CrockPot Mac and Cheese Recipe

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CrockPot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for any holiday dinner.

Whether you’re planning your Thanksgiving side dishes or looking for easy Christmas sides, this recipe is a must-try.

It’s one of those vegetarian sides that everyone will love, and it’s especially great as a part of your collection of Thanksgiving crockpot recipes.

Made with love, this homemade mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s a fantastic make-ahead-of-time dish, making your holiday preparations stress-free.

Perfect for any holiday side, this slow cooker mac and cheese can even transform into baked mac and cheese for that crispy top layer.

If you have Thanksgiving leftovers, this dish is a great way to reinvent them.

It’s a family dinner favorite and a kid-friendly option that doubles as a back-to-school lunch idea or super tasty kids’ lunch idea.

For those who enjoy variety, adding hamburger to make a delicious hamburger mac and cheese turns this into a hearty one-pot meal.

CrockPot Mac and Cheese Ingredients

Using the best ingredients is key to making this CrockPot Mac and Cheese a hit at your holiday dinners.

• Elbow Pasta: The perfect shape to hold all that cheesy goodness.
• Whole Milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Evaporated Milk: Gives a smooth and creamy texture without adding too much liquid.
• Sharp Cheddar: Brings a strong, tangy flavor that stands out.
• American Cheese: Melts beautifully for that classic mac and cheese feel.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds a little kick.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle garlic flavor that complements the cheeses.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps to create a silky sauce.

Tips and Notes

• Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: It will continue to cook in the CrockPot, so keep it al dente.
• Stir Occasionally: To ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, give it a quick stir halfway through.
• Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique flavor.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: If you like a bit of crunch, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before serving.

How to Make CrockPot Mac and Cheese

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Spray a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Combine Ingredients: Add uncooked elbow pasta, whole milk, evaporated milk, sharp cheddar, American cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the slow cooker. Stir everything together, making sure the pasta is fully coated.
3. Add Butter: Dot the mixture with cubed butter on top.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 1 hour. Remove the lid and stir the mixture well. Cover again and cook for another hour.
5. Let It Rest: Once done, remove the lid and let the mac and cheese sit for a few minutes. The sauce will thicken as it cools.

Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm up individual portions in the microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: You can freeze the mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Other Slow Cooker Sides to Try!

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