Crock Pot Mac and Cheese {Extra Creamy!}
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
2 hrs
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Total Time
2 hrs 10 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
658 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese {Extra Creamy!}
Description
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese combines elbow macaroni with a blend of cheddar and gruyere cheeses, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise. The pasta is boiled briefly to just under done before combining all ingredients in the slow cooker. This approach prevents overcooked pasta and fosters a creamy texture as the dish slowly cooks. The dry seasonings add subtle depth to the cheese sauce. For an even silkier finish, warm milk can be added near the end of cooking. This method gives a moist, cheesy casserole that can be served hot as a side or a main.
The slow cooker method simplifies preparation while delivering a comfort food favorite with rich dairy flavors and a smooth consistency. The cheeses provide a balance of sharpness and creaminess, and the soup base contributes to a cohesive sauce that clings to the tender pasta. The recipe flexibility allows adjusting the creaminess level according to preference.
For an alternate cooking method, the macaroni and cheese mixture can also be baked in the oven after boiling the pasta, initially covered and then uncovered, to develop a slight crust and deepen flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 cups macaroni noodles equal to 1/2 lb, uncooked
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups cheddar cheese
- 1 cup gruyere cheese or additional cup cheddar
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk optional, whole
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni noodles for 2 minutes less than instructed on package, you don’t want them entirely cooked through as they’ll do more cooking in the slow cooker.
- Combine all ingredients except the milk in the slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3, stirring once or twice and keeping an eye on the consistency of the pasta.
- Add up to a cup of warm milk if desired for a creamier consistency.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For an oven variation, bake the mac and cheese at 350°F: cover for 30 minutes, then uncover for 30 minutes.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 658 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 658kcal | 33% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 26g | 52% |
| Fat | 46g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat | 21g | 105% |
| Cholesterol | 105mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 909mg | 38% |
| Potassium | 202mg | 4% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 995IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 665mg | 67% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.