In the realm of comfort food, macaroni and cheese holds a prominent position, and preparing it in a slow cooker elevates the experience to new heights of convenience and flavor. With just a few simple steps, you can transform a handful of pantry staples into a creamy, gooey masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and warm your soul. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this guide will equip you with everything you need to create the ultimate easy slow cooker mac and cheese, so gather your ingredients, turn on your slow cooker, and embark on a culinary journey of cheesy delight.
Let's cook with our recipes!
EASY SLOW-COOKER MAC & CHEESE
My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? -Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine soup, milk, sour cream, butter and seasonings; cook and stir over medium-low heat until blended. Stir in cheeses until melted., Drain macaroni; transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Stir in cheese mixture. Cook, covered, on low 1-2 hours or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 346 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 712mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 15g protein.
SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories main-dish
Time 3h25m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture and serve hot.
SLOW COOKER MAC AND CHEESE
This creamy, comforting meal takes just moments to assemble and is always a big hit. Great for large family gatherings and to take to pot luck dinners. I'm always asked for the recipe!
Provided by Cathy P
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 3h25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain and transfer pasta to slow cooker.
- Add butter to pasta and stir until melted; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle about 1/2 the Cheddar cheese over pasta and stir.
- Whisk evaporated milk and eggs together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture.
- Whisk milk and Cheddar cheese soup together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese over pasta mixture; garnish with paprika.
- Cook on Low for 3 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 431.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.9 g, Cholesterol 99 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 14.8 g, Sodium 524.2 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
SLOW COOKER MAC 'N' CHEESE
There's no need to make a white sauce with this easy recipe. Just tip the ingredients into your slow cooker for a velvety smooth veggie pasta dish
Provided by Anna Glover
Categories Dinner, Main course, Pasta
Time 1h45m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pour boiling water over the pasta and drain, then put everything in a slow cooker and stir well. Season, cover and cook on low for 1 hr. Stir again, put the lid back on and cook for another 30 mins until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has reduced enough to coat the macaroni.
- Leave the lid off and reduce for the last 10 mins if you need to, or add a splash more milk - this will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the brand. Serve with extra cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 666 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 19 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 71 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 25 grams protein, Sodium 1 milligram of sodium
SLOW-COOKER MAC AND CHEESE
The ultimate in cheesy indulgence! This ultra-creamy spin on classic mac gets topped with a can't-skip-it sprinkling of toasty breadcrumbs that delivers a crunchy contrast in textures.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 3h5m
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Spray 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In slow cooker, beat milks, melted butter, mustard, salt and peppers with whisk. Add macaroni and 3 1/2 cups of the Cheddar cheese, the cubed cheese and Parmesan cheese. Cover; cook on Low heat setting 1 hour. Stir well. Cover; cook 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until pasta is cooked, but not mushy.
- Stir until mac and cheese is combined and creamy. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese on top. Cover; let stand about 15 minutes or until melted.
- Meanwhile, in 8-inch skillet, heat 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add bread crumbs; stir to coat. Cook and stir about 3 minutes or until lightly browned. Sprinkle over mac and cheese, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 860, Carbohydrate 69 g, Cholesterol 145 mg, Fat 3, Fiber 3 g, Protein 37 g, SaturatedFat 28 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 1330 mg, Sugar 14 g, TransFat 1 1/2 g
Tips:
- Use high-quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your mac and cheese. Opt for sharp cheddar cheese for a bold flavor, or a blend of cheeses for a more complex flavor profile.
- Cook the pasta al dente: Overcooked pasta will become mushy and unpleasant in the slow cooker. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, minus 1-2 minutes, to ensure it retains a slight bite.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin and watery.
- Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even non-dairy milk. If you use cream, be sure to use it sparingly, as it can make the sauce too heavy.
- Add seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite seasonings to the cheese sauce, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, or black pepper. You can also add fresh or dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or basil.
- Top with breadcrumbs: A layer of breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese will add a crispy and golden brown texture. You can use plain breadcrumbs, or you can add some grated Parmesan cheese or chopped nuts.
Conclusion:
Slow cooker mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. With a few simple tips, you can create a creamy and flavorful mac and cheese that the whole family will love. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give slow cooker mac and cheese a try.
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