Description

A rich and creamy slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe that combines sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cream cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Perfectly cooked elbow macaroni is simmered with a cheesy sauce made with evaporated milk and butter, seasoned with dry mustard, salt, and black pepper, resulting in a smooth, flavorful dish that's easy to prepare and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb elbow macaroni
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, grated
4 oz cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons butter
2 (12 oz each) cans evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Place elbow macaroni, grated sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, softened cream cheese, butter, evaporated milk, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper all together in the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to mix all ingredients evenly.
Cook Slowly: Cook the mixture on low heat, stirring every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Begin checking the pasta for doneness after 1 hour and 30 minutes. The macaroni should be al dente and tender but not mushy. Avoid cooking longer than 2 hours to maintain texture.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the cheese sauce appears too thick after cooking, gradually stir in a few tablespoons of milk until the desired creamy consistency is achieved.
Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the macaroni and cheese and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm and enjoy this classic comfort dish.

Notes

Stirring every 30 minutes is crucial to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Use evaporated milk for a richer sauce, but whole milk can be substituted if evaporated milk is not available.
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
Do not overcook to avoid mushy pasta; timing is important to retain the perfect al dente texture.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 400 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 700 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0.5 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg