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| CrockPot Creamy Mac n’ Cheese |
I went to an amazing barbecue restaurant a few days ago and ordered the dirty mac n’ cheese. It was macaroni with cheese, smoked brisket and panko bread crumbs. I loved it! It had a smoky flavor and was worth every single calorie. I decided to make something similar at home in my slow cooker. I don’t usually have smoked brisket lying around the house so I decided to go with bacon instead. I really wanted to see if I could make it a one pot meal just like I did with the chicken tetrazzini. I also wanted to use real cheese (not processed velveeta or condensed cheese soup). I was able to do it and it was so super easy! This is a great stand alone meal or a side dish. My daughter ate 3 servings! She could not get enough. I added toasted Panko bread crumbs to the top of mine and it added a perfect crunchy texture variation to the creamy macaroni. I really think you’re going to love this recipe!!
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| Smoky Mac n’ Cheese made all in one pot–the crockpot! |
Slow Cooker Bacon Macaroni and Cheese
- Cook Time: 80-90 minutes on high
- Total Time: 3 minute
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy and smoky macaroni and cheese that is made in one pot–the slow cooker! This recipe is so simple and tastes so amazing everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni noodles, uncooked (I used Barilla)
- 1 1/8 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp liquid smoke
- 1/3 cup crumbled cooked bacon + 1/4 cup more for serving
- 3 oz grated cheddar cheese (sharp will give more flavor but medium and mild work too)
- 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- In an oval slow cooker(I used my 3 quart slow cooker) evenly lay the the uncooked macaroni noodles. Pour the water and the cream over the top of the noodles.
- Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, liquid smoke and bacon over the top.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 80-90 minutes.
- Remove lid and gently stir. Add in grated cheese and gently stir until it’s all melted.
- Optional and really awesome: turn on your oven to broil. Spread Panko bread crumbs on a cookie sheet and place under the broiler until toasted. It will take only a few minutes so make sure you
watch it and don’t let it burn. - Spoon macaroni and cheese into serving bowls. Top with a tablespoon of crumbled bacon and a tablespoon of bread crumbs. Enjoy!
Notes
Ideal slow cooker size: 3 quart
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Slow Cooker
Thanks for the Mac and cheese recipe. I can’t wait to try it and the. Chick fil -a Mac. Looks yummy.
Hi, I am planning on cooking on low – how should I adjust cooking time?
I found your blog via Yummly. Thanks!
Hi Courtney, I would suggest cooking on low for 2-3 hours. I’m glad you found my website!
If I don’t use whole wheat pasta would I need to change the liquid amount?
nope…not the liquid amount. But the pasta will cook quicker so keep your eye on it or it will be mushy.
Worked just fine and so delicious!
awesome!
I am cooking for my husband and three very tall and hungry brothers will let you know how it comes out. I quadrupled the recipe!! ☺
oh yes, let me know. did you have to increase the cooking time?
This was delicious! My preschooler and I both loved it. If I were to double the recipe would I use my 6qt cooker instead of the 3qt? Thanks.
Glad you guys liked it! 6 quart is what i would use 🙂
If I double this recipe would you recommend using a larger cooker? (I have a 3qt and a 6qt). Thanks!
Yep, you'd probably need to use the 6 quart!
Delicious recipe Karen, thanks! I want to double it next time, but unsure of how long to cook. Should it be 90 or 180 minutes? Thanks!
Cooking time will be the same! (maybe a few minutes longer but definitely not double)
Thank you for this recipe. I doubled the ingredients and it was DELICIOUS. I found you via Pinterest.
Yay! Glad you liked it 🙂
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