Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Here’s your delicious Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese recipe with a bit more detail for easy preparation. Perfectly creamy and full of cheesy goodness!


Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese 🧀🍝

Servings: 6-8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes


Ingredients

  • 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
    Classic choice for creamy mac & cheese; it holds the sauce well!
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
    Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor.
  • 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
    Adds a mild, creamy texture.
  • 3 tablespoons butter, softened
    Enhances the richness of the sauce.
  • 3 cups half and half
    For extra creaminess, you could use part heavy cream.
  • 1 (15-ounce) can Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup
    Creates a rich, cheesy base.
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
    Season to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    Adds a subtle smoky depth.

Directions

  1. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
  • In a large bowl, combine the half and half with the cheddar cheese soup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly blended.
  1. Add Seasoning
  • Stir in the smoked paprika and black pepper to give the sauce extra flavor.
  1. Assemble in the Crockpot
  • Grease the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  • Pour in half of the uncooked macaroni. Layer with half of the shredded cheddar and Colby cheese, half of the butter, and half of the soup mixture.
  • Stir gently to combine, creating an even layer of pasta and cheese sauce.
  1. Add Remaining Ingredients
  • Add the remaining macaroni, shredded cheeses, butter, and soup mixture. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.
  1. Cook the Mac & Cheese
  • Set the slow cooker to low and cover with the lid. Let it cook for approximately 3 hours, stirring once halfway through if desired. The mac & cheese should be creamy, with the pasta cooked through and cheese melted.
  1. Serve and Enjoy
  • Give it a good stir before serving. For an extra cheesy touch, top with a bit more shredded cheese in the last 10-15 minutes of cooking if you’d like.

Tips for Success

  • Check for Doneness: Slow cooker temperatures can vary, so check around the 2.5-hour mark to ensure the macaroni isn’t overcooked.
  • Add Toppings: For extra flavor, try topping with crispy breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon right before serving.
  • Variations: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for different flavors.

Enjoy your warm, creamy, and cheesy Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese! Perfect for family meals, potlucks, or comfort food cravings.

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