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Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe Easy 3-Cheese Blend Delight

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A comforting and creamy mac and cheese made in a slow cooker with a rich blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses. Perfect for busy days and cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (about 270g) uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups (about 200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (about 100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup (about 50g) grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (about 225g) small-curd cottage cheese
  • 2 cups (480 ml) whole milk (can substitute 2% or dairy-free milk like oat milk)
  • 3 tablespoons (about 42g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (15g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese and whole milk. Whisk or blend until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty.
  3. Slowly pour the warm butter-flour mixture into the cottage cheese and milk blend, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spray or lightly butter the inside of the crockpot. Add the uncooked elbow macaroni evenly.
  5. Pour the cheese and milk mixture over the pasta and stir gently to combine.
  6. Sprinkle shredded sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan evenly over the top. Gently fold a few swirls into the pasta mixture without over-stirring.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir gently around the 1.5-hour mark to prevent drying out.
  8. Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. For extra creaminess, stir in a splash more milk or a tablespoon of cream. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not skip the roux to avoid watery sauce. Stir gently halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and burning. Use freshly shredded cheese for best meltability. Adjust milk quantity for desired sauce thickness. Check at 1.5 hours if your slow cooker runs hot to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-crockpot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-3-cheese-blend-delight/