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–+ servings

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Rich, cheesy macaroni made entirely in the slow cooker—no boiling the pasta first. Sharp cheddar and American cheese create a smooth sauce, while evaporated milk and whole milk give it a creamy consistency.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow pasta, uncooked
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar
  • 1 1/2 cups American cheese, cubed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 4 tbsp butter, cubed

Instructions

  • Coat a 6-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
  • Place the uncooked elbow pasta in the slow cooker. Add the evaporated milk, whole milk, sharp cheddar, American cheese, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir everything together, making sure the noodles are covered by the mixture.
  • Scatter the cubed butter over the top.
  • Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 1 hour.
  • Remove the lid and stir the macaroni thoroughly. Cover again and continue cooking on low for 1 more hour.
  • Remove the lid when cooking is complete. Let the macaroni sit for a few minutes; the cheese sauce will thicken as it rests.

Notes

Recipe Notes

  • Don’t precook the pasta. Add the elbow macaroni straight to the slow cooker uncooked. It will soften as it cooks in the milk and cheese mixture.
  • Cook on low. Avoid using the high setting, as the pasta may cook too quickly and become overly soft.
  • Stir after the first hour. This helps the pasta cook evenly and brings the melted cheeses together into a smooth sauce.
  • Let it rest before serving. The sauce may seem a little thin when you first remove the lid. Give it a few minutes uncovered and it will thicken as it sits.
  • For the creamiest texture, stick with the combination of sharp cheddar and American cheese. The cheddar adds flavor while the American cheese helps keep the sauce smooth.
  • Keep an eye on the pasta. Slow cookers can vary in temperature, so check the macaroni toward the end of cooking to prevent it from becoming too soft.
  • For leftovers, add a small splash of milk before reheating to help loosen the cheese sauce and bring back its creamy consistency.
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