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Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy Homemade with Crispy Topping

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This creamy crockpot mac and cheese features a silky cheese sauce cooked low and slow, topped with a golden, crispy breadcrumb crust. It’s an easy, comforting family favorite perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 270g) uncooked
  • 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 12 oz / 340g)
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (about 4 oz / 115g)
  • 3 cups whole milk (720ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240ml)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 55g), divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs (about 100g), toasted with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in 1/4 cup flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until light golden, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
  2. Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream. Continue whisking until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
  3. Pour the milk mixture into the crockpot. Add uncooked elbow macaroni, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to combine.
  4. Stir in 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir gently around 1.5 hours to prevent sticking. Pasta should be tender and sauce creamy.
  6. While cooking nears completion, melt 2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
  7. Sprinkle toasted breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cooked mac and cheese in the crockpot. Cover and let sit on warm for 10-15 minutes to crisp the topping.
  8. Serve warm, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking. Freshly shred cheese for creamier sauce. Toast breadcrumbs in butter separately for a crisp topping. For extra crispiness, broil topping in oven for 2-3 minutes. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations are possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy dinner

Find it online: https://milacook.com/creamy-crockpot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-homemade-with-crispy-topping/