Description

This creamy and comforting Mac & Cheese Crockpot Magic recipe delivers rich, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is combined with three types of cheese and a blend of milks, then slow-cooked to creamy perfection in your crockpot. An optional breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, making this an ideal dish for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese Base

16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups whole milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Topping (Optional)

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

Prepare the Crockpot: Grease the crockpot with non-stick spray or butter to prevent the mac and cheese from sticking during cooking.
Combine Ingredients: Add uncooked elbow macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, sour cream, cubed butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and black pepper into the crockpot. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Add Cheeses: Mix in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir to combine evenly with the other ingredients.
Cook the Mac & Cheese: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 2 to 2.5 hours, or on high heat for 1 to 1.5 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
Optional Breadcrumb Topping: If desired, sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Place under a broiler for 2 to 3 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Serve: Dish out the mac & cheese hot and enjoy its creamy texture and rich cheesy flavor.

Notes

Stirring every 30 minutes during cooking helps prevent the macaroni from clumping and ensures even melting of the cheese.
Breadcrumb topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy contrast to the creamy cheese.
Using evaporated milk along with whole milk gives the dish a richer, creamier texture.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the cheeses used.
This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, but increase the cooking time slightly as needed.