Slow-Cooked Mac "N" Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, this slow-cooked mac 'n' cheese combines rich cheddar flavors with a smooth, velvety texture. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, it offers a hearty and satisfying meal with minimal effort, thanks to the slow cooker preparation that ensures flavors meld beautifully.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and place in a 3-quart slow cooker.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
- Add the evaporated milk, condensed Cheddar cheese soup, and milk to the eggs, mixing well.
- Pour the mixture over the cooked macaroni in the slow cooker.
- Stir in 3 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese, reserving 1 cup for topping.
- Cover and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 15 minutes, sprinkle the remaining shredded Cheddar cheese on top and let it melt.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional toppings if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of regular milk. You can also add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added flavor. If you're short on time, pre-cooked macaroni may be used, but reduce the cooking time to prevent mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this mac and cheese hot, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for color. It pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. For a delicious dessert, consider serving alongside Ann'S Old Fashioned Egg Custard to round out your meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring until heated through. This helps maintain creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow-Cooked Mac "N" Cheese contains roughly 560 calories, with 15g protein, 98g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (133% of the Daily Value), iron (69% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (54% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 15g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While Cheddar is classic, you can mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile. Just ensure they melt well to maintain the creamy texture.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this mac and cheese recipe is vegetarian-friendly as it doesn't contain any meat. Just double-check the cheese and soup labels to ensure they don't contain animal rennet.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just add a little extra cooking time if starting from cold.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).