Recipe for Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese?

Answer 1

Nothing beats the classics when it comes to comfort food. One of the most popular is traditional macaroni and cheese. Your kids love it, and you probably do too. Although you can certainly make this meal out of a convenient box, making it on low heat in a slow cooker (crockpot) has its advantages. Longer cooking and authentic ingredients help create deep, rich flavor notes you just can't get in 20 minutes. Using a slow cooker also gives this dish time to fill your kitchen with an almost irresistible aroma of cheese and herbs. If you haven't prepared homemade macaroni and cheese in a while, now is the time to give your slow cooker an overdue workout. Your family will thank you.

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

The recipe below makes a big pot of macaroni and cheese. It'll serve a crowd or make plenty of tasty leftovers for a family of four.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. butter (at room temperature)
• 16 ounces (1 pound) shell or elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 cups evaporated milk
• 1 cup milk
• 4 tbsp. melted butter
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp. nutmeg
• 16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 cups)

Directions

1. Boil and drain macaroni. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Combine all ingredients except macaroni and cheese in a large bowl. Stir to incorporate.
3. In a large slow cooker, coat the sides and bottom with butter.
4. Add macaroni and cheddar cheese to the slow cooker and stir.
5. Pour the milk mixture over the noodles and blend slightly.
6. Cook on low heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to reduce sticking.

This recipe can be cut in half if necessary.

Serving suggestions: Serve macaroni and cheese with a tossed green salad and crusty French bread. It also makes a nice side dish with pork tenderloin, chops or brats.

Recipe serves 8