Description
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a creamy, decadent, and easy-to-make comfort food. Made with a combination of cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, milk, butter, and eggs, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it dish perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday dinners.
Ingredients
1 pound (16 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
4 cups whole milk
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Gruyère or Monterey Jack cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Spray slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, eggs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and dry mustard until smooth.
3. Pour uncooked macaroni into the slow cooker.
4. Add shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses; toss with hands to combine.
5. Pour milk and egg mixture over pasta and cheese; stir gently to distribute evenly.
6. Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the top; do not stir.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2.5 hours without opening lid.
8. Check pasta tenderness; gently stir before serving.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk in microwave or over low heat on stovetop.
Avoid pre-shredded bagged cheese; shred blocks for smooth sauce.
Do not cook on HIGH; slow and low prevents sauce from breaking.
Optional mix-ins: cooked bacon, ham, shredded chicken, jalapeños, green chiles.
Optional cheese swaps: Gouda, Fontina, smoked cheese.
Optional veggies: peas, steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Side Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 21 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg