Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces (450g) cooked elbow macaroni (al dente)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 1/2 cups milk (2%)
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, fresh shredded
- 8 ounces Velveeta
- 8 ounces (one brick) cream cheese
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cheddar cheese, Velveeta, and cream cheese. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheeses are melted and smooth.
- In the crockpot, add the cooked macaroni, black pepper, and butter. Pour in the evaporated milk and regular milk.
- Add the melted cheese mixture to the crockpot and mix everything well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
- Set the crockpot to low heat and cook for 2-4 hours, or until the mixture is melted and creamy. If you diced up the cheeses, it may take less time, as mentioned in the original recipe.
- Stir the mac and cheese occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure a uniform consistency.
- Once everything is fully melted and creamy, serve the Crockpot Mac and Cheese hot.
- Enjoy your delicious and filling mac and cheese! Feel free to customize with additional seasonings or toppings if desired.
Note: The cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Here are some tips to ensure your Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese turns out perfectly:
- Prep Ingredients Ahead of Time:
- Shred the cheddar cheese and dice the Velveeta and cream cheese before starting. This will make it easier to mix everything together smoothly.
- Al Dente Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni al dente. This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy during the slow cooking process in the crockpot.
- Cheese Melting Techniques:
- If you have time, melt the cheeses in a separate bowl before adding them to the crockpot. This can help ensure a smoother texture.
- Stir Occasionally:
- Stir the mac and cheese occasionally while it’s cooking to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the sides and bottom of the crockpot. This also helps in achieving a consistent and creamy texture.
- Customize Seasonings:
- Feel free to customize the seasoning to your liking. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or mustard for an extra flavor kick.
- Use High-Quality Cheeses:
- Choosing high-quality cheddar, Velveeta, and cream cheese will enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese. Freshly shredded cheese tends to melt more smoothly than pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Adjust Milk Quantity:
- Depending on your preference for creaminess, you can adjust the quantity of milk. If you like it creamier, add a bit more milk. If you prefer it thicker, reduce the amount of milk slightly.
- Monitor Cooking Time:
- Keep an eye on the mac and cheese, especially if you have a newer or more powerful crockpot. Overcooking can lead to a dry consistency, so check for doneness starting at the 2-hour mark.
- Serve Promptly:
- Serve the mac and cheese promptly once it’s done to enjoy it at its creamiest. If it stays in the crockpot on the warm setting for too long, it may start to dry out around the edges.
- Reheating:
- If you have leftovers, add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Experiment with these tips and adjust according to your preferences to make the Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese perfect for your taste!
