Description
This creamy slow cooker macaroni and cheese is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese. Prepared in a slow cooker, it allows for hands-off cooking and a perfectly cheesy, tender pasta perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
Cheeses
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Dairy & Butter
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 (12 oz each) cans evaporated milk
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place elbow macaroni, grated sharp cheddar, grated Monterey Jack, softened cream cheese, butter, evaporated milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Mac and Cheese: Set the slow cooker to low heat. Cook the mixture, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Begin checking the pasta for doneness at 1 hour 30 minutes to ensure it becomes al dente.
- Monitor Texture: Avoid cooking longer than 2 hours as the macaroni may become mushy. If the cheese sauce is too thick towards the end of cooking, stir in a few tablespoons of milk to loosen the consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the mac and cheese and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort dish.
Notes
- Stirring every 30 minutes is important to prevent the pasta from sticking to the slow cooker and to ensure even cooking.
- If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, increase the amount of cheddar cheese slightly.
- For a creamier texture, you can add a splash of regular milk or half-and-half during cooking if sauce gets too thick.
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup.
- Do not overcook to avoid mushy pasta; cooking time is critical.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings, just ensure your slow cooker is large enough.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
