Description: This mac & cheese recipe elevates the classic comfort food to a new level of creamy, cheesy goodness. Cooked low and slow in a crockpot with three types of cheese – cheddar, pepper jack, and cream cheese – this dish is incredibly easy to make and perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy night in. The use of uncooked pasta directly in the slow cooker makes it virtually hands-off, freeing you up to focus on other things while dinner practically cooks itself!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cellentani (corkscrew) pasta, uncooked, or other small pasta shape (such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, or rotini)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced into tablespoon-sized pieces
- 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into 1 ounce pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, I use sharp cheddar
- 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese
Preparation:
Step 1: Begin by preparing your 6-quart slow cooker. No pre-greasing is necessary, as the butter and cream cheese will contribute to the non-stick properties as they melt. Pour the uncooked cellentani pasta (or your chosen pasta shape) directly onto the bottom of the slow cooker. Ensure the pasta is evenly distributed across the base for even cooking.
Step 2: Next, scatter the sliced butter pieces and the cubed cream cheese evenly over the pasta. This strategic placement will allow the butter and cream cheese to melt gradually and create a luscious, creamy base for the sauce as the mac & cheese cooks.
Step 3: Sprinkle the kosher salt and cayenne pepper over the top of the pasta, butter, and cream cheese. The salt will enhance the overall flavor of the dish, while the cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick of heat that complements the richness of the cheese. Feel free to adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your preference, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
Step 4: Pour the whole milk and heavy cream into the slow cooker. The combination of whole milk and heavy cream will create a creamy and decadent sauce. Using whole milk instead of skim milk will provide a richer flavor and texture. The heavy cream further enhances the creaminess and adds a luxurious mouthfeel to the finished dish.
Step 5: Gently stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Make sure that the pasta is evenly coated with the milk and cream mixture. After stirring, smooth the pasta into one even layer at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together during the cooking process.
Instructions:
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the low setting for 1 to 2 hours, or until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). The cooking time may vary depending on your slow cooker and the type of pasta used. Start checking for doneness after 1 hour and adjust the cooking time accordingly. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy.
- Stir the mac & cheese once halfway through the cooking time (after about 30-60 minutes). This will help prevent the pasta from sticking together and ensure that it cooks evenly. After stirring, smooth the pasta back into an even layer.
- Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the slow cooker again and continue cooking for another 10 minutes, or until the cheeses are fully melted and have formed a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Give the mac & cheese a final stir to incorporate the melted cheese into the sauce, creating a homogenous and utterly delicious dish.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe:
This Creamy Dreamy Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese is a game-changer for several reasons:
- Effortless Preparation: The slow cooker does all the work! Simply dump in the ingredients, stir, and let it cook.
- Incredibly Creamy: The combination of cream cheese, whole milk, heavy cream, cheddar, and pepper jack cheeses creates an unbelievably creamy and rich sauce.
- Flavorful and Customizable: The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, while the choice of cheeses allows for customization to your personal preference. Use different cheeses, add spices, or mix in your favorite vegetables or proteins for a truly unique mac & cheese.
- Perfect for Crowds: This recipe is easily scalable for larger gatherings. Just increase the ingredients proportionally to feed a crowd.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the ingredients in advance and store them in the slow cooker overnight in the refrigerator. In the morning, simply plug in the slow cooker and let it cook.
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: 5/5
- Flavor: 5/5
- Kid-Friendly: 5/5
- Overall: 5/5
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- Pair with grilled chicken, pulled pork, or BBQ ribs for a hearty meal.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for extra protein and flavor.
- Mix in roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts for a healthier twist.
- Top with breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of paprika for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve in individual bowls or ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Tips:
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after the cheese is added.
- Adjust the amount of liquid if necessary. If the mac & cheese seems too thick, add a little more milk or cream. If it seems too thin, cook it uncovered for a short period to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- For an even creamier texture, use a hand blender or immersion blender to smooth out the sauce after the cheese has melted. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can make the sauce gluey.
- Store leftover mac & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creaminess.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes – 2 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes – 2 hours 20 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving, based on 8 servings)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 25-30g
- Sodium: 700-800mg (can vary depending on the cheese used)
Conclusion:
This Creamy Dreamy Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, made easy and delicious with the help of your slow cooker. The combination of three cheeses creates an incredibly rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try, and experience the magic of slow cooker mac & cheese!
Questions and Answers:
- Can I use different types of pasta?
- Absolutely! While cellentani is recommended for its texture and shape, you can use any small pasta shape that cooks evenly, such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, rotini, or even shells. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta types may cook at slightly different rates.
- Can I substitute the cheeses?
- Yes, you can certainly customize the cheeses to your liking. For example, you could use Gruyere, Gouda, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar or pepper jack. Consider the flavor profiles of the cheeses you choose to ensure they complement each other.
- Can I add vegetables or protein to this recipe?
- Definitely! This mac & cheese is a great base for adding other ingredients. Cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or shredded chicken would all be excellent additions for protein. For vegetables, consider adding roasted broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, or peas. Simply stir in your desired additions during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.
- Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
- While this recipe is specifically designed for a slow cooker, you can adapt it for the stovetop. Cook the pasta according to package directions. While the pasta cooks, make a cheese sauce by melting the butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour to make a roux, then gradually adding the milk and cream. Stir in the cheeses and seasonings. Finally, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce.
- How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together in the slow cooker?
- The key to preventing the pasta from sticking is to ensure it is evenly coated with the liquid mixture before cooking. Stir the ingredients well to combine and smooth the pasta into one even layer. Stirring the mac & cheese halfway through the cooking time also helps prevent sticking.
