Description
Experience the ultimate comfort food with this creamy, cheesy Mac & Cheese made effortlessly in your crockpot. Perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this dish combines gooey cheeses and perfectly cooked pasta for a nostalgic treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, cooked bacon, or green onions
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: In your crockpot, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, cubed butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Adjust Consistency: If the mac and cheese is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with optional breadcrumbs or additional cheese if desired.
Notes
Customize your mac and cheese by adding cooked chicken, ham, or bacon for added protein. For a vegetarian option, mix in steamed broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers. To add a spicy kick, stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Experiment with different cheese varieties like gouda, pepper jack, or cream cheese for unique flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg