Description
This Crockpot Mac N Cheese recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish made easy by slow cooking uncooked pasta in a rich cheese soup mixture. Combining cheddar and Colby cheeses with Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup, half-and-half, and flavorful seasonings, this dish delivers a cheesy, smooth texture perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded Colby cheese
- 3 tablespoons of soft butter
- 3 cups of half-and-half
Soup and Seasonings
- 1 large can (15 ounces) of Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the Cheese Soup Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the half-and-half with the Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup and mix until the mixture is smooth and uniform in texture.
- Season the Mixture: Stir in the smoked paprika and ground black pepper thoroughly, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed throughout the cheese soup base.
- Layer the Ingredients: In the crockpot, pour half of the uncooked elbow macaroni, then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the Colby cheese, half of the soft butter, and finally half of the prepared cheese soup mixture.
- Combine: Mix all the ingredients inside the crockpot thoroughly to ensure all pasta is coated and cheeses are evenly spread. Reserve the remaining shredded cheese for topping later.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to low heat. Allow the mac and cheese to cook slowly and simmer for about three hours until the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy and bubbly.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooking is complete, stir the mac and cheese to blend any separated ingredients. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Stirring halfway through cooking can help prevent the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for a smoother melt and better texture.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the half-and-half slightly or cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
- Adding a pinch of garlic powder or mustard powder can enhance the flavor if desired.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings but may require longer cooking time.