Creamy Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese Delight! This recipe, inspired by a work colleague's culinary genius, combines tender macaroni, rich cheeses, and creamy milk for a dish that's simply irresistible. Perfect for busy weeknights, this hands-free cooking method allows you to set it and forget it, making it a go-to family favorite. Whether served as a side or a main dish, it's packed with flavor and nostalgia! A must-try for cheese lovers and a satisfying addition to any table.
6-8
Servings
350
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Macaroni
16 ounces (any type)
Oil
1 tablespoon (for coating macaroni)
Evaporated milk
14 ounces (canned)
Milk
1 1/2 cups (whole or 2%)
Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Shredded cheddar cheese
3 cups (sharp preferred)
Melted butter
1/2 cup (for richness)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is just barely tender, usually about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or a small amount of oil to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, toss the drained macaroni with 1 tablespoon of oil to coat it evenly.
4
Transfer the macaroni into the greased crockpot.
5
Add the evaporated milk, whole milk, salt, cheddar cheese, and melted butter to the crockpot.
6
Gently stir to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the macaroni is well-coated in the creamy mixture.
7
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 3 to 4 hours. **Important:** Do not stir again during the cooking process as it may affect the creamy texture.
8
Once done, check for creaminess and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously cheesy creation!
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese Delight?
It is a rich, hands-free comfort food recipe combining macaroni, various milks, and shredded cheddar cheese for an indulgent meal.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes between 6 and 8 servings.
How long does the mac and cheese cook in the slow cooker?
It should be cooked on the low heat setting for 3 to 4 hours.
Should I cook the macaroni before putting it in the slow cooker?
Yes, boil the macaroni in salted water for 6-8 minutes until it is just barely tender before adding it to the crockpot.
What type of macaroni is best for this recipe?
You can use any type of macaroni pasta for this recipe.
Why is oil added to the cooked macaroni?
One tablespoon of oil is used to coat the macaroni to prevent the pasta from sticking together in the slow cooker.
What kinds of milk are required?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of evaporated milk and 1 1/2 cups of whole or 2% milk.
What type of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, with sharp cheddar being the preferred variety for the best flavor.
Is it necessary to grease the crockpot?
Yes, you should lightly grease the inside of the crockpot with cooking spray or oil to prevent the cheese and pasta from sticking.
Can I stir the mac and cheese while it cooks?
No, it is important not to stir the mixture during the 3 to 4 hour cooking process to ensure a creamy texture.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of melted butter to add richness to the dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe as it contains no meat products.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 350 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 21 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in one serving?
One serving contains 30 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving provides 15 grams of protein.
Can I cook this recipe on the high setting?
The instructions specify cooking on the low setting for 3 to 4 hours to achieve the best results.
What is the first step in the preparation process?
The first step is to cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is just barely tender.
How much salt should I add to the crockpot?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, or you can adjust to your personal taste.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly recipe that is popular with children because of its creamy and cheesy flavor.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Absolutely, it can be served as a satisfying main dish or as a side dish for a larger meal.
What makes this recipe ideal for busy weeknights?
The 'set it and forget it' slow-cooker method allows for hands-free cooking while you attend to other tasks.
Does the recipe provide fiber information?
No, the fiber content for this recipe is not specified.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 7 main ingredients: macaroni, oil, evaporated milk, milk, salt, shredded cheddar, and melted butter.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese from the store?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese, though freshly shredded cheese often melts more smoothly.
What should I do after the 3-4 hours of cooking are up?
Check the dish for creaminess and flavor, then serve it hot.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No, the recipe contains no added sugar according to the ingredient list.
What was the inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the culinary genius of a work colleague.
What size package of macaroni should I buy?
You will need a 16-ounce package of macaroni.
Is this a good dish for a holiday gathering?
Yes, its nostalgic flavor and easy preparation make it a great addition to any gathering or table.