Comforting and cheesy, slow-cooked mac n' cheese is a classic dish that's perfect for gatherings or a cozy night at home. This ultimate guide provides a collection of delectable recipes that cater to various preferences and dietary needs.
From the traditional macaroni and cheese made with creamy béchamel sauce and gooey cheddar cheese to lighter versions featuring cauliflower or sweet potato noodles, this article offers a diverse range of options. Gluten-free and vegan alternatives are also included, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic dish. Each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver a perfect balance of flavors and textures, resulting in a rich and satisfying macaroni and cheese experience.
SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories main-dish
Time 3h25m
Yield 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- In a large 4-quart slow cooker sprayed with cooking spray, mix the macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, eggs and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top of the mixture and then sprinkle with paprika. Cover and cook on low heat for 3 hours and 15 minutes. Turn off the slow cooker, stir the mixture and serve hot.
SLOW COOKER MAC AND CHEESE
This creamy, comforting meal takes just moments to assemble and is always a big hit. Great for large family gatherings and to take to pot luck dinners. I'm always asked for the recipe!
Provided by Cathy P
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 3h25m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain and transfer pasta to slow cooker.
- Add butter to pasta and stir until melted; season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle about 1/2 the Cheddar cheese over pasta and stir.
- Whisk evaporated milk and eggs together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture.
- Whisk milk and Cheddar cheese soup together in a bowl until smooth; stir into pasta mixture. Sprinkle remaining cheese over pasta mixture; garnish with paprika.
- Cook on Low for 3 hours.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 431.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.9 g, Cholesterol 99 mg, Fat 24.7 g, Fiber 1.4 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 14.8 g, Sodium 524.2 mg, Sugar 4.7 g
3-CHEESE SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Food Network
Time 4h10m
Yield 15 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- 1. Spray slow cooker lightly with cooking spray.
- 2. In large bowl, combine cheeses and set aside.
- 3. In another large bowl, whisk eggs lightly. Add evaporated milk, milk, dry mustard, cayenne, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Whisk to combine.
- 4. Add 3 cups of cheese mixture and uncooked macaroni noodles to egg mixture. Stir to combine.
- 5. Pour into slow cooker. Top with remaining cheese.
- 6. Sprinkle with paprika.
- 7. Cook on LOW for 4 hours.
EASY SLOW-COOKER MAC & CHEESE
My sons always say I'm the best mom in the world when I make this creamy mac-and-cheese perfection. Does it get any better than that? -Heidi Fleek, Hamburg, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h25m
Yield 8 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine soup, milk, sour cream, butter and seasonings; cook and stir over medium-low heat until blended. Stir in cheeses until melted., Drain macaroni; transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Stir in cheese mixture. Cook, covered, on low 1-2 hours or until heated through.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 346 calories, Fat 23g fat (14g saturated fat), Cholesterol 71mg cholesterol, Sodium 712mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 15g protein.
MAKEOVER SLOW-COOKED MAC 'N' CHEESE
This recipe is a clear example of comfort food at its finest; it's rich, hearty and extra cheesy. And because it's made in the slow cooker, it's also extremely easy. -Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 2h25m
Yield 9 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, milk, egg substitute and butter. Stir in the process cheese, 1-1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese and macaroni., Transfer to a 3-qt. slow cooker coated with cooking spray. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until center is set, stirring once. Sprinkle with remaining sharp cheddar cheese and, if desired, coarsely ground pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 300 calories, Fat 12g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 647mg sodium, Carbohydrate 29g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 19g protein. Diabetic Exchanges
SLOW-COOKED MAC 'N' CHEESE
Slow-cooked mac and cheese-the words alone are enough to make mouths water. This is comfort food at its best: rich and extra cheesy. And the slow cooker makes it so easy. -Shelby Molina, Whitewater, Wisconsin
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 2h55m
Yield 9 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a large bowl, combine the evaporated milk, milk, eggs, butter and salt. Stir in the cheddar cheese, 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese and macaroni., Transfer to a greased 3-qt. slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 2-1/2 to 3 hours or until center is set, stirring once. Sprinkle with remaining sharp cheddar cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 415 calories, Fat 28g fat (20g saturated fat), Cholesterol 143mg cholesterol, Sodium 745mg sodium, Carbohydrate 20g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
SLOW COOKER MAC 'N' CHEESE
There's no need to make a white sauce with this easy recipe. Just tip the ingredients into your slow cooker for a velvety smooth veggie pasta dish
Provided by Anna Glover
Categories Dinner, Main course, Pasta
Time 1h45m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Pour boiling water over the pasta and drain, then put everything in a slow cooker and stir well. Season, cover and cook on low for 1 hr. Stir again, put the lid back on and cook for another 30 mins until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has reduced enough to coat the macaroni.
- Leave the lid off and reduce for the last 10 mins if you need to, or add a splash more milk - this will depend on the size of your slow cooker and the brand. Serve with extra cheese.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 666 calories, Fat 31 grams fat, SaturatedFat 19 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 71 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 9 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 25 grams protein, Sodium 1 milligram of sodium
SLOW-COOKER BANANA BREAD
I love to use my slow cooker. I started to experiment with making bread in it so I wouldn't have to heat up my kitchen by turning on my oven. It's so easy and simple. I make this slow-cooker banana bread all the time. -Nicole Gackowski, Antioch, California
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Snacks
Time 2h40m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Place a piece of parchment paper into a 5-quart slow cooker, letting ends extend up sides. Grease paper with cooking spray. Combine the first 4 ingredients in a large bowl. Pour batter into prepared slow cooker. If desired, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top of batter. Cover slow cooker with a double layer of white paper towels; place lid securely over towels. , Cook, covered, on high until bread is lightly browned, 2-1/2 to 3 hours. To avoid scorching, rotate slow cooker insert a half turn midway through cooking, lifting carefully with oven mitts. Remove bread from slow cooker using parchment to lift; cool slightly before slicing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 210 calories, Fat 3g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 11mg cholesterol, Sodium 276mg sodium, Carbohydrate 41g carbohydrate (23g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 5g protein.
SLOW-COOKER MAC AND CHEESE
This classic casserole is a rich and cheesy meatless main dish. I've never met anyone who didn't ask for a second helping. -Bernice Glascoe, Roxboro, North Carolina
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 4h
Yield 10 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain. Place in a 5-qt. slow cooker; add butter. In a large bowl, mix 3 cups cheese, evaporated milk, condensed soup, 2% milk and eggs. Pour over macaroni mixture; stir to combine. Cook, covered, on low for 3-1/2 to 4 hours or until a thermometer reads at least 160°., Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cook, covered, on low until cheese is melted, 15-20 minutes longer. Sprinkle with paprika.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 502 calories, Fat 28g fat (18g saturated fat), Cholesterol 131mg cholesterol, Sodium 638mg sodium, Carbohydrate 42g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 21g protein.
Tips:
- Use a slow cooker with a removable crock. This will make it easier to clean up after cooking.
- Shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that can affect the taste and texture of your mac and cheese.
- Use a good quality pasta. A high-quality pasta will hold its shape better and won't become mushy when cooked in the slow cooker.
- Don't overcook the pasta. The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Use a variety of cheeses. This will give your mac and cheese a more complex flavor.
- Add seasonings to taste. You can use garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to add flavor to your mac and cheese.
- Top with breadcrumbs or crumbled bacon. This will give your mac and cheese a nice crunchy topping.
Conclusion:
Slow-cooked mac and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. With a few simple tips, you can make a mac and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. So next time you're looking for a comforting and satisfying meal, give slow-cooked mac and cheese a try.
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