Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Thanksgiving – wait, what?

Ok, I know I totally say this every year but how fast has this year gone by? It’s Thanksgiving time already? I mean, I am ready for cool fall weather but I just can’t wrap my mind that it’s the holidays. So, in writing this blog post, I am going to mentally prepare myself and start writing my list of things to do to get ready for Thanksgiving. Are you ready yet? If not, we’ll do this together!

ALL the fried turkey!

My husband absolutely goes bonkers for fried turkey so that’s his main assignment on Thanksgiving. He is the Chief Turkey on that day. Come to think of it – he’s kinda the Chief Turkey everyday. 😉 Anyhoo, he buys the turkey, thaws it and does all the preparation for the turkey. I’m pretty much in charge of the sides. Be sure to check out my recent post on how we prepare and fry our Thanksgiving turkey (pssst: the electric turkey fryer has been the best invention!)

It’s game time, y’all

Now look y’all. Let’s get real for a moment. If you are the one hosting Thanksgiving at your house – there are a few, um, housekeeping issues you need to handle first. There will be A LOT of people in your home. That means A LOT of people using the little boy and girls room. You see where I am going with this (wink, wink)? If you have folks staying over, they’ll be using the baths and showers too. And you do not want any issues while you are trying to prep for your meal or relax with your family. Check out this hilarious “Don’t Clog my Thanksgiving” video from YOUTUBE star Glozell Green! I could totally see this happening to me!

Unclog those drains (all of them!)

Even if you don’t have a clog yet – you don’t want one surprising you on Thanksgiving. So bust out the Liquid -Plumr and go around to all of your drains. Seriously, I had never thought to do this beforehand but it makes total sense. Clear the drains before the clog happens. Get your kitchen sink, your toilets, your baths and your sinks. I mean, chances are you are gonna be in there beforehand cleaning up anyway – just make this part of the process (do not even get me started on the hair clogs in the shower….ick!) Liquid-Plumr Full Clog Destroyer will unblock any potential clogs that might be starting to happen. Or ya know, hand it over to your hubby and put him to work. 😉

Gimme the Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, please!

So, let’s get to this recipe for Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese. The slow cooker is your friend during the holidays. This isn’t really a “fix-it and forget-it” type slow cooker recipe but it does free up precious oven space and keeps you from having to stand guard the whole time and making sure things don’t burn or over-cook.

Ingredients:
1 (16 oz.) box elbow macaroni
4 tbsp. salted butter, cubed
1 (12 oz.) can evaporated milk
1 1/2 cups half & half
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
3/4 lb. block white American cheese, cubed 
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

Cook’s Notes: Just go to your grocery store’s deli counter and ask for 3/4 pound of white American cheese. Tell them you don’t want it sliced, just a big block.

Directions:

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (should still have a little ‘bite’ to it.)

Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

Place the cooked macaroni into the slow cooker. Add the butter and stir until coated.

Pour in evaporated milk & half & half. Then add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese salt & pepper. Stir to blend.

Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours (gently stir occasionally as it cooks.)

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, top with remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese.  Cover and allow cheese to melt. Once done, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

5 from 7 votes

Print

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 20 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 500 kcal

Author Brandie @ The Country Cook

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz box elbow macaroni
• 4 tbsp salted butter cubed
• 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups half & half
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided use
• 3/4 lb block white American cheese cubed
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (should still have a little 'bite' to it.)
2. Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
3. Place the cooked macaroni into the slow cooker.
4. Add the butter and stir until coated.
5. Pour in evaporated milk, half & half, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese salt & pepper. Stir to blend.
6. Cover and cook on low for 1 1/2 to 2 hours (gently stir occasionally as it cooks.)
7. During the last 15 minutes of cooking, top with remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and allow cheese to melt.
8. Once done, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve.

Recipe Notes

Just go to your grocery store's deli counter and ask for 3/4 pound of white American cheese. Tell them you don't want it sliced, just a big block. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Nutrition Facts

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Amount Per Serving

Calories 500

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Liquid-Plumr. The opinions and text are all mine. #ThankfulToBeClogFree