This recipe for Helen’s Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a family favorite across many states. The delicious mac and cheese is easy to prepare and will surely have you going for second helpings of the cheesy pasta classic.
I received complimentary product from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the #12DaysofChristmasIdeas Blog Hop posts. All opinions are mine alone. #ad #sponsored
Welcome to the 5th annual 12 Days of Holiday Ideas event, hosted by Shirley of Intelligent Domestications and Erlene of My Pinterventures Between Nov. 11th and December 6th there will be hundreds of new ideas shared by over 55 Co-host bloggers! Today’s theme is Potluck Recipes
Go here to see our kick-off collection of Holiday ideas as well as all of this years talented participating DIY and Foodie Blogs. Download this years November and December calendars with all of the topics and dates so you can make plans to watch for ideas!
We are hosting a BIG GIVEAWAY from our Sponsors this year! Be sure to scroll all the way down for more information and to enter to win! Also, check out the rest of the Potluck Recipes linked up at the bottom of this post.
During the holiday season there seems to be quite a few potlucks with family, friends, coworkers, and other events. Usually there’s a list to sign up to bring something and I love to bring one of two food items, either a slow cooked dish or a sweet treat. Depends on the group that’s eating or my mood which I’ll bring.
I loved the potlucks we used to have where I worked, so many different kinds of foods to try and the socialization was always wonderful since we gathered with all the employees, not just the ones we saw day-to-day.
Family get-togethers in my family means some of us have traveled to different states to be together. Doesn’t have to be a holiday when we do but when we go to my sister-in-law’s house for a meal, we can usually expect or request her to make her “famous” mac and cheese. It’s famous because we ALL love it. We’ve been eating it for years. It makes an appearance on my table a few times throughout the year.
Helen’s Mac & Cheese is perfect for your holiday potlucks, with dinner any night of the week, and for a main meal, too.
For this recipe, I used Cabot Creamery Co-Operative‘s Extra Sharp Cheese, a white and yellow variety. We like the sharpness of the cheese in this recipe, but you can use regular cheddar as well.
Tips to make Helen’s Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese:
When making any pasta dish that will be used in a slow cooker or a casserole, it’s best to cook the pasta to “al-dente” or undercook it a couple of minutes. The pasta will continue to cook in the slow cooker or oven and come out perfect. If you cook the pasta until it’s done, you risk the chance of it becoming overcooked and mushy in the slow cooker or oven.
I prefer to mix all of the ingredients except the pasta in my slow cooker, then mix in the pasta before turning the appliance on to cook on low for about 3 hours. Then you will add more cheese to the top of the pasta and cook for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Times can vary with the size of your slow cooker. I have a 6 quart one and find this time frame works well.
Potlucks are a great way to try different foods, like this this cheesy mac & cheese
Helen's Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 pkg (16 oz) elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I used Cabot Creamery brand cheese)
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cheddar cheese soup, undiluted
- 1 cup milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package directions for al dente; drain and place macaroni back into pot it was cooked in. Mix pasta with the butter.
- In slow cooker, combine 3 cups of cheese, evaporated milk, condensed cheese soup, milk, and eggs; mix well.
- Pour macaroni into slow cooker and stir to combine with the cheese mixture. Cook, covered, on low for 3-1/2 to 4 hours - can be a little less time depending on your slow cooker. Mine is a 6 quart and at 3 hours it's ready to add the rest of the shredded cheese and to cook another 15 minutes (or until cheese is melted)
Notes
MEET OUR SPONSORS who have generously donated fabulous prizes for the Big Christmas Giveaway!
DecoArt winner will receive a prize package valued at $100!
Dixie Crystals/Imperial Sugar winner will receive a Keurig Coffee Maker valued at $100!
Oriental Trading winner will receive an OrientalTrading.com gift card valued at $200!
Cabot Cheese winner will receive a gift basket of Cabot products valued at $75!
Burlap Fabric winner will receive a prize pack of products valued at $50!
Zulay Kitchens winner will receive one Milk Frother and a Lemon Squeezer valued at $21
It’s Home To You winner will receive one wooden Santa sign valued at $65
Giveaway begins Nov. 8, 2019 and ends Dec. 6, 2019. Winners will be notified by December 13, 2019. Sponsors will ship each prize to the winner. There will be a total of six winners, one for each prize. Drawing is by random selection using the Rafflecopter widget.
Must be 18 to win. Open to U.S. residents only.
Connect with Blogghetti! Be sure to follow me on my social media, so you never miss a post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
Enjoy!
I love baked mac and cheese, but I don’t think I’ve ever tried it in the slow cooker before. I will have to try it!
You had me at mac and cheese, sold me on slow cooker, won me on extra sharp cheddar cheese! I bet this tastes amazing using extra sharp cheese. Pinned and leaving your blog hungry and craving this recipe!