Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort (Print Version)

Creamy slow cooker mac and cheese recipe. Enjoy rich, cheesy pasta with minimal effort. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, a comforting classic.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 180 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 195 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ The Creamy Dream Base

01 - 12 oz can evaporated milk
02 - 1 1/2 cups whole milk
03 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
04 - 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
05 - 4 oz cream cheese, softened

→ The Ultimate Cheese Blend

06 - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
07 - 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese
08 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

→ Pasta & Savory Enhancers

09 - 1 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked
10 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
11 - 1 tsp garlic powder
12 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
13 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/4 tsp hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
15 - 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste
16 - 1/2 tsp black pepper, plus more to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Lightly grease a 6-quart or larger slow cooker insert. This prevents sticking and ensures your Ultimate Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese | Creamy & Cheesy cooks perfectly, making cleanup easier after enjoying this comforting dish.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the 12 oz can evaporated milk, 1 1/2 cups whole milk, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted, and 4 oz cream cheese, softened, until completely smooth and well combined.
03 - Stir in 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp hot sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper into the creamy milk mixture. This blend creates the rich, savory flavor for your Ultimate Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese | Creamy & Cheesy.
04 - Add the 1 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked, to the slow cooker. Pour the seasoned creamy milk mixture over the pasta. Add 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring gently to combine. Reserve remaining cheese for later.
05 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the macaroni is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir gently halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking of the pasta.
06 - Once cooked, stir the mac and cheese well. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Cover for another 15-20 minutes, or until melted and bubbly. This creates the ultimate cheesy finish for your Ultimate Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese | Creamy & Cheesy.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra crispy top, transfer the finished mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, top with a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden.
02 - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
03 - Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese blend! Smoked gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack can be excellent additions or substitutions for a unique flavor profile.
04 - Serve this rich mac and cheese as a hearty side dish for BBQ ribs, roasted chicken, or as a comforting main course with a simple green salad.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - 6-quart slow cooker
02 - measuring cups
03 - measuring spoons
04 - whisk
05 - cheese grater

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 613 kcal
Total Fat: 36 g
Total Carbohydrate: 51 g
Protein: 26 g

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