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Irresistible Crockpot Mac and Cheese with Gruyère

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A creamy, comforting mac and cheese made effortlessly in a slow cooker, featuring nutty Gruyère cheese and sharp cheddar for a rich, velvety texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups elbow macaroni (about 8 oz / 225 g)
  • 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese (about 8 oz / 225 g)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 4 oz / 115 g)
  • 2 cups whole milk (480 ml)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (about 55 g)
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (about 50 g) – optional for topping
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (for breadcrumb topping, optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 3 cups elbow macaroni and cook for 5 minutes, just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 4 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard until the flour is fully dissolved.
  3. Place the drained pasta into the slow cooker insert. Pour the milk and cream mixture over it and stir gently to coat all noodles evenly.
  4. Sprinkle in 2 cups shredded Gruyère and 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Stir lightly to distribute but do not overmix.
  5. Add salt and pepper to taste (start with about 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper).
  6. Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring gently every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and check consistency.
  7. Optional: About 15 minutes before the end of cooking, sprinkle ½ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter over the mac and cheese. Transfer to a broiler-safe dish and broil under high heat for 3-5 minutes until golden and crunchy, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Give everything a final stir. If too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen. Serve immediately.

Notes

Undercook pasta slightly before adding to crockpot to avoid mushiness. Stir every 30 minutes during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even melting. Use freshly shredded cheese for best texture. Dijon mustard adds brightness without a strong mustard flavor. Adjust seasoning after cooking. For gluten-free, substitute pasta and flour accordingly. For dairy-free, use plant-based alternatives but texture will vary.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, Gruyère mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/irresistible-crockpot-mac-and-cheese-with-gruy-e-re-easy-recipe-for-creamy-comfort/