10/13

Creamy Garlic Mac & Cheese

Comfort Foods, Food, Hot, Meal Ideas, Pasta, Savory
By Emma Chapman

My favorite mac and cheese recipe you can make in a crock potOh man, you guys. I LOVE macaroni and cheese. It’s got to be one of the all time best comfort foods in the world. It makes sense that it tends to be a kid’s menu favorite. Kids know what’s up when it comes to macaroni and cheese. 

You’ll notice that this particular macaroni and cheese is made in a slow cooker. Although my slow cooker doesn’t appear to be turned on. 

WHAT IS THIS?? WITCHCRAFT???

Guys, it’s not witchcraft. Everyone calm down. After this was done cooking, I unplugged my slower cooker and moved it by a window to take this photo because my kitchen was super dark. It was raining outside, which made it the best time to eat some mac and cheese.

Best slower cooker mac and cheese This mac and cheese is thick, creamy, super garlicky and so good. You’ll eat so much, you’ll end up needing a nap afterward. You have been warned. 

Secret ingredient for creamy mac and cheeseCreamy Garlic Mac & Cheese, serves 5-6.

16 oz. macaroni noodles
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped or minced
4 oz. cream cheese
3 cups whole milk
2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, colby jack, or a mixture)
2 eggs
salt + pepper
chives to serve with (optional)

Cook the noodles according to the package directions for al dente. You really want the noodles to be slightly undercooked (as opposed to overcooked) because they will absorb more moisture while they cook in the slow cooker.

Slower cooker macaroni and cheeseIn a large sauce pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Now add the cream cheese, 2 cups of the milk and the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined and the cheese begins to melt. Remove from heat.

In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and remaining 1 cup of milk. Add a little bit of the hot, cheesy liquid to this bowl and stir. This will help to temper the eggs so they don’t cook too quickly. 

Now add everything to a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Give it a stir. Place the lid on top and cook on low for 1 hour.

Best slower cooker mac and cheese While that cooks, you could steam some broccoli to serve alongside this and make yourself feel better about all the cheese and carbs you’re about to consume. Also, steamed broccoli is delicious. Top with chives and maybe a little more pepper. If you have leftovers, warm them up the next day for lunch. Don’t waste good mac and cheese!!!! xo. Emma

Credits // Author and Photography: Emma Chapman. Photos edited with A Beautiful Mess actions. 

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Creamy Garlic Mac & Cheese

Ingredients

  • 16 oz. macaroni noodles
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
  • 4 oz. cream cheese
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheese cheddar, colby jack, or a mixture
  • 2 eggs
  • salt + pepper
  • chives to serve with optional

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles according to the package directions for al dente. You really want the noodles to be slightly undercooked (as opposed to overcooked) because they will absorb more moisture while they cook in the slow cooker.
  2. In a large sauce pan, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for one minute. Now add the cream cheese, 2 cups of the milk and the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined and the cheese begins to melt. Remove from heat.
  3. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs and remaining 1 cup of milk. Add a little bit of the hot, cheesy liquid to this bowl and stir. This will help to temper the eggs so they don't cook too quickly.
  4. Now add everything to a slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper. Give it a stir. Place the lid on top and cook on low for 1 hour.
  5. While that cooks, you could steam some broccoli to serve alongside this and make yourself feel better about all the cheese and carbs you're about to consume. Also, steamed broccoli is delicious. Top with chives and maybe a little more pepper.

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