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Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

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A creamy, hands-off slow cooker mac and cheese recipe perfect for busy weeknights and family dinners. This recipe yields a velvety, rich texture with a hint of tangy mustard for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups (340 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, melt 4 tablespoons (56 grams) of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup (30 grams) of all-purpose flour until smooth to create a roux. Set aside.
  2. Pour 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk and 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream into the slow cooker. Whisk in the butter-flour roux until fully incorporated and smooth.
  3. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Add 8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked elbow macaroni to the slow cooker. Stir to submerge pasta in the sauce. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
  5. Once pasta is tender, reduce slow cooker to warm. Stir in 3 cups (340 grams) shredded sharp cheddar and 8 ounces (225 grams) cubed Velveeta cheese. Mix until cheese melts completely and sauce is creamy, about 10 minutes. Add a splash of milk if sauce is too thick.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and additional Dijon mustard if desired.
  7. Serve immediately while warm and gooey. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra shredded cheddar if desired.

Notes

Stir every 30 minutes during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. If mac and cheese dries out, stir in a tablespoon or two of cream or milk. Use freshly shredded cheese for best melt and flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese blends.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy family dinner, slow cooker recipes, comfort food

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/creamy-slow-cooker-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-family-dinner-idea/