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Ever have those nights where you are so busy you forget to plan dinner? Some nights I am really thankful Walmart is two blocks away so I can grab the ingredients to whip up a quick and easy meal (check out the Kraft web site for some recipe inspiration).
This fall I am entering a season where I am not working outside of the home as much, but we are busier than ever. I am running 3 businesses, as well as maintaining a much larger home, my husband is working two jobs, and my daughter started high school, which comes along with assignments, football games, and social outings. We have gotten more involved in our church, which also eats up a couple of nights a week, and I have taken over the church’s social media. Free time? What is that?
My slow cooker has become a workhorse in this season of busyness. Being able to quickly add ingredients and walk away while they are cooking takes the pressure off of me to have dinner on the table when my family gets home.
Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Is there anything better than comfort food, like creamy, macaroni and cheese? When I told my husband I was making this recipe so I could take pictures for this post, he clapped his hands and squealed. I’ll take that as a stamp of approval.
This isn’t one of those recipes you can pop in the crock pot and go to work all day, but it IS one of those you can pop in the crock pot and go clean while it cooks instead of standing over the stove. Or go drink wine and watch TV. I won’t judge you.
You do need to cook your pasta on the stove top first, but I would recommend pulling it off right before it is al dente because it will continue to cook in the slow cooker and we don’t want mush. Unless you like food you don’t have to chew, then feel free to cook it all the way on the stovetop. One note about the slow cooker settings – you will either cook this on low or warm, depending on how hot your slow cooker runs. I start mine on low, then turn it to warm after I see the cheese is starting to melt.
Here is the recipe:
- 16 oz dry elbow macaroni
- salt
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 2 C Cashew milk (or milk of your choice)
- 2 C Kraft Natural Shreds Sharp Cheddar
- 4 oz (1/2 block) Kraft Natural Chunk Mozzarella Cheese
- 2 T butter or margarine
- 2 t salt
- dash of pepper
- dash of cayenne
- 1/4 C bread crumbs
- Cook pasta according to package directions on stovetop, but remove from heat before fully cooked, about 7 minutes. Drain water, then add pasta to slow cooker. Add the rest of the ingredients, except the bread crumbs, to the slow cooker and stir. Cook on low (or warm) for 2 hours, stirring occasionally. Serve warm and garnish individual servings with bread crumbs.
I have perfected this slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe to a science. Cooking the pasta first is a must for the best texture, using Kraft Shredded Naturals Sharp Cheddar is a must for the creaminess and bite of the flavor, using the evaporated milk is a must for the consistency of the sauce. This is the kind of macaroni and cheese that makes that noise when you stir it. You know what I am talking about.
It really is delicious, and I know you are probably hungry for macaroni and cheese now. It’s your lucky day, because here is a 75¢ coupon for your next purchase of Kraft Natural Cheese at Walmart! Which cheese will you choose for your slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe?
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