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Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Cheese Crust

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A cozy and comforting mac and cheese made easy in the crockpot with a creamy interior and a crispy cheese crust on top. Perfect for busy days and crowd-pleasing dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 270g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups (200g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup (100g) Gruyère cheese, shredded (optional)
  • ½ cup (50g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 ½ cups (600ml) whole milk (or 2% for lighter)
  • ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons (43g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons (24g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the roux: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden.
  2. Gradually whisk in 2 ½ cups whole milk and ½ cup heavy cream, stirring constantly until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper to taste.
  4. Place uncooked elbow macaroni into the crockpot. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir gently to combine.
  5. Stir in 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup Gruyère cheeses, reserving ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup Parmesan for topping. Mix well.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 ½ hours, stirring every 30-40 minutes to prevent sticking and check pasta tenderness. Add splash of milk if sauce thickens too much.
  7. Preheat oven broiler. Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish if crockpot insert is not broiler-safe. Sprinkle reserved cheddar and Parmesan evenly on top.
  8. Broil for 3-5 minutes until cheese forms a golden, crispy crust. Watch closely to avoid burning.
  9. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for best melting and smooth sauce. Stir every 30 minutes during slow cooking to prevent sticking. Watch broiler closely to avoid burning the cheese crust. For gluten-free, substitute flour and pasta accordingly. Vegan adaptations possible but crust may be less crispy.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, crockpot mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy casserole, comfort food, slow cooker recipes

Find it online: https://bitefuljoy.com/creamy-crockpot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-cheese-crust-easy-and-perfect/