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Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
🛒 Quick Ingredients
📋 Complete Ingredients List
💡 Pro tip: Tap items to check them off as you prep!
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups whole milk
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
🍳 Quick Cooking Steps
Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray
Add uncooked macaroni to the crockpot
Pour in whole milk and evaporated milk
Add melted butter and cream cheese cubes
Add all seasonings and stir to combine
Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours or HIGH for 1.5 hours
After first hour, stir mixture to prevent pasta from sticking
In the last 30 minutes, add both grated cheeses and stir well
Let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving to thicken
🔧 Kitchen Tools & Equipment
📋 Complete Tools List
- 6-quart crockpot
- Box grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Rubber spatula
- Can opener
⚡ Quick Cooking Tips
Use combination of cheeses for more complex flavor
Add mustard powder for traditional mac and cheese taste
Try different pasta shapes like shells or rotini
Add vegetables like cauliflower or butternut squash for nutrition boost
Top with buttered panko breadcrumbs for crispy finish
Use white cheddar for different color and flavor profile
Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese for spicy variation
📊 Nutrition Facts
🔥 Time to Burn Calories
Walking 90min, Running 45min, Cycling 60min
📦 Storage & Meal Prep
🥶 Storage Instructions
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days Keep away from strong-smelling foods in refrigerator Do not freeze as pasta texture will become grainy
🔥 Reheating Tips
- Reheat in microwave with splash of milk to maintain creaminess Stir every 30 seconds while reheating Can be reheated in crockpot on LOW for 30 minutes with added milk
⏰ Make Ahead Tips
- Grate cheese up to 2 days ahead and store in sealed container Measure and combine dry seasonings in advance Prepare individual portions for easy reheating
❄️ Freezing Guide
- Not recommended for freezing due to dairy content If freezing necessary, use within 1 month Thaw completely in refrigerator before reheating
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Top with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture Serve with steamed broccoli or peas Pair with a crisp green salad Add crumbled bacon or diced ham for meat lovers Garnish with fresh parsley or chives
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using pre-shredded cheese (contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting) Opening crockpot too frequently which releases necessary heat Not stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking Using wrong pasta shape that doesn't hold sauce well Adding all cheese at beginning of cooking time
🎨 Recipe Variations
- Mexican: Add diced green chiles, taco seasoning, and pepper jack cheese Buffalo: Include buffalo sauce and shredded chicken Lobster: Add cooked lobster meat and Old Bay seasoning Truffle: Mix in truffle oil and mushrooms Green Chile: Include roasted green chiles and queso fresco
❓ Quick Cooking Q&A
Fresh grated cheese is recommended as it melts better and creates a smoother sauce
This usually happens when cheese is added too quickly or at too high temperature. Add cheese gradually and maintain low heat
Not recommended as it may cause the milk to scorch and pasta to become mushy
Don't overcook and check pasta consistency during last hour of cooking
Yes, if your crockpot is large enough. Cooking time may need to be increased slightly
Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but any good melting cheese works well
Yes, but it may require additional liquid and cooking time
This can happen if heat is too high or cooking time is too long. Maintain recommended temperature
Best served fresh, but can be reheated with additional milk to restore creaminess
Keep in airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days
Yes, add cooked vegetables in last 30 minutes of cooking
Regular milk can be used but sauce won't be as creamy
Yes, but texture and taste will vary. Use unsweetened varieties
Make sure cheese is room temperature and finely grated for best melting
Yes, but check pasta frequently as cooking time may vary