Creamy Slow Cooker Cavatappi Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Slow Cooker Cavatappi Mac & Cheese! This recipe elevates a classic favorite by combining rich and melty cheeses with perfectly cooked cavatappi pasta, all simmered slowly to create a creamy, dreamy consistency. The addition of crunchy cornflake crumbs on top offers a delightful contrast in texture, making each bite irresistible. Ideal for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this dish is not only simple to prepare but also frees you up to enjoy time with your loved ones while it cooks. Get ready to satisfy your cheese cravings like never before!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cavatappi pasta
10 ounces (dry)
Sharp white cheddar cheese
1 cup (shredded)
Swiss cheese
1 cup (shredded (Gruyere recommended))
White American cheese
8 ounces (cubed)
Sweet onion
1 tablespoon (minced)
Half-and-half
1 1/2 cups (none)
Evaporated milk
1 (12 ounce) can (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Dry mustard
3/4 teaspoon (none)
Sea salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Unsalted butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
Cornflake crumbs
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by coating the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In the slow cooker, combine the dry cavatappi pasta, sharp white cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and cubed white American cheese.
3
Pour in the half-and-half and evaporated milk, then add the minced sweet onion. Stir the mixture until everything is well combined.
4
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
5
Thirty minutes before the cooking time is complete, stir in the Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
6
In a small nonstick skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Add the cornflake crumbs, stirring frequently until they are toasted and golden, about 2 minutes.
7
Once the macaroni and cheese is fully cooked, remove the lid, sprinkle the toasted cornflake crumbs evenly over the top, and serve immediately for a deliciously cheesy experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main pasta used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 10 ounces of dry cavatappi pasta.
What type of cheddar cheese is recommended?
Sharp white cheddar cheese is used for its rich flavor.
Which Swiss cheese works best for this dish?
Gruyere cheese is highly recommended for the best flavor and melting quality.
How should the white American cheese be prepared?
The white American cheese should be cubed before adding it to the slow cooker.
Do I need to boil the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, you add the cavatappi pasta dry directly into the slow cooker.
What liquids provide the creamy base for the sauce?
A combination of half-and-half and a 12-ounce can of evaporated milk creates the creamy base.
How much onion is added to the recipe?
One tablespoon of minced sweet onion is included for subtle flavor.
What is the cooking time on the HIGH setting?
On the HIGH setting, the macaroni and cheese cooks for 3 hours.
What is the cooking time on the LOW setting?
On the LOW setting, the dish takes 4 hours to cook.
When should I add the Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard?
Stir in the Worcestershire sauce and dry mustard thirty minutes before the cooking time is complete.
What seasonings are used in this mac and cheese?
The seasonings include dry mustard, sea salt, and fresh ground black pepper.
How do I prepare the slow cooker before starting?
Coat the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the pasta from sticking.
What makes the topping crunchy?
Toasted cornflake crumbs create a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
How do I toast the cornflake crumbs?
Melt unsalted butter in a small nonstick skillet and stir in the crumbs for about 2 minutes until golden.
How much butter is needed for the topping?
One tablespoon of unsalted butter is used to toast the crumbs.
Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?
The recipe specifically calls for evaporated milk to achieve a richer, creamier consistency.
Should I stir the mac and cheese while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to ensure even cooking throughout the slow cooker.
When do I put the cornflake crumbs on the dish?
Sprinkle the toasted crumbs over the top once the cooking time is fully complete and you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is an ideal comfort food dish for family gatherings or cozy nights in.
How much cornflake crumbs do I need?
You will need 1/2 cup of cornflake crumbs for the topping.
What kind of onion is specified?
The recipe calls for a sweet onion, minced finely.
How much Worcestershire sauce is used?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce.
What is the amount of sea salt required?
The dish requires 1/4 teaspoon of sea salt.
Can I substitute the cavatappi for another pasta?
While cavatappi is recommended for its texture, other short pasta shapes can be used if necessary.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is coating the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Is the American cheese yellow or white?
The recipe specifically calls for white American cheese.
How much half-and-half is used?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of half-and-half.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to sprinkle the toasted cornflake crumbs evenly over the top.
Does this recipe include eggs?
No, this slow cooker mac and cheese recipe does not contain eggs.
How much dry mustard is included?
The recipe uses 3/4 teaspoon of dry mustard for extra tang.