The Ultimate Comfort Food: Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese Recipe Youโll Love
A warm bowl of mac and cheese ranks high up as one man’s comfort food; that much is certain. It is the type of dish that can awaken memories from your childhood and after a long day soothe any ailment away. What if we said you can turn this old favorite into an even sexier creation with barely breaking a sweat? Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese is about to be your new family favorite comfort food!
In today’s fast life, everybody of us chores for good recipes that are easy to cook and delicious too. Slow cookers are an incredibly convenient way to make mealsโyou just set it and forget about it while handling the rest of your life. Not only that, but this adds a ton of flavor to your macaroni and cheese; it is so much more intense than any stovetop formula.
Cheese-lovers, are you prepared to spoon into a bowl packed with ooey-gooey cheesiness? Letโs get started!
The Trick to Making Perfect Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese
What sets this Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese Recipe apart from the pack? This is both a one-pot meal and an extra cheesy, slow cooker recipe. The medium cheddar gives some more sharper notes, and the creaminess of Colby cheese coupled with an aggressive melting makes this a perfect balance. Tossing the noodles with a can of condensed cheddar cheese soup turns it into creamy comfort food.
That said, the true magic takes place inside your slow cooker. When the mac and cheese cooks low + slow, each noodle is a sponge for all of those delicious cheesy flavors, so when it’s done, its creamy on the bottom with a crispy crusty top.
Ingredients Youโll Need
Before we get cooking, letโs gather all the ingredients:
- 3 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Colby cheese
- 3 tablespoons of soft butter
- 3 cups of half and half
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Campbellโs Cheddar Cheese condensed soup
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours, 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Step 1: Prepare the Cheesy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of half and half with the 15-ounce can of Campbellโs Cheddar Cheese condensed soup. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
Step 2: Add Seasonings
Stir in the 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika. These spices add a subtle kick and depth of flavor to your mac and cheese.
Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
- First Layer: Pour half of the uncooked elbow macaroni pasta into the slow cooker.
- Cheese Layer: Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the shredded Colby cheese over the pasta.
- Butter Dollops: Add half of the soft butter, distributing small dollops over the cheese layer.
- Sauce Layer: Pour half of the half and half soup mixture over the contents.
Step 4: Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layering process with the remaining ingredients:
- Add the rest of the elbow macaroni pasta.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and Colby cheeses.
- Add the remaining butter.
- Pour in the rest of the half and half soup mixture.
Step 5: Mix It All Together
Gently stir the contents of the slow cooker to ensure all the ingredients are well combined.
Step 6: Cook on Low
Set your slow cooker to the low setting. Cover it with the lid and let it cook for approximately 3 hours. Avoid opening the lid during this time to maintain the optimal cooking temperature.
Step 7: Check for Doneness
After 3 hours, check the pasta for tenderness. It should be al dente and the cheese fully melted. If itโs not quite ready, cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, give it a good stir to mix the melted cheese throughout. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy perfection!
Cooking Hacks and Tips
1. Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce. For the creamiest results, shred your own cheese.
2. Donโt Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook in the slow cooker, thereโs no need to pre-cook it. This saves time and ensures the pasta absorbs all the cheesy goodness.
3. Customize Your Cheese Blend: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a bit of Parmesan can add unique flavors.
4. Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeรฑos.
5. Make It a Meal: Add cooked bacon bits, grilled chicken, or steamed broccoli to turn this side dish into a hearty main course.