The Best Trisha Yearwood Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe Ever

Creamy, cheesy mac and cheese from trisha yearwood’s crockpot recipe promises pure comfort on a plate.

This beloved Southern-style dish melts hearts with its rich, velvety texture.

Slow cooking transforms simple ingredients into a decadent masterpiece that beckons everyone to the table.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the blend of sharp cheddar and smooth, melted goodness.

The crockpot method ensures effortless preparation without sacrificing flavor.

Minimum effort, maximum deliciousness defines this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Why Trisha’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese Is Beloved

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: This cheesy dish delivers ultimate satisfaction for all ages, transforming an ordinary meal into a delightful family gathering with minimal effort.
• Minimal Ingredient Flexibility: Easily customize the recipe by adding optional ingredients like egg yolks or experimenting with different cheese varieties, allowing personal culinary creativity.
• Hands-Off Convenience: Simply combine ingredients, set the crockpot, and walk away while enjoying a deliciously creamy mac and cheese without constant monitoring or complicated cooking steps.

Ingredients for Slow-Cooked Mac and Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and creamy cheese that gives rich flavor.
• Whole Milk: Smooth dairy base for a luxurious texture.
• Evaporated Milk: Concentrated milk that adds extra creaminess.

• Butter: Melted butter that brings a golden richness.
• Egg Yolks: Optional ingredient for extra silky consistency.

• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Simple spices that enhance the overall taste.
• Cooking Spray: Helpful to prevent sticking in the crockpot.

How to Make Trisha Yearwood’s Famous Mac

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Grab your crockpot and coat its interior with cooking spray.

This prevents any sticky situations and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Create the Cheesy Base

• Uncooked elbow macaroni
• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk
• Melted butter

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Gently fold most of the grated cheddar cheese into the mixture, keeping about a cup aside for the final topping.

For extra richness, whisk egg yolks separately and blend them into the creamy concoction.

Step 4: Layer and Cover

Spread the reserved cheese across the top of the macaroni mixture.

Dust with a light sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color and subtle warmth.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic on low heat for 2 hours.

Peek in occasionally and give the pasta a gentle stir.

If the macaroni needs more time, continue cooking for an additional 30-60 minutes until it reaches that perfect tender consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Once the mac and cheese is creamy, bubbling, and irresistible, dish it out hot.

Prepare for a comforting, cheesy experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Creamy, Comforting Crockpot Pasta

• Generously spray crockpot with cooking spray to ensure easy serving and quick cleanup afterward.
• Whisk egg yolks separately before adding to create an ultra-smooth, luxurious mac and cheese texture that melts in your mouth.
• Blend most cheese into mixture and reserve some for topping to create delicious crispy cheese edges and rich flavor layers.
• Check pasta tenderness periodically during last 30-60 minutes to avoid overcooking and maintain perfect al dente consistency.
• Sprinkle paprika on top not just for color but to add subtle warmth and depth to the overall cheese flavor profile.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Mac and Cheese

• Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days.
• Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Mix gently until heated through.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add small amount of milk to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze in sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and flavor.

What Pairs Nicely With Cheesy Mac

• Pair Creamy Mac and Cheese with Crisp Green Salad: Light, tangy salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cheesy pasta, providing a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Smoky Pulled Pork: Tender, slightly spicy pulled pork adds depth and protein to the mac and cheese, creating a hearty meal.
• Match with Zesty Coleslaw: Crunchy, vinegar-based coleslaw brings a cool, sharp flavor that balances the creamy, rich mac and cheese.
• Select Refreshing Beverage Pairing: Crisp, cold pale ale or sauvignon blanc helps cleanse the palate and enhances the dish's creamy texture.

Easy Add-On Ideas for Mac and Cheese

• Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Replace elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Protein-Packed Version: Add cooked diced chicken, crispy bacon bits, or ground turkey to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Vegetable-Enriched Option: Mix in roasted cauliflower, spinach, or diced bell peppers to boost nutritional value and add extra flavor and texture to the classic recipe.
• Low-Dairy Alternative: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast and plant-based milk for a vegan-friendly mac and cheese that maintains creamy consistency.

FAQs

• Why use a crockpot for mac and cheese?

Crockpots create a creamy, consistent texture without constant stirring. The slow, gentle heat helps prevent scorching and allows flavors to blend seamlessly, resulting in a rich and smooth mac and cheese.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with cheese varieties like monterey jack, gruyere, or colby. Just ensure you maintain similar cheese quantities to preserve the recipe’s creamy consistency and overall texture.

• Is evaporated milk necessary?

Evaporated milk adds richness and helps create a smoother, creamier sauce compared to regular milk. If unavailable, you can substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half for similar results.

• How do egg yolks improve the recipe?

Egg yolks act as a natural thickener, adding extra creaminess and helping bind the cheese sauce. They contribute to a more luxurious, custard-like texture in the mac and cheese without making it too heavy.

Trisha Yearwood Crockpot Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Country star Trisha Yearwood’s creamy crockpot mac and cheese delivers comfort in each rich, cheesy bite. Melted cheddar and smooth dairy create a southern classic that brings family gatherings and warm memories straight to the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 20 ounces (567 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Dairy:

• 2 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 ounce (14 grams) evaporated milk
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter, melted
• 3 egg yolks (optional)

Other Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Dash of pepper
• Dash of paprika
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crockpot by generously coating the interior with cooking spray, ensuring no surface is left unprotected.
2. Pour uncooked elbow macaroni into the crockpot, creating an even base layer for the mac and cheese.
3. Drizzle melted butter across the macaroni, followed by a careful pour of evaporated and whole milk to create a luxurious liquid foundation.
4. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the mixture, allowing the seasonings to distribute thoroughly.
5. Gently fold most of the grated cheddar cheese into the liquid, reserving approximately one cup for the final topping.
6. If using egg yolks, whisk them separately until smooth, then gently incorporate into the creamy mixture to enhance richness and texture.
7. Distribute the reserved cheese across the top of the macaroni, creating a tempting golden layer.
8. Dust the surface with a light sprinkle of paprika, adding a subtle hint of color and earthy warmth.
9. Cover the crockpot and set to low heat, allowing the mac and cheese to slowly simmer and develop deep flavors.
10. After two hours, carefully stir the contents and assess the pasta’s tenderness, adding an extra 30-60 minutes of cooking time if needed.
11. Once the pasta reaches perfect consistency and the cheese transforms into a creamy, inviting sauce, remove from heat and serve immediately.

Notes

• Prevent sticking by thoroughly coating the crockpot with cooking spray, ensuring easy cleanup and smooth food release.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for superior melting and richer flavor that coats the pasta evenly.
• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or monterey jack to customize the mac and cheese’s taste profile.
• Add protein options like crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken to transform this side dish into a hearty main course.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 511
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 624 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 108 mg