This slow cooker mac and cheese recipe is the epitome of comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Plus, it frees up your stovetop for other dishes, making it perfect for busy days or when you’re entertaining a crowd. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a delicious meal that will please everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- 16 ounces (450g) elbow macaroni
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (12 ounces or 354ml) evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups (450g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups (225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
How to Make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- In a slow cooker, combine the elbow macaroni, chicken broth, evaporated milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the pasta is tender, stirring halfway through cooking.
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and sour cream until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more chicken broth or milk, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni: This classic pasta shape is perfect for mac and cheese because it holds onto the creamy cheese sauce.
Chicken Broth: Using chicken broth instead of water adds flavor to the pasta as it cooks.
Evaporated Milk: This gives the mac and cheese a creamy texture without making it too heavy.
Cheeses: A combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses gives this dish its rich and cheesy flavor.
Sour Cream: Adding sour cream at the end of cooking adds a tangy flavor and extra creaminess to the dish.
