Description
This creamy and comforting Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe uses a slow cooker to effortlessly create a rich, cheesy pasta dish. With a blend of evaporated milk, chicken broth, butter, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, it delivers classic mac and cheese flavors without standing over the stove.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 375 grams uncooked macaroni (1 box, white with fiber)
- 354 ml evaporated or whole milk (about 1 ⅓ cups)
- 1 ¾ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons butter (cut into small pieces)
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon sriracha sauce
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
- 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (175g)
Instructions
- Prepare the crock pot: Spray a 2.5 to 4 quart crock pot with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.
- Add ingredients: Pour in the dry macaroni, then add evaporated milk, chicken broth, butter pieces, salt, sriracha sauce, ground mustard, and black pepper. Stir gently to combine, breaking up butter chunks as much as possible, knowing some butter pieces will remain.
- Cook pasta: Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for 1 hour. The pasta may appear clumpy; this is normal and will loosen when stirred.
- Check and continue cooking: Stir the pasta well, then cover and cook for an additional 30 minutes until the macaroni is al dente—firm but not too soft.
- Add cheeses: Cut the cream cheese into very small pieces and stir it into the pasta along with the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Melt cheeses: Cover the crock pot and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the cheeses to melt thoroughly, then stir to combine.
- Serve: Spoon the mac and cheese into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use whole milk or evaporated milk for creaminess; avoid skim milk as it may make the dish watery.
- Low sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness of the dish while adding rich flavor.
- Sriracha adds a subtle spicy kick, but you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.
- Stirring halfway through cooking helps prevent sticking and ensures even cooking.
- If you prefer vegetarian, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- For a richer flavor, use sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese.
- Make sure cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting and smoother texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
