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–+ servings

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and effortless comfort food classic made in the slow cooker with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5
Calories 484 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Slow cooker
  • 1 Saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 10 ½ oz condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ½ cup sour cream regular or light
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp dry mustard powder
  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions
 

  • Boil your macaroni noodles for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture. (Aim for 5 minutes of cooking time as a good starting point.)
  • Drain the partially cooked noodles and give them a quick rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
  • Toss all of your ingredients (including the rinsed noodles) into a 4-quart slow cooker.
  • Cook your mac and cheese on high for 2 hours, or if you prefer a more leisurely approach, opt for low heat and let it simmer for 3 hours. Don't forget to give it a gentle stir once or twice during cooking.
  • When it's all done, serve your crock pot mac and cheese hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Notes

  • Don't Overcook the Noodles: Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
  • Choose Your Cheese: While cheddar and Gruyère are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
  • Stir It Up: Give the mac and cheese a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to ensure the cheese melts evenly and prevents sticking.
  • Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary, so check the mac and cheese about 30 minutes before the recommended cook time to ensure the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted.
  • Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped broccoli, or roasted peppers.
  • Top It Off: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor and texture.
  • Leftovers: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Nutrition

Calories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 17gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 1004mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 803IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 492mgIron: 1mg
Keyword crock pot mac and cheese, crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker recipe
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