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
- 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.
- Add Seasoning
- Stir in the smoked paprika and black pepper to give the sauce extra flavor.
- 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.
- Add Remaining Ingredients
- Add the remaining macaroni, shredded cheeses, butter, and soup mixture. Gently stir to combine everything evenly.
- 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.
- 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.