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Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

This Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese is creamy, rich, and easy to make, perfect for feeding a crowd.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes
Course Sides
Cuisine American
Servings 8 people
Calories 574 kcal

Equipment

  • 5-6 qt Crockpot
  • food processor
  • Liquid measure
  • measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Dairy

  • 1 pound elbow pasta uncooked (regular, NOT gluten free, NOT quick cook pasta)
  • 2.5 cups whole milk
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 12 ounces Extra sharp cheddar 3 cups shredded (from the deli, shred yourself, don't buy bagged)
  • 4 ounces American cheese 1 cup shredded (from the deli, not processed slices)

Seasonings and Butter

  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • cayenne pepper Dash to taste
  • 0.25 cup butter cubed

Instructions
 

Main Instructions

  • Spray 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick spray.
  • Rinse the uncooked pasta well in cold water and drain.
  • Add uncooked pasta to crockpot along with milks, cheeses, salt, pepper, mustard, garlic and cayenne pepper. Stir to combine, making sure macaroni is submerged in liquid as much as possible.
  • Dot with cubed butter.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour. Remove lid and stir, be quick! Don't let too much heat out. Depending on your slow cooker, your dish could be done at this point or require UP TO 1-2 more hours.
  • If not done, continue cooking and checking periodically (ever half hour or so).
  • When done, pasta will be tender and liquid will be thick and creamy. Sauce will thicken even more after lid is removed and mac and cheese sits.

Notes

IMPORTANT - please do not use the bagged shredded cheese. It contains an anti-caking agent that can make your mac and cheese gritty. Get the cheese from the deli and shred it yourself. PASTA - please use a sturdy pasta, not the really thin noodles. Thin noodles will cook much faster and turn to mush. Every slow cooker is different, so check periodically.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 574kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 26gFat: 29gSaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 923mgPotassium: 426mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 985IUVitamin C: 0.8mgCalcium: 672mgIron: 1.2mg
Keyword cheesy pasta, Comfort Food, Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese, mac and cheese, slow cooker
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