Easy Crock Pot Mac & Cheese
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it the perfect side dish for holidays, potlucks, or a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
- 1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
- 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Gruyère Cheese
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Sour Cream
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Dry Mustard Powder
- ½ tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directions for al dente. The goal is for the pasta to be very firm, as it will continue to cook in the slow cooker.
- Stop the Cooking: Immediately drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly under cold water. This step is crucial as it stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing the final dish from becoming mushy.
- Combine the Ingredients: Spray the insert of a 4-quart slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup. Add the rinsed pasta, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, mustard powder, and black pepper.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce ingredients. This will ensure every bite is cheesy and flavorful.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid and cook on the HIGH setting for 2 hours or on the LOW setting for 3 hours. To prevent sticking and ensure even heating, stir the mixture once or twice during the cooking process. The mac and cheese is ready when the sauce is hot, bubbling, and has reached a luscious, creamy consistency.
Notes
Pro Tips for Success
Shred Your Own Cheese: For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, always buy cheese in blocks and shred it at home. Bagged shredded cheese contains additives that prevent it from melting properly.
Don't Overcook the Pasta: The initial boiling step is just to give the pasta a head start. Undercooking it is the key to achieving the perfect texture in the slow cooker.
Know Your Slow Cooker: Cooking times can vary between different models. Newer slow cookers may run hotter. If it's your first time making the recipe, check it a little earlier to be safe.
Serving a Crowd: This recipe can be easily doubled for larger gatherings. Use a 6-quart slow cooker and increase the cooking time on high to about 2.5 hours, stirring after the first and second hour.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!