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

Scale

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