Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Bobby Flay’s Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy dinners or potlucks. Using a slow cooker makes this classic favorite effortless to prepare while delivering rich, cheesy flavor every time.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 5 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated and divided
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Dash of pepper
- Dash of paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: 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 Cheddar cheese.
- Step 3: Stir everything together until well mixed.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, then add a dash of paprika for color and flavor.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 3 hours and 15 minutes, until bubbly and creamy.
- Step 6: Turn off the heat, give the mac and cheese a final stir, and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- Use sharp Cheddar for the best flavor, or mix in some Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different twist.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese before cooking or broil for a few minutes after slow cooking.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy during slow cooking.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other small pasta shapes like shells or rotini, but keep the cooking time and texture in mind.
Is it possible to make this recipe without eggs?
Eggs help thicken the dish, but you can omit them for a dairy-only version; just expect a slightly different texture.
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Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Bobby Flay Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with minimal effort. Featuring sharp Cheddar cheese melted over perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, enriched with evaporated and whole milk, butter, and eggs, this dish is slow-cooked to achieve a rich, velvety texture and deep flavors. Ideal for easy family dinners or gatherings, it’s a classic twist on mac and cheese with a hands-off slow cooker method.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
Dairy & Eggs
- 5 cups sharp Cheddar cheese, grated and divided
- One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings
- 1 tsp salt
- Dash of pepper
- Dash of paprika (for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the cooked elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, salt, pepper, beaten eggs, and 4 1/2 cups of the grated Cheddar cheese. This mixture will create the creamy base for the mac and cheese.
- Mix Thoroughly: Stir all the ingredients together well until evenly combined, making sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the pasta and liquid mixture.
- Add Topping Cheese and Paprika: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated Cheddar cheese evenly on top of the mixture. Then, lightly sprinkle with paprika to add a subtle smoky flavor and appealing color on the surface.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 3 hours and 15 minutes. This slow cooking process allows the cheese to melt perfectly and the flavors to meld while gently thickening the sauce.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooking time is complete, turn off the heat. Give the mac and cheese a final gentle stir to incorporate any settled ingredients, then serve hot to enjoy the creamy, cheesy comfort food.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the elbow macaroni just to al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the slow cooker and you want to avoid mushy pasta.
- Use freshly grated sharp Cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper after cooking if needed for personal taste.
- You can add a crunchy topping like breadcrumbs or extra cheese and broil briefly if you want a crusty top, but this step is optional and not part of the original recipe.
- Slow cooker sizes and heat may vary, so check the mac and cheese near the end of the cooking time to ensure the desired creaminess and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: slow cooker mac and cheese, Bobby Flay mac and cheese, comfort food, cheesy pasta, easy side dish
