Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
This slow cooker mac and cheese combines tender pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce that melts into a creamy, gooey consistency. The dish is cooked gently in the slow cooker, resulting in a comforting and homely final appearance with crispy breadcrumb topping. It’s an easy, one-pot meal that offers nostalgic comfort with minimal fuss.
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Calories: 560kcal
Servings: 6
Equipment
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart)
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 pound lb elbow macaroni preferably cooked al dente
- 2 cups cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup cup heavy cream for a smooth, luxurious sauce
- 2 tablespoons tbsp butter melted
- 0.5 cup cup toasted breadcrumbs panko preferred, for topping
- 1 teaspoon tsp mustard powder adds flavor depth
- Salt to taste for seasoning the sauce
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until just al dente, about 2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, melted butter, mustard powder, and a pinch of salt until well combined. This creates a creamy base for your cheese sauce.
- Transfer the cooked pasta to the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly across the bottom.
- Pour the cream mixture over the pasta and stir thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly, ensuring each piece is bathed in the creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pasta and cream mixture, then stir gently to distribute the cheese evenly throughout.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally around the 1-hour mark to help the cheese melt smoothly and prevent sticking.
- About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the toasted breadcrumbs and the remaining cheese on top, then cover again and cook until the topping is golden and bubbly.
- Once bubbly and golden on top, turn off the slow cooker and let the dish sit uncovered for 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and enhancing the flavors.
- Serve the cheesy, creamy mac and cheese directly from the slow cooker, enjoying the comforting aroma and gooey texture with each bite.
Notes
For extra flavor, mix in cooked bacon or a dash of hot sauce before serving. Leftovers reheat beautifully; store in an airtight container and rewarm gently for a delicious next-day meal.
Nutrition
Calories: 560kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 700mg | Potassium: 300mg | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 300mg | Iron: 1.5mg