Description
A creamy, dreamy mac and cheese made in the crockpot with sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for cozy dinners, potlucks, and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika
- Optional: dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Step: Add dry elbow macaroni directly to the crockpot or boil for 4 minutes for firmer pasta, then drain and set aside.
- Step: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and all-purpose flour until smooth and lump-free.
- Step: Slowly whisk in whole milk to the butter-flour mixture until combined. Add garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Step: Pour dry or pre-cooked macaroni into the crockpot. Add the milk mixture and stir gently. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella evenly over the top, then finish with Parmesan.
- Step: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours. Stir gently every 30-40 minutes to prevent sticking and help melt cheeses evenly. Adjust heat if bubbling too much.
- Step: Once pasta is tender and sauce is creamy and thick, stir well and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Step: Enjoy fresh and warm. Leftovers can be stored and reheated with a splash of milk.
Notes
Use freshly shredded cheeses for better melt and texture. Stir every 30-40 minutes during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even melting. If sauce is too thick at the end, stir in a splash of milk. Avoid cooking on high to prevent cheese separation. For gluten-free, substitute flour with cornstarch or gluten-free blend. Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 150 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 475 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg