Description
This Ultimate Mac & Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Combining elbow macaroni with a rich blend of cheddar and Colby cheeses, a creamy half-and-half and cheddar cheese soup base, and seasoned with smoked paprika and black pepper, this dish simmers gently to perfection, creating a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
Cheeses
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
Dairy & Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons soft butter
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Combine the Soup Base: In a mixing bowl, combine the half and half with the Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup and mix until smooth, ensuring a creamy and even base for the mac and cheese.
- Add Seasoning: Stir in the smoked paprika and ground black pepper into the soup mixture to infuse the dish with a subtle smoky and peppery flavor.
- Layer in the Slow Cooker: Pour half of the uncooked elbow macaroni into the slow cooker. Then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the shredded Colby cheese, half of the soft butter, and half of the soup mixture over the pasta.
- Mix Well: Gently mix all the ingredients in the slow cooker until they are thoroughly combined, but be careful not to over-stir. Reserve the remaining cheese and butter for topping later.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker, set it to low heat, and let it cook for approximately three hours. This slow simmer allows the pasta to cook fully and the flavors to meld beautifully into a creamy casserole.
- Serve: Once the cooking is complete, stir the mac and cheese to incorporate the layers. Top with the reserved shredded cheddar and Colby cheeses and let them melt on top before serving for an extra cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use fresh shredded cheese for best melting results instead of pre-shredded cheese which may contain anti-caking agents.
- Adjust cooking time slightly if your slow cooker runs hot or cool to avoid overcooked pasta.
- You can add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker mac and cheese, reduce the amount of half and half slightly.
- Stir the mac and cheese a couple of times during cooking to prevent cheese from sticking to the sides.
