Description
Slow Cooker Four Cheese Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made with tender elbow macaroni and a rich, creamy blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. This hands-off recipe is perfect for holidays, potlucks, and family dinners, offering a cheesy, delicious, and easy-to-make side dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
Dairy and Fats
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 2 cups whole milk
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker with butter or use nonstick cooking spray to prevent the mac and cheese from sticking during cooking.
- Add cooked pasta: Place the cooked al dente elbow macaroni into the slow cooker, ensuring that it’s not overcooked to avoid mushiness.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Parmesan cheeses, cubed butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, softened cream cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika into the slow cooker with the macaroni.
- Mix gently: Mix all the ingredients gently until everything is evenly combined, being careful not to break the pasta.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours. Stir once halfway through the cooking time to help the cheeses melt evenly and prevent sticking.
- Finish and serve: Stir well before serving to achieve a smooth, creamy cheese sauce consistency. Serve warm as a comforting side dish.
Notes
- Cook the pasta just until al dente to ensure it holds its shape during slow cooking and does not become mushy.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, which often contains additives that affect texture.
- After cooking, keep the mac and cheese on the slow cooker’s warm setting to maintain the ideal serving temperature, especially at parties or gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
