Description
This comforting Ultimate Mac & Cheese recipe uses a slow cooker to perfectly meld creamy cheeses, smoky spices, and tender pasta into a rich, delicious dish. It’s an easy, hands-off way to make a classic favorite with a velvety texture and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni pasta
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Colby cheese
- 3 tablespoons soft butter
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 (15-ounce) can of Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup
Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Prepare the cheese sauce mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the half and half with the Campbell’s Cheddar Cheese condensed soup and stir until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Season the sauce: Add the smoked paprika and ground black pepper to the sauce mixture to enhance the flavor profile with a smoky, mild spice.
- Assemble the slow cooker layers: Pour half of the uncooked elbow macaroni into the slow cooker. Then add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the shredded Colby cheese, half of the soft butter, and half of the soup and half and half mixture to create the first layer.
- Mix ingredients evenly: Gently stir the ingredients in the slow cooker until they are thoroughly combined, making sure the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce. Reserve the remaining cheese for topping later.
- Cook the mac & cheese: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low. Let it cook gently for about three hours to allow the pasta to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and serve: After cooking, stir the mac & cheese to blend everything together one last time. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top and allow it to melt before serving warm.
Notes
- Using a slow cooker allows for a hands-off cooking process and creamy results.
- Do not add salt initially as the condensed soup and cheese are already salty.
- For a thicker mac & cheese, reduce the half and half slightly.
- Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, but can be omitted if desired.
- Serve immediately after topping cheese melts for best texture.
