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Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe with Golden Cheesy Topping

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This creamy crock pot mac and cheese is a nostalgic, ultra-comforting dish featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan, slow-cooked to perfection and finished with a golden cheesy topping. It’s easy, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (8 oz) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 4 cups whole milk (or 2% for lighter version)
  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers (optional, for crunch)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (to mix with crumbs, optional)

Instructions

  1. Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, and beaten egg until smooth.
  3. Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and ground mustard.
  4. Pour uncooked elbow macaroni into the crock pot. Sprinkle shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses over the pasta.
  5. Pour the milk and butter mixture over the macaroni and cheese. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours. Check after 90 minutes and stir gently. If dry, add a splash of milk.
  7. In a small bowl, mix shredded cheddar cheese with panko breadcrumbs and melted butter (if using) for the topping.
  8. After 2.5 hours, sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Cover and cook for another 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden. (Optional: Transfer to an oven-safe dish and broil for 3-5 minutes for extra crispiness.)
  9. Check for doneness: pasta should be tender but not mushy, and the cheesy crust should be bubbly and golden.
  10. Let sit for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for a creamier texture. Stir gently during cooking to avoid mushy pasta. The topping is optional but highly recommended for crunch. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use plant-based milk and cheese. Add veggies or cooked bacon for variations. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, crock pot, slow cooker, comfort food, cheesy, family favorite, easy, potluck, kid-friendly, creamy

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/creamy-crock-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-golden-cheesy-topping-easy-family-favorite/