Oh, there's just something about that creamy, cheesy goodness mingled with the smoky, savory hug of bacon that makes a dish like Mac & Cheese a comforting hug on a cold day. This Slow Cooker Bacon Mac & Cheese is a recipe that's close to my heart, not just for its ease and simplicity, but for the smiles it brings to my family's faces time and time again. While Mac & Cheese has its origins as a classic American comfort food, adding a twist of real cooked bacon just elevates it to a level where every bite feels like a special occasion. It's a fantastic option for busy weekdays, lazy weekends, or anytime you want a satisfying meal without much fuss.
When you're serving up this hearty Slow Cooker Bacon Mac & Cheese, you might want to balance the meal with something light and bright. A crisp green salad tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans sprinkled with sliced almonds are both wonderful choices. For added color and variety, you could also pair it with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts.
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Slow Cooker Bacon Mac & Cheese
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound of cooked bacon, chopped
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 pound of cooked bacon, chopped
Directions:
1. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but make sure it remains al dente; it'll continue cooking in the slow cooker.
2. In the basin of your slow cooker, combine the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, and sour cream.
3. Stir in the lightly beaten eggs into the milk and cheese mixture, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the slow cooker and mix well with the cheese mixture to ensure each noodle is lovingly coated.
5. Gently fold in the chopped cooked bacon, reserving a small amount for topping just before serving.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, until the edges are bubbly and the center is set.
7. Give everything a good stir, sprinkle with the reserved bacon, and serve warm, straight from the slow cooker.
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Variations & Tips:
- For a bit of a kick, you can add a diced jalapeno or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture.
- For an even creamier texture, try substituting half of the cheddar for Gouda or Velveeta.
- If there are any picky eaters around your table who might not fancy the onion or garlic taste, feel free to adjust the levels to your family's preference or omit them altogether.
- And lastly, to keep the mac & cheese from sticking to the sides of your slow cooker, give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray before adding your ingredients. It'll make cleanup a breeze so you can spend more time with your loved ones. Enjoy!
- For an even creamier texture, try substituting half of the cheddar for Gouda or Velveeta.
- If there are any picky eaters around your table who might not fancy the onion or garlic taste, feel free to adjust the levels to your family's preference or omit them altogether.
- And lastly, to keep the mac & cheese from sticking to the sides of your slow cooker, give it a good spray with non-stick cooking spray before adding your ingredients. It'll make cleanup a breeze so you can spend more time with your loved ones. Enjoy!