Easy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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If you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy, and easy mac and cheese recipe, you’ll love this slow cooker version made with Jarlsberg cheese. Jarlsberg cheese is a mild cheese made from cow’s milk, with large, regular holes, originating from Norway. It has a nutty, buttery flavor with a hint of tang that goes well with pasta and spices. You can find Jarlsberg cheese at your local supermarkets, either in blocks, slices, or snacks.

This recipe is very simple and requires only a few ingredients and steps. You just need to grate some cheese, dump everything in your slow cooker, and let it cook for three hours. The result is a rich and delicious mac and cheese that will satisfy your comfort food cravings.

Ingredients:

Dry pasta
2 cups half and half
2 cups whole milk

4 tbsp butter
4 cups grated Jarlsberg cheese
1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp dried mustard

Making The Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Grate the Cheese

The first step is to grate some Jarlsberg cheese, you can use any cheese grater or a food processor for this. You’ll need about four cups of grated cheese for this recipe. Jarlsberg cheese is very soft and smooth, so it will melt easily in the slow cooker.

Jarlsberg cheese has a yellow wax rind that you can peel off before grating. The rind is edible but has a slightly bitter taste that some people may not like.

Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker

Next, you’ll need to add all the ingredients to your slow cooker. Start by adding the dry pasta of your choice. You can use any shape or size of pasta you like, such as elbow macaroni, penne, shells, or rotini.

Then, pour in the half and half and the whole milk. These dairy products will add creaminess and richness to your mac and cheese. You can also use heavy cream or evaporated milk if you prefer.

Next, add the butter. Butter will add more flavor and fat to your mac and cheese. You can use salted or unsalted butter depending on your taste.

Then, dump in the grated Jarlsberg cheese. This is the star ingredient of this recipe. Jarlsberg cheese will give your mac and cheese a mild, nutty, and buttery flavor that pairs well with the pasta and spices.

Finally, add the spices. You’ll need some salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard. These spices will add some depth and complexity to your mac and cheese. You can adjust the amounts according to your preference.

Stir everything well to combine. Make sure everything is evenly distributed in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Cook for Three Hours

Now that everything is in the slow cooker, simply cover it with the lid and cook on low for three hours. This will allow the pasta to cook and absorb the liquid and cheese.

Halfway through the cooking time, you’ll want to stir everything again to prevent sticking or burning. You’ll also want to check the doneness of the pasta. Depending on your slow cooker model and the size of the pasta, it may take more or less time to cook.

Your mac and cheese are done when the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick and bubbly.

Step 4: Enjoy!

Your slow cooker mac and cheese is ready to serve! You can enjoy it as a main dish or a side dish for any occasion. It’s perfect for potlucks, parties, family dinners, or cozy nights.

Optional: To add some freshness and color to your mac and cheese, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions. You can also top with more grated cheese for extra cheesiness.

Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 to 4 days or freeze it till 3 months by storing them in an airtight container.

You may reheat it in the microwave or in the oven until hot.

Tools Used:

Slow cooker
Cheese grater
Measuring cups and spoons

Mixing spoon

FAQs

What kind of cheese is Jarlsberg?

Jarlsberg is a mild cheese made from cow’s milk with large, regular holes, originating from Norway. It has a nutty, buttery flavor with a hint of tang that goes well with pasta and spices. You can find Jarlsberg cheese at your local supermarkets, either in blocks, slices, or snacks.

Can I use a different cheese for this recipe?

Yes, you can use a different cheese for this recipe. You can substitute Jarlsberg cheese with other mild Swiss-style cheese, such as Emmentaler or young Gruyère. You can also use other melting cheeses like mild cheddar, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella, but remember that they may change the dish’s flavor profile slightly.

How long does this recipe take to cook?

This recipe takes about three hours to cook on low in the slow cooker. You’ll need to stir it once halfway through the cooking time to prevent sticking or burning. You’ll also need to check the doneness of the pasta, as it may vary depending on your slow cooker model and the size of the pasta.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, microwave it or bake it in the oven until hot.

What can I serve with this mac and cheese?

You can serve this mac and cheese as a main or side dish for any occasion. It goes well with salads, roasted vegetables, grilled meats, or soups. You can also garnish it with chopped parsley or green onions for freshness and color.