Description
This Slow Cooker Triple Cheesy Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and irresistible comfort food dish made with three types of cheese, whole milk, and heavy cream. Perfectly cooked low and slow, the tender elbow macaroni is enveloped in a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, delivering a velvety texture and cheesy depth. This recipe is easy to assemble in your slow cooker and yields a warm, satisfying meal ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (packed, freshly grated)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Prep the Slow Cooker: Grease the entire inside of your 4-quart slow cooker with melted butter or a non-stick spray to prevent the mac and cheese from sticking and burning during cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Layer the uncooked elbow macaroni and cheeses inside the slow cooker, alternating between macaroni and cheese layers and finishing with cheese on top. Pour in the whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, and sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir thoroughly to coat every noodle with the cheesy mixture.
- Cook and Stir: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Stir the mac and cheese every 45 minutes to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking. Begin checking at 2 hours; noodles should be tender with a slight bite. If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of warm milk. If too thin, sprinkle extra Parmesan and stir until melted for thickening.
- Finishing Touch: Optional – reserve 1/2 cup cheddar cheese to sprinkle on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a golden crust. Adjust seasoning by tasting and adding more salt if needed before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture instead of pre-shredded cheese to avoid graininess.
- Greasing the slow cooker thoroughly is essential to prevent sticking and burning.
- Stirring every 45 minutes helps achieve creamy, clump-free mac and cheese.
- Whole milk and heavy cream provide the best creamy texture; lower fat options can result in graininess.
- Adjust cooking times slightly when using gluten-free pasta or if you double the recipe.
- Save some cheese for topping in the final cooking stages for a crispy cheese crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker mac and cheese, triple cheese mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta slow cooker
