Description
Creamy mac & cheese delights dinner tables with its hearty Southern comfort. Rich cheese sauce and tender pasta create a simple, satisfying meal that warms family hearts and brings everyone together.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (300g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (100g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup (100g) Gruyere or Parmesan cheese, shredded
- 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups (960 ml) whole milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat the interior of the slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Foundation Layer: Distribute uncooked macaroni evenly across the bottom of the crockpot, creating a uniform base for the cheesy creation.
- Liquid Infusion: Combine whole milk, evaporated milk, and melted butter, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, rich liquid foundation that will transform the pasta.
- Cheese Cascade: Generously layer shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyere cheeses throughout the pasta, ensuring complete coverage and maximum flavor potential.
- Seasoning Symphony: Sprinkle garlic powder, onion powder, ground mustard, salt, and black pepper across the mixture, gently folding to incorporate all flavor elements evenly.
- Slow Cooking Magic: Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the ingredients to meld and develop a luscious, creamy texture over approximately 2.5 hours.
- Final Touches: Occasionally stir the mac and cheese to prevent pasta clumping and promote uniform cheese distribution, transitioning to warm setting once pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
- Serving Flourish: Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, presenting a vibrant, herb-kissed mac and cheese that’s both comforting and elegant.
Notes
- Prevent Sticking: Coat crockpot with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy serving and clean-up.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Use a blend of cheeses at room temperature for smoother, more even melting and richer flavor profile.
- Stirring Strategy: Gently mix every 45 minutes to distribute cheese evenly and prevent pasta from clustering or burning.
- Moisture Control: Avoid overloading with liquid to maintain creamy consistency without becoming watery or soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 80mg