Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese 🧀🍝

This creamy and indulgent slow cooker macaroni and cheese is a comforting classic that's perfect for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or when you're craving something warm and cheesy. The blend of cheeses creates a rich and velvety sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds! Feel free to add some of your favorite mix-ins to keep it exciting. Pair it with a crisp green salad for a complete meal! 🥗

Ingredients

For the macaroni and cheese

• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream cheese, cubed
• 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional mix-ins

• 1 cup cooked bacon bits
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños for a spicy kick
• 1 cup cooked broccoli florets for some greens
• 1 cup breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping

Instructions

1. Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter.

2. Cook the macaroni: In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente (about 2 minutes less than package instructions). Drain and set aside.

3. Mix the cheese sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, milk, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir until well combined and the cream cheese is mostly melted.

🥄 A whisk works well to break up the cream cheese and incorporate it smoothly into the sauce.

4. Combine and cook: In the slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni and the cheese sauce mixture. Stir until the macaroni is evenly coated with the sauce.

5. Add optional mix-ins: If using any of the optional mix-ins, fold them into the macaroni and cheese mixture at this stage.

6. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

🔥 Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker model. Keep an eye on it toward the end of the cooking time to prevent overcooking.

7. Optional crunchy topping: If you prefer a crispy top, stir in the breadcrumbs during the last 30 minutes of cooking, or transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish and broil it in the oven for a few minutes until golden brown.

8. Serve: Once the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and hot, give it a final stir and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious creation!

Variations

• Four-Cheese Delight: Mix in different cheeses like gouda, fontina, or parmesan for a gourmet taste.
• Vegetarian: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
• Smokehouse: Introduce smoked gouda or add cooked sausage for a smoky flavor.
• Instant Pot: Instead of a slow cooker, you can make it in an Instant Pot using the same ingredients; just reduce the cooking time to 7-10 minutes under high pressure.

Enjoy this creamy, dreamy pasta dish that will surely be a hit with everyone around the table! 🍽️✨