Trisha Yearwood’s Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Craving a creamy and indulgent mac and cheese? Look no further! Our Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese recipe, inspired by Trisha Yearwood, is the ultimate comfort food. With its rich, cheesy flavor and effortless slow cooker preparation, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients:

For the mac and cheese:

• 8 ounces cooked elbow macaroni (cooked for half the time on the box)
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1-1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/4 cup Challenge butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Dash of pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 2 (10-ounce) bricks sharp Cheddar cheese (about 5 cups), grated
• Dash of paprika

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

• Cook the elbow macaroni for half the time recommended on the box. It should be slightly undercooked.
• Grate the sharp Cheddar cheese.

Mix the Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
• In the slow cooker, combine the evaporated milk, whole milk, beaten eggs, melted butter, salt, pepper, and grated Cheddar cheese. Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese for later.
• Add the partially cooked macaroni to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cheese mixture.

Cook the Mac and Cheese:

• Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top of the macaroni mixture.
• Add a dash of paprika for color and flavor.
• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for about 50 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy:

• Once the mac and cheese is cooked, serve it hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Notes:

• You can exclude the eggs if desired, but they help to bind the ingredients together and create a creamier texture.
• Cooking the macaroni for half the recommended time ensures that it doesn’t become mushy during the slow cooking process.
• For an extra kick of flavor, you can replace some or all of the sharp Cheddar cheese with spicy cheese.
• If you prefer an even creamier mac and cheese, consider adding 4 to 8 ounces of cream cheese to the mixture.

FAQs:

Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?

• Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and assemble the mac and cheese in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook it.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

• Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to customize the flavor of your mac and cheese.

How should I store leftovers?

• Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

• Yes, you can freeze individual portions of mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

• While the slow cooker method is convenient, you can also bake the mac and cheese in the oven at 350°F for about 30-35 minutes until heated through.