Description
A creamy and delicious mac and cheese made effortlessly in a crockpot, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, cubed
- 4 cups milk (whole milk preferred)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter for greasing the crockpot (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with nonstick spray or a little butter to help prevent sticking.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, and cubed cream cheese directly into the crockpot. Toss gently to distribute the cheeses evenly.
- In a medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk together the milk, melted unsalted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the milk mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheeses in the crockpot. Stir gently so all the pasta is coated and the ingredients are well mixed.
- Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring every 30 to 45 minutes to prevent sticking and to help the cheese melt evenly.
- Begin checking the pasta at the 2-hour mark. The mac and cheese is done when the macaroni is tender and the sauce is thick, smooth, and creamy.
- If you’d like a crispy topping, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking, then cover and continue to cook on LOW until the topping is lightly crisped and the pasta is fully tender.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Give the mac and cheese a final stir to bring everything together, then serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using aged cheddar cheese.
- Feel free to add cooked bacon or vegetables for added texture and taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg