Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with a blend of mozzarella and Colby cheese. It’s the ultimate ‘fix it and forget it’ comfort food, ready in about 2 hours.
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 2 cups uncooked macaroni
- 25g (about 2 tbsp) butter, melted
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Colby cheese
- 2 cups milk
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 chicken bouillon cube
- 3 cups boiling water
For the Crispy Topping (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons of panko crumbs
- 2 tablespoons of grated cheese
How To Make Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Combine Ingredients: In the insert of a slow cooker, add the uncooked macaroni and the melted butter. Sprinkle the flour over the top and stir to coat all the pasta.
- Make the Sauce: Add the grated mozzarella, grated Colby, milk, and salt. In a separate bowl, dissolve the chicken bouillon cube in the boiling water, then pour this into the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 hour and 30-45 minutes. It is very important to stir the mixture every 30 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The mac and cheese is done when the pasta is cooked al dente.
- Add Crispy Topping (Optional): If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle the finished mac and cheese with panko crumbs and extra grated cheese. Carefully place the slow cooker insert under your oven’s broiler until the topping is bubbling and golden brown.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot, directly from the slow cooker.
Recipe Tips
- How to prevent the pasta from sticking? The most important step is to stir the mac and cheese every 30 minutes while it cooks. This redistributes the pasta and the sauce and prevents it from sticking to the bottom and edges of the slow cooker.
- Can I use different cheeses? Yes! This is a great base recipe. Feel free to substitute the Colby and mozzarella with an equal amount of your favorite melting cheeses, like sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Fontina.
- What if my mac and cheese is too thick? If the sauce becomes too thick for your liking as it sits, you can easily stir in a splash of warm milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- How do I get a crispy top? The optional final step under the broiler is the secret. Just a few minutes under a hot broiler will transform the top into a delicious, golden-brown, and crispy crust.
What To Serve With Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
This is the ultimate comfort food side dish, but it’s also hearty enough to be a main course. It pairs perfectly with:
- Crispy Fried Chicken
- BBQ Pulled Pork or Ribs
- A simple meatloaf
- A crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to cut the richness
How To Store Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: This recipe freezes very well. Let it cool completely, then store it in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheat: The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over low heat. Add a generous splash of milk and stir frequently until it is hot and creamy again.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Nutrition Facts
- Serving: 1 serving
- Calories: 341kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 19g
- Fat: 19g
- Sodium: 551mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Do I have to boil the pasta first?
No, and that is the magic of this easy slow cooker recipe! You add the macaroni u003cemu003euncookedu003c/emu003e, directly to the slow cooker. It cooks right in the milk and broth, which helps to create an extra starchy, creamy sauce.
Why did my cheese sauce turn out grainy or oily?
This can happen if the heat is too high, but the slow cooker’s gentle heat usually prevents this. The best way to guarantee a smooth sauce is to shred your own cheese from a block. Pre-shredded, bagged cheeses are coated in starches that can make a sauce gritty.
Can I cook this on the LOW setting?
Yes. If you prefer to cook it for a longer period, you can cook this on the LOW setting. The time will be approximately double, so about 3 to 3.5 hours. Just be sure to still stir it occasionally.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Velveeta Recipe
Pioneer Woman Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Description
The ultimate creamy, cheesy, and easy macaroni and cheese, made entirely in the slow cooker with no need to boil the pasta separately.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a slow cooker, toss the uncooked macaroni with the melted butter and the flour.
- Stir in the grated cheeses and the milk.
- Dissolve the bouillon cube in the boiling water, then pour it into the slow cooker and stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 1 hour and 30-45 minutes, stirring every 30 minutes.
- The mac and cheese is done when the pasta is tender.
- For an optional crispy topping, sprinkle with panko and cheese and place under the broiler for a few minutes until golden.
Notes
- u003cliu003eThe most important tip for this recipe is to start with uncooked macaroni; it cooks directly in the sauce for ultimate creaminess.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the smoothest sauce that will not break, it is essential to shred your own cheeses from a block.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eDo not skip the step of stirring every 30 minutes; this is key to preventing the pasta from sticking and ensuring it cooks evenly.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis is the perfect u0022fix it and forget itu0022 side dish for a party or potluck, as it can be held on the u0022WARMu0022 setting.u003c/liu003e
