protein Addition: Stir in cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a heartier dish.​

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.​
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess. Stir occasionally until heated through.​

FAQs

How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy pasta, cook on low heat and check the pasta periodically to ensure it’s cooked just until tender.​

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

It’s best to shred cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s creaminess.​

Is it necessary to cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, the pasta cooks directly in the slow cooker, absorbing the flavors of the sauce.​

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta.​

What can I use instead of Gruyère cheese?

Swiss cheese or fontina are good substitutes for Gruyère.​

How do I keep the mac and cheese creamy if it’s sitting in the slow cooker for a while?

Stir occasionally and add a bit of warm milk if the sauce begins to thicken too much.​Reddit+3The Slow Roasted Italian+3If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen+3

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, but ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.​

Is it possible to add vegetables to this mac and cheese?

Absolutely! Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.​

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead and refrigerate them. When ready to cook, combine them in the slow cooker and proceed with the recipe.​

How can I add a crunchy topping?

After the mac and cheese is cooked, transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.​

Conclusion

This creamy crockpot mac and cheese offers a delightful blend of convenience and indulgence. With its rich, velvety sauce and tender pasta, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

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