# Crock Pot Mac and Cheese: A Family Favorite
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a cherished dish that has turned into a classic at family events and holiday festivities. With little prep time required, this creamy, cheesy indulgence reliably garners enthusiastic praise from both grown-ups and children alike.
## Ideal for Any Occasion
This slow cooker macaroni isn’t merely a side dish; it complements baked ham beautifully for a cozy Sunday dinner or can be enjoyed as a delightful holiday accompaniment. The charm of this recipe lies in its ease and the consistent perfect outcome, making it a preferred choice for busy chefs.
### Essential Features of This Recipe
– **Distinct Ingredients, Incredible Flavor**: The blend of components crafts a rich flavor profile that surprises and pleases.
– **Consistent Texture**: Unlike many other macaroni and cheese recipes, this one guarantees that the pasta maintains its structure and avoids becoming soggy.
– **Swift Prep Time**: With roughly 10 minutes of preparation, the slow cooker handles the rest, enabling you to concentrate on other dishes or spend quality time with family.
– **Easily Adjustable**: This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings and can stay warm in the slow cooker until it’s time to serve.
– **Wide Appeal**: It’s a favorite that everyone enjoys, making it a dependable option for any event.
## Why This is the Ultimate Crockpot Mac & Cheese Ever
### 1. Precooked Pasta
To achieve the perfect texture, it’s crucial to precook the pasta. Boil the macaroni for about 2 minutes less than the package directions to ensure it doesn’t become too soft during the slow cooking process.
### 2. Unique Sauce Ingredients
This recipe steers clear of typical ingredients like Velveeta or evaporated milk, using instead a distinctive mixture that incorporates mayonnaise. This unconventional selection keeps the sauce smooth and creamy without sacrificing flavor. The mayonnaise is unnoticeable in taste yet vital for preserving a silky texture throughout the cooking process.
## How to Create Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Creating this delightful mac and cheese is simple and quick:
1. **Boil the Pasta**: Cook the macaroni noodles for 1-2 minutes shorter than package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
2. **Prepare the Ingredients**: While the pasta is boiling, shred sharp cheddar cheese and gather all other components.
3. **Combine and Cook**: Add all ingredients into a 4-quart slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. **Serve**: Enjoy hot, and watch it vanish!
## Tips for Perfection
– **Pasta**: Make sure the pasta is firm after boiling; rinsing halts the cooking process.
– **Cheese**: Freshly shredded cheese yields the best results, but pre-shredded cheese can be used as well.
– **Cooking Time**: Check the pasta early as slow cookers can differ in temperature.
– **Slow Cooker Size**: A 4-quart slow cooker is perfect for a single batch. If using a larger 6-quart slow cooker, keep a close eye on the cooking time.
– **Make Ahead**: You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and mix it with the pasta just before cooking.
– **Oven Option**: If desired, this dish can also be baked in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes covered and 30 minutes uncovered.
## Nutritional Information
Each serving of this creamy mac and cheese contains approximately:
– **Calories**: 464
– **Carbohydrates**: 31g
– **Protein**: 27g
– **Fat**: 47g
– **Sodium**: 917mg
This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is not just a delightful meal but also a practical choice for any dining occasion, ensuring that you can savor delicious comfort food with minimal effort. Be it for a festive feast or a casual family dinner, this recipe is bound to impress.