Description
A creamy and comforting Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe that combines elbow macaroni with a blend of cheddar and gruyere cheeses, enhanced with cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream. This slow cooker method makes it easy to prepare a rich and delicious mac and cheese perfect for family meals and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
Cheese and Dairy
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream (regular or light)
Other Ingredients
- 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni noodles according to package directions, but shorten the cooking time by 1-2 minutes to achieve very al dente noodles. For example, if the package directs 7 minutes, cook for 5 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the cooked macaroni into a 4-quart slow cooker. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar and gruyere cheeses, mayonnaise, sour cream, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cook the mixture on high heat for 2 hours, or on low heat for 3 hours. Stir the mac and cheese once or twice during cooking to ensure even mixing and to prevent sticking on the sides.
- Serve: Once cooked and the cheese is melted and bubbly, serve the mac and cheese hot for a warm, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use light sour cream and reduced-fat mayonnaise.
- If you prefer a vegetarian option, substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
- Do not overcook the macaroni initially; cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy in the slow cooker.
- You can add extra cheese on top during the last 15 minutes for a cheesy crust.
- Stirring occasionally helps prevent the mac and cheese from sticking and burning on the edges of the slow cooker.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours (high) or 3 hours (low)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese, Easy Macaroni and Cheese, Comfort Food
