Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: Easy Weeknight Comfort (Print Version)

Discover my simple slow cooker mac and cheese recipe! Get rich, creamy results with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights and family dinners.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 2 Hours 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ The Creamy Base

01 - 1 lb elbow macaroni, par-cooked al dente
02 - 4 cups whole milk
03 - 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
04 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ Cheesy Goodness

06 - 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
07 - 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, freshly grated
08 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

09 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
10 - 1 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1 tsp onion powder
12 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Optional Extras

14 - Pinch of cayenne pepper
15 - Cooked, crumbled bacon for topping
16 - Fresh parsley for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get your elbow macaroni going. Boil it in a big pot of salted water, but only for about 3-4 minutes. We want it *very* al dente, almost crunchy still. It's going to finish cooking in the slow cooker mac and cheese sauce, so don't let it get soft, or you'll end up with mush. Drain it well and set it aside; I usually give it a quick rinse with cold water to stop the cooking, a trick I picked up after one too many mushy pasta disasters.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together your whole milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. This is where the magic starts to happen! Make sure it’s all combined really well. Then, add in your melted butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it another good whisk until everything looks happy and homogenous. This concoction is what will make your slow cooker mac and cheese so incredibly luscious.
03 - Lightly grease your slow cooker insert – seriously, don't skip this, or you'll be scraping later like I once did! Now, layer about half of your par-cooked macaroni on the bottom. Sprinkle half of your sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the pasta. Pour about half of your creamy milk mixture over the cheese and pasta. Repeat with the remaining macaroni, cheese, and milk mixture. It's okay if it looks a bit messy; it all comes together!
04 - Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours. This low and slow method is key for the creamiest slow cooker mac and cheese. Every hour or so, give it a gentle stir to make sure the pasta isn't sticking and the cheese is melting evenly. You'll start to smell that amazing cheesy aroma wafting through your kitchen, and honestly, it's torture waiting for it to be ready!
05 - After 2-3 hours, when the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly, it's time for the grand finale! Stir in your cream cheese until it's completely melted and incorporated. This is where the slow cooker mac and cheese gets that extra silky, tangy kick. If you want, you can add a little more shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack on top, put the lid back on for another 10-15 minutes, and let it get extra gooey. Oh, yum!
06 - Once the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is perfectly thickened, your slow cooker mac and cheese is ready! Give it one last stir, letting out all that delicious steam. The pasta should be perfectly tender, the sauce rich and coating every noodle. Serve it up immediately, perhaps with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy. This dish is pure comfort in a bowl, a true kitchen triumph on a busy day!

# Notes:

01 - Always grate your own cheese for this slow cooker mac and cheese; pre-shredded has additives that can make it grainy.
02 - Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
03 - Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle warmth that enhances the cheese flavor.
04 - Serve with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the slow cooker mac and cheese.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 6-quart slow cooker
02 - large pot
03 - whisk
04 - large bowl
05 - cheese grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 650
Total Fat: 35g
Total Carbohydrate: 60g
Protein: 25g

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