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Slow Cooked Three Cheese Mac and Cheese

ByMelissa April 4, 2012January 21, 2024

On busy oven days or during the holidays when cooking space is limited, this Slow Cooked Three Cheese Mac and Cheese recipe is a tasty option. When it comes to slow cooking macaroni and cheese, there are literally 1000’s of recipes. What do they have in common? Lots and lots of gooey cheddar cheese and this slow cooker variation is no exception.

Easy Slow Cooked Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Do Slow Cookers Really Cook Macaroni and Cheese Differently? Oh yes, short answer is, they do. Cooking times can vary depending on the shape, size and age of the slow cooker you’re using. The slow cooker I use to make this slow cooked mac and cheese, is a little different from the average slow cooker. The difference, is that the heat source is only on the bottom of the slow cooker. So, in the interest of full disclosure, I wanted to show you. When cooking in a conventional slow cooker, which is the type I most often use, the heat source is located on the bottom and the sides of the slow cooker. I’ve also prepared this in my conventional oval 6 quart slow cooker and it required very little to no adjustment in the cooking time.

How to Make the Best Slow Cooked Three Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Because I make a special effort to make sure all of my recipes are presented in a way that you can be successful recreating my dishes, I wanted to mention a couple of differences between the two types of appliances.

Ingredients you’ll need: Elbow macaroni, sour cream, melted butter, sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup medium cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese, one can of cheddar cheese soup for creaminess, evaporated milk, butter, dry mustard, salt and black pepper and large eggs.
Kitchen gadgets you’ll need: Slow Cooker, mixing bowls, whisk, measuring cups and spoons, cheese grater, and pot to cook the macaroni.
In this recipe I use combination of three cheddar cheeses. You can use a package of shredded cheddar cheese blend for a shortcut.
How do you make crockpot mac and cheese? In this slow cooker with the heat source on the bottom only, my mac and cheese cooks in around 2-2 1/4 hours on low.
So, in a conventional slow cooker, I recommend you cook on low for 2 hours, and check the center for doneness. It may be completely cooked in that time.
After testing a tiny bit from the center sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and keep warm until it melts.
If the macaroni and cheese isn’t completely cooked, you may need to increase the time by 30 minutes to 1 hour, based on how your slow cooker cooks.

Step-by-step images how to make macaroni and cheese

More Slow Cooked Mac and Cheese Tips

When making this dish, you can certainly shake-up the flavor of the cheeses used.
If you’d like to add a bit of heat, use pepper jack in place of one of the cheddars. You can also create your own flavor combination using your favorite types of shredded cheese.
When whisking together the ingredients for the sauce make sure it’s well blended and use a quality full fat sour cream for the best results. Don’t be tempted to keep stirring or the sauce will break.
Store leftover macaroni and cheese chilled in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in single servings in the microwave.

More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes to Make

Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits can be served at any meal.
You can throw down a shrimp boil any night of the week with this recipe for a Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil.
Slow Cooker Three Meat Lasagna for Italian night at home.
Slow Cooker Queso Blanco Dip for snacking and game day.
Slow Cooker Potato and Ham Soup will warm you up from the inside out.
For your sweet tooth Crockpot Applesauce from Skinnytaste.

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