Can You Guess What Day It Is?

First clue – it’s a Friday, so there won’t be any meat involved. Second clue – it’s made with Elbow Macaroni. Final clue – it’s very kid friendly.

If you guessed National Macaroni and Cheese Day you would be spot on! My guys love Mac-n-Cheese. They sometimes take those little microwaveable cups for a quick lunch. If you must eat Mac-N-Cheese from a box, my favorite has to be Velveeta Mac-N-Cheese Shells. Velveeta as a rule tastes better than Kraft because it uses a cheese sauce rather than a dried powder. And the little shells are just so darn cute, all filled with cheesy goodness.

But if you have the time, cooking Mac-N-Cheese from scratch is the way to go. One of my favorite sources for amazing recipes has to be The Spruce Eats. Everything looks beyond tempting, and thus far nothing I’ve tried has been a disappointment.

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Magic
16 oz Elbow Macaroni
Water for Macaroni
Salt for Water
8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
8 oz Mild Cheddar Cheese, shredded
2 tablespoons Vegetable Oil, divided
1 teaspoon Salt
1 (12 oz) can Evaporated Milk
1-1/2 cups Half-n-Half or Whole Milk
8 tablespoons Butter, melted
Black Pepper to taste, if desired

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rapid boil. Cook macaroni according to package directions, about 10 minutes. Drain well.

While the macaroni cooks, generously butter the bottom and sides of the bowl of the slow cooker with about a tablespoon vegetable oil. Set cooker aside.

Using the smaller holes of a cheese grater, shred both the sharp and mild cheddar cheeses. Toss cheeses together in a bowl, set aside.

Once the pasta is drained, toss hot macaroni in the slow cooker with the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add salt and the cheese mixture. Toss gently. Add Evaporated Milk and half-and-half. Melt butter, pour over the macaroni and cheese, stir gently to blend.

Cover and cook on LOW for 3-1/2 hours, stirring occasionally. Season with black pepper just before serving, if desired.

Original Recipe: Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

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