There’s something truly magical about a warm, creamy bowl of mac and cheese. When life gets busy, the last thing you want to worry about is slaving over a hot stove. That’s where our crockpot mac and cheese recipe comes in! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can create a cheesy, gooey delight that will impress your family and keep dinnertime stress-free.

This dish not only offers a nostalgic, comforting flavor but also allows you to enjoy the evening with your loved ones while it cooks itself. Gather around the table for a simple yet satisfying meal that everyone will love, and watch as this dish quickly becomes a family favorite!

Recipe Overview

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This crockpot mac and cheese isn’t just easy to make; it’s perfect for busy families looking for a comforting meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can use a Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker to create a dish that practically cooks itself. This versatile cookware is ideal for large families or gatherings, allowing you to prepare ample servings of this creamy delight.

For the mac and cheese itself, you’ll want to grab some De Cecco Pasta Elbows Pasta. This high-quality macaroni ensures that every bit is perfectly al dente and holds onto that luscious cheese sauce.

And to achieve that rich and creamy flavor, consider a Cheese Sauce Mix. This convenient option is great for those busy nights when you need a quick solution without sacrificing taste.

Get ready to indulge in a creamy cheese sauce that envelops every macaroni piece, making every bite a delightful experience.

Busy families, rejoice! In just 15 minutes of prep, you can savor a creamy crockpot mac and cheese that cooks itself. Comfort food just got a whole lot easier!

Nutrition Information

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Keeping track of what’s on your plate is important, especially for families. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional values for a serving of our crockpot mac and cheese:

– Calories: 450

– Total Fat: 22g (34% DV)

– Saturated Fat: 13g (65% DV)

– Cholesterol: 75mg (25% DV)

– Sodium: 880mg (38% DV)

– Carbohydrates: 43g (14% DV)

– Fiber: 2g (8% DV)

– Sugars: 3g

– Protein: 16g

This dish offers a hearty serving of carbs and protein, making it a filling option for busy days without compromising on flavor.

To make the cooking process even easier, consider using a Crock-Pot 7 quart oval manual slow cooker. This versatile cookware is perfect for large families or entertaining, allowing you to set it and forget it while you handle other tasks.

Measuring ingredients accurately can significantly improve your dish, so don’t forget to grab a measuring cups and spoons set. This essential kitchen tool includes both 1-cup and 2-cup tempered glass liquid measuring cups, ensuring you get your quantities right without any guesswork.

Lastly, adding freshly grated cheese can elevate the flavor of your mac and cheese. A reliable cheese grater is a must-have in the kitchen. This stainless steel grater comes with a container for easy shredding and storing, making it a breeze to prepare your ingredients.

With these tools on hand, you’ll not only simplify your cooking experience but also enhance the final dish, making your crockpot mac and cheese a delightful meal for any occasion.

Cook and Prep Times

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Understanding the timing is key to getting the best out of your meals, especially on busy days. Here’s how it breaks down for this easy mac and cheese:

– Prep Time: 15 minutes, which includes measuring and mixing ingredients. To make this step even easier, consider the Measuring Cups and Spoons Set. With these handy kitchen gadgets, you’ll measure your ingredients with precision, ensuring perfect flavor every time.

– Cooking Time: 2-3 hours on low heat in the crockpot. For the ultimate cooking experience, a reliable slow cooker is essential. The Crockpot Slow Cooker is perfect for large families or entertaining, allowing you to whip up this creamy dish effortlessly. Just get started in the morning, and let your slow cooker do its magic. You’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you after a long day, with minimal effort involved!

And if you’re looking to expand your mac and cheese repertoire, the Mac and Cheese Recipe Cookbook offers 50 simple recipes to satisfy your cravings.

With just 15 minutes of prep and 2-3 hours of slow cooking, your crockpot mac and cheese will turn busy days into delicious, stress-free dinners. Let the magic happen while you tackle the rest of your day!

Ingredients List

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Gathering the right ingredients is crucial for a successful dish. For this crockpot mac and cheese recipe, you’ll need:

– 1 pound elbow macaroni

– 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

– 1 cup cream cheese, cubed

– 4 cups milk

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cubed

– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

To make your preparation even easier, consider using a cheese grater, which allows you to quickly shred the cheese without the fuss of a knife and cutting board. A fine shred helps the cheese melt smoothly into the sauce, creating that rich, creamy texture we all love.

Don’t forget about the importance of precise measurements. Using a set of measuring cups and spoons ensures you add the right amount of ingredients, keeping your mac and cheese balanced and delicious.

Finally, if you don’t already have one, a crockpot is essential for this recipe. It will do the heavy lifting for you while you attend to other tasks, making this a truly hands-off cooking experience. These ingredients create a rich, creamy cheese sauce that wraps around every macaroni piece, ensuring a delightful comfort food experience for the whole family!

Gather the essentials for a cozy meal – with just a few simple ingredients, this crockpot mac and cheese recipe turns into creamy comfort food that the whole family will love!

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Step-by-Step Instructions

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Making crockpot mac and cheese is a breeze! Just follow these simple steps for a creamy masterpiece:

1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with PAM no-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup. This will help ensure nothing sticks, making your post-cooking cleanup a lot simpler.

2. Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For accurate measurements, consider using a measuring cups and spoons set. Stir until everything is well combined.

3. Transfer to Crockpot: Pour the mixture into the prepared crockpot, spreading it evenly.

4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. The Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker is perfect for this recipe, allowing you to cook enough for gatherings or family meals.

5. Check for Creaminess: Around the 2-hour mark, check the consistency. If it appears thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired creaminess.

6. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, give it a quick stir and serve warm. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy goodness!

This method eliminates the stress of monitoring the stove while ensuring a rich and satisfying meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe the Best Way

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To elevate your crockpot mac and cheese experience, consider these handy tips:

– Cheese Quality: Always opt for high-quality cheese. The better the cheese, the creamier the sauce will be! A great option is the High-Quality Cheese Variety Pack from Wisconsin Cheese Company, which includes a mix of cheddar, Gouda, and more for a delicious flavor boost.

– Use a Variety: Mix your cheeses for a unique flavor. Try a blend of mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for a twist. You can find quality options in the cheese variety pack mentioned above.

– Add Extras: Consider adding crispy bacon bits, sautéed vegetables, or even cooked chicken for added protein and flavor.

– Stir Occasionally: If your crockpot allows, give it a stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and mixing of flavors. A reliable choice for this is the Crock-Pot Large 8-Quart Programmable Slow Cooker, which has programmable settings to help you manage your cooking time perfectly.

– Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheat in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner. The Airtight Food Storage Containers are ideal for keeping your mac and cheese fresh and ready to enjoy.

These suggestions can really take your dish to the next level, making it a regular staple!

Frequently Asked Questions

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Here are some common queries about this crockpot mac and cheese recipe:

– **Can I use gluten-free pasta?** Absolutely! Just substitute regular elbow macaroni with BARILLA Gluten Free Elbows Pasta; the recipe works just as well. This gluten-free option allows everyone to enjoy this comfort dish without any dietary restrictions.

– **How do I make it spicy?** For a kick, you can add jalapenos, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. A great way to enhance the flavor is by using a hot sauce variety pack. This sampler set includes multiple flavors, so you can customize your dish to suit your heat preference.

– **Can I make it ahead of time?** Yes! You can prepare the ingredients a day before, store them in the fridge, and cook them in the slow cooker the next day. Using a reliable Crock-Pot 7 Quart Oval Manual Slow Cooker makes this process effortless, especially when planning meals for busy days.

– **What if it’s too thick?** If your mac and cheese turns out too thick, simply stir in additional milk until you reach your preferred consistency. Keeping some milk on hand ensures that you can easily adjust the texture to your liking.

– **Can I freeze leftovers?** Yes! Allow the dish to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm, making it a convenient meal option for those hectic weeks ahead.

Comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With this crockpot mac and cheese recipe, you can customize it to your taste—spicy, gluten-free, or made ahead—leaving more time for what matters most!

Conclusion

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Crockpot mac and cheese is a lifesaver for families seeking comfort food without the hassle.

With minimal preparation and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe brings everyone together at the dinner table, ready to enjoy a familiar favorite.

Try it out and watch how it turns into a staple in your household, offering creamy satisfaction with every bite!

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Frequently Asked Questions