Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese

The Pioneer Woman’s Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe is a delicious and easy way to make a comforting and creamy mac and cheese. This recipe features elbow macaroni that is cooked in a slow cooker with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd.

The slow cooker does most of the work for you, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or for when you want to have a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. This recipe is easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for leftovers. With a creamy, cheesy and comforting flavor, this recipe will be a hit with kids and adults alike.

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Why You’ll Love This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese

There are several reasons why you’ll love this Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe:

• It’s easy to make: This recipe is easy to make and the slow cooker does most of the work, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or for when you want to have a comforting meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• It’s cheesy and creamy: The macaroni is cooked in a rich and creamy cheese sauce, which makes for a comforting and satisfying meal.
• Perfect for a crowd: This recipe makes a large quantity of macaroni and cheese, which is perfect for feeding a crowd or for leftovers.
• Comforting and filling: Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is perfect for a satisfying dinner.
• Slow cooking method: Slow cooking is great for pasta dishes, it makes them creamy, cheesy and tender.
• Versatile: You can add different ingredients to this recipe like bacon, chicken or vegetables to make it more flavorful and satisfying.
• Perfect for any occasion: This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or special occasions like holidays or parties.

Overall, this Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe is a delicious, easy, comforting and versatile option for any meal.

What Is Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Recipe?

The Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe is a dish that features elbow macaroni that is cooked in a slow cooker with a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The recipe requires basic ingredients such as macaroni, butter, milk, heavy cream, cheddar cheese and some seasonings. The macaroni and cheese cook together in the slow cooker until the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy and bubbly.

The recipe is easy to make, flavorful and perfect for leftovers. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd. It is a simple and classic recipe that can be enjoyed as is or you can add other ingredients to make it more flavorful and satisfying.

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 teaspoons dry mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese

1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the milk, heavy cream, dry mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. In a slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni, cheese sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is tender.
5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until well combined.
6. Cover and cook on low for an additional 30 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted.
7. Serve the macaroni and cheese warm and enjoy!

Note: You can add other ingredients to this recipe like bacon, chicken or vegetables to make it more flavorful and satisfying. You can also adjust the amount of cheese and seasoning to your liking.

Recipe Tips

Here are some tips to help you make the best Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese:

• Use a high-quality cheese: Using a high-quality cheese will make a big difference in the flavor of your mac and cheese. Use a combination of cheddar and Parmesan cheese for best results.
• Cook the macaroni al dente: Make sure to cook the macaroni al dente, so that it is cooked but still firm, it will finish cooking in the slow cooker.
• Use whole milk: Using whole milk will make the sauce creamier and richer.
• Use heavy cream: Using heavy cream will give the sauce a richer and creamier texture.
• Add seasonings: Adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard will give the sauce more flavor.
• Stir occasionally: Make sure to stir the macaroni and cheese occasionally while it cooks to prevent the pasta from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker.
• Don’t overcook: Make sure to not overcook the macaroni and cheese in the slow cooker, as the pasta will continue to cook and absorb the liquid.
• Add more cheese if needed: If you like your mac and cheese extra cheesy, you can add more cheese to the recipe.
• Let it rest before serving: Once the macaroni and cheese is done, remove it from the slow cooker and let it rest for a few minutes to thicken up before serving.
• Experiment with other ingredients: You can also experiment with other ingredients to add more flavor to your mac and cheese such as bacon, diced tomatoes, or green onions.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese?

Here are some ideas of what to serve with Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese:

Salad: A simple green salad with mixed greens or arugula, with a light dressing could also be a nice side dish to go with the mac and cheese.

Vegetables: Grilled or sautéed vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans are a great way to add some veggies to the meal.

Meat: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese can be served with meats like grilled chicken, pulled pork, or beef.

Bread: Serve the mac and cheese with warm bread such as dinner rolls, garlic bread or biscuits.

Soup: A simple soup like tomato or creamy mushroom soup can be a great starter for the meal.

BBQ: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese can be a great side dish for BBQ, it will pair well with ribs, burgers or chicken.

Fried Foods: Fried foods like chicken fingers, French fries, or fried shrimp are a great side dish to pair with the mac and cheese.

Fresh fruits: Fresh fruits like berries or sliced apples are a great way to add a sweet and refreshing touch to the meal.

Sandwiches: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese can be a great side dish for sandwiches like grilled cheese, pulled pork or burgers.

Overall, you can serve the Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with a variety of side dishes to suit your taste and dietary preferences, the options are endless.

How To Store Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese?

Here’s how to store Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese:

• Let it cool: Before storing the mac and cheese, let it cool to room temperature.
• Store in an airtight container: Once the mac and cheese has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
• Refrigerate: Place the container or bag in the refrigerator.
• Consume within 3-4 days: The mac and cheese should be consumed within 3-4 days of being stored in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: You can also freeze the mac and cheese for up to 3 months. To freeze it, place the mac and cheese in a resealable plastic freezer bag. Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Note: Be sure to reheat the mac and cheese until it is steaming hot, for safety reasons, and check the flavor and consistency before serving.

How To Reheat Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese?

Here’s how to reheat Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese:

• Oven: Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil. Heat it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through.
• Microwave: Place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out. Heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until it is heated through. Stir it every 30 seconds to ensure it heats evenly.
• Stovetop: Place the mac and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat and stir it occasionally until it is heated through.
• Check the temperature: Before serving, be sure to check the temperature of the mac and cheese, it should be heated to at least 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
• Be mindful of the consistency: When reheating, the mac and cheese may release some liquid, be sure to stir it well before serving.

Note: Reheating the mac and cheese gently will help to keep it creamy and moist, and to keep the flavor. Be sure to reheat the mac and cheese until it is steaming hot, for safety reasons, and check the flavor and consistency before serving.

FAQ Section

Is it OK to put milk in slow cooker?

Dairy. When dairy products are cooked over an extended period of time, they get separated. When used at the beginning of the cooking process, adding liquids such as milk, cream, or yogurt to crockpots will result in a gritty and watery mess being produced overall. After the recipe has done cooking, stir it in so that it is evenly distributed.

Can I make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with pre-shredded cheese, but it may not melt as well or be as creamy as using fresh shredded cheese.

Can I use different types of cheese for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere. You can also experiment with different combinations of cheese to suit your taste.

Can I use gluten-free pasta for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese.

Can I add meat to Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese?

Yes, you can add meat to Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese such as cooked bacon, pulled pork, or diced chicken.

Can I make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to eat it.

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• Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Potato Soup
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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Nutrition Fact*

Nutrients	Amount per serving (1 cup)
Calories	550
Total Fat	32g
Saturated Fat	20g
Cholesterol	110mg
Sodium	600mg
Total Carbohydrates	42g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugar	6g
Protein	25g