Description

This Mac & Cheese Crockpot Magic recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and effortlessly delicious macaroni and cheese dish cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Using simple ingredients like elbow macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, and a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, this comforting meal is perfect for busy days and makes a great main course or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard (optional)

Dairy Ingredients

2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)

Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Slow Cooker: Spray the inside of a 4–6 quart slow cooker with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and dry mustard if using into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Add Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top without stirring. Place the butter pieces on top of the cheese layer.
Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. Stir the mixture once or twice during the cooking process to help evenly distribute the melted cheese and prevent sticking.
Check and Stir: When the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce, give everything a thorough stir to combine all the flavors and textures beautifully.
Serve: Serve the mac and cheese immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a touch of freshness and color.

Notes

For creamiest results, shred the cheese from a block yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese to avoid anti-caking agents that reduce creaminess.
You can customize your mac and cheese by adding cooked bacon, diced ham, or steamed broccoli toward the end of cooking for a hearty and complete meal.
Avoid overcooking by checking the pasta’s tenderness around the 2-hour mark to prevent it from becoming mushy.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Category: Main Course, Side Dish
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 430
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 390mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 65mg