Crockpot Mac N Cheese – A Recipe You Don’t Wanna Miss!

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Macaroni and Cheese is a timeless comfort food, evoking nostalgia and warmth with each bite. This creamy, cheesy dish has been a household staple for generations, providing solace on lazy afternoons, family gatherings, and even late-night cravings. With this Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese recipe, you can enjoy all the rich flavors of traditional mac and cheese with a fraction of the effort. Simply set it and forget it—perfect for busy days when you need a delicious meal with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni

3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed

2 1/2 cups milk

12 oz evaporated milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Elbow Macaroni:

Measure out 16 oz of uncooked elbow macaroni. If using pre-cooked macaroni, cook according to package directions and adjust the overall cooking time in the crockpot accordingly.

Cheddar Cheese:

Grate 3 cups of cheddar cheese. Freshly shredded cheese is preferred as it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.

Cream Cheese:

Cut the 8 oz block of cream cheese into small cubes for faster melting.

Milk and Evaporated Milk:

Measure out 2 1/2 cups of regular milk and 12 oz of evaporated milk to create the creamy base for the dish.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Add the Elbow Macaroni:

Pour the uncooked elbow macaroni into the crockpot. If using cooked macaroni, add it at this stage and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Add the Cheeses:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed cream cheese evenly over the macaroni in the crockpot.

Pour the Milk:

Pour in the 2 1/2 cups of regular milk and 12 oz of evaporated milk. Gently mix the ingredients to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Cook the Macaroni and Cheese

Set Your Crockpot:

Set the crockpot to low heat. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a rich and creamy sauce.

First Cooking Phase:

Cook on low for 2 hours without lifting the lid. Keeping the lid closed helps retain heat and moisture, ensuring even cooking.

Check and Stir:

After 2 hours, check the macaroni and cheese. Gently stir the mixture to distribute the melted cheese evenly and ensure that all the macaroni is well-coated.

Step 4: Final Touches

Continue Cooking:

If needed, continue cooking on low for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, checking occasionally until the macaroni is tender and the cheese sauce is thick and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy:

Once fully cooked, turn off the crockpot and let the macaroni and cheese sit for a few minutes to set. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with your favorite sides or on its own.

Variations and Substitutions

Cheese Variety:

Experiment with different cheeses such as mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for added flavor.

Add-Ins:

Mix in cooked bacon bits, chopped broccoli, or diced tomatoes for extra texture and taste.

Spice it Up:

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or smoked paprika to give the dish a little kick.

Gluten-Free Option:

Use gluten-free elbow macaroni to make this dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the ease of slow cooking with the rich, creamy flavors of classic mac and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness and the memories it brings!