Sandra This Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese is a creamy and cheesy recipe, which is made with tender elbow macaroni and rich sharp Cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food, an effortless way to enjoy a rich and satisfying meal with your slow cooker doing all the work, ready in about 3.5 hours.
Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Ingredients
A simple list for the ultimate, easy comfort food.
- Cooking spray
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- One 12-ounce can of evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon salt
- A dash of black pepper
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Two 10-ounce bricks of sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about 5 cups), divided
- A dash of paprika
How To Make Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese
A step-by-step guide to this wonderfully rich and simple set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Prep the Slow Cooker and Combine: Spray the insert of a large 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. In the slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni, evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, beaten eggs, and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese.
- Top the Casserole: Stir everything together until well combined. Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of grated cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. Finish with a light sprinkle of paprika.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW heat setting for 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- Serve: Turn off the slow cooker, give the macaroni and cheese a good stir to make it extra creamy, and serve hot.
Recipe Tips
For the richest, creamiest slow cooker mac and cheese.
- How to get the creamiest sauce? Using freshly grated cheese from a block is the most important secret. Pre-shredded cheeses are coated in starches that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures a perfectly smooth, velvety melt.
- How to prevent mushy pasta? It is crucial to cook the macaroni only until it is “al dente” (still has a firm bite) before adding it to the slow cooker. It will continue to cook and absorb the sauce, so undercooking it slightly at the start is key.
- Can I make it even richer? For an extra layer of creaminess and tang, you can add a dollop of cream cheese or a scoop of sour cream to the mixture before cooking.
- Don’t peek! Try to avoid lifting the lid while the mac and cheese is cooking. Slow cookers lose a significant amount of heat each time the lid is removed, which can affect the cooking time and final texture.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese
Classic comfort food pairings for this essential side dish.
This rich and cheesy mac and cheese is a star on its own, but it’s also a perfect side dish for:
- BBQ pulled pork or ribs
- Crispy fried chicken
- A simple grilled steak or pork chops
- A crisp green salad to balance the richness
How To Store Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Let the mac and cheese cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Gently rewarm the mac and cheese in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per serving.
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Fat: 32 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
A grainy sauce is almost always caused by one of two things: using pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents, or the sauce getting too hot and “breaking.” Using a block cheese you grate yourself and cooking on a true LOW setting is the best way to prevent this.
It is not recommended. Dairy-heavy dishes like this are prone to curdling and scorching on a high heat setting. The low and slow method is much more reliable for a perfectly creamy result.
Yes! For pasta, any short, sturdy shape like shells, rotini, or cavatappi would be great. For cheese, feel free to use a mix of any good melting cheeses like Gruyère, Colby, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of smoked Gouda for a different flavor.
Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Recipe
Description
An incredibly easy, set-it-and-forget-it recipe for the creamiest, cheesiest macaroni and cheese, all made in the slow cooker for the ultimate comfort food meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- In the slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, pepper, beaten eggs, and all but 1/2 cup of the grated cheese.
- Stir everything together until well-mixed.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top of the mixture, then sprinkle with paprika.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours and 15 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, give the mac and cheese a final stir, and serve hot.
Notes
- Using freshly grated cheese from a block, not pre-shredded, is the most important secret to a smooth, creamy, non-grainy sauce.
- It is crucial to cook the macaroni only until it is al dente before adding it to the slow cooker to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- For a different flavor profile, try using a blend of cheeses like Gruyère and white cheddar.
- This is a perfect “fix it and forget it” dish for a party or a busy day.
