Imagine diving into the most creamy, decadent, and irresistibly cheesy macaroni and cheese you've ever tasted – without spending hours in the kitchen! This Three Cheese Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese is about to revolutionize your comfort food game, delivering restaurant-quality goodness with minimal effort. Perfect for busy families, potluck gatherings, or those nights when you're craving something absolutely delicious, this recipe combines the rich flavors of sharp cheddar, smooth mozzarella, and luxurious cream cheese into one mind-blowing dish that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream cheese, cubed
- 3 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your crock pot with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni directly into the crock pot, ensuring it is spread evenly across the bottom.
- Cube the cream cheese into small, uniform pieces to help it melt more smoothly.
- Sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the macaroni, distributing them evenly.
- Distribute the cubed cream cheese across the top of the other cheeses.
- Pour the milk slowly over the cheese and pasta mixture, ensuring all pasta is moistened.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly across the surface.
- Cover the crock pot and set to low heat, cooking for 2 hours without stirring.
- After 2 hours, gently stir the macaroni and cheese to ensure even melting and distribution of cheeses.
- If the mixture seems too thick, add a small amount of warm milk and stir until desired creamy consistency is reached.
- Let the macaroni and cheese rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional fresh cracked black pepper or chopped parsley.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother melting and more even cooking.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of mustard powder to enhance the cheese profile.
- Don't rush the cooking process – the slow, low heat is crucial for developing rich, creamy textures.
- Experiment with cheese combinations: try adding gruyère or gouda for more complex flavors.
- If you prefer a crispy top, transfer the finished mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes.
- Leftovers can be revived by adding a splash of milk and gently reheating in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- For a protein boost, mix in cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Cholesterol: 95mg
