Recipe: Slow Cooked Mac & Cheese

Slow cooking macaroni and cheese in a crock pot is a strange concept, and it seems like every time I mention this recipe to people they think I've lost my mind by trying to destroy this amazing comfort food. I mean, really, how exactly does heating milk and cheese to over 150 degrees for several hours result in an edible dish? I don't know, but I promise you that the end result is super tasty. Also, I know what you're thinking, but gluten free pasta works just as well with this recipe as regular pasta; therefore, I am not slowly poisoning my future husband with the natural proteins found in grains. In fact, K was super excited last time I made this, which means it's a big hit; and I know that I love this recipe too because it's more than simply cheese and pasta.

So my hungry friends, go dig out that slow cooker from the pantry or cabinet where you keep it, embrace the oddity of slow cooking mac and cheese, and get to cooking!

SLOW COOKED MAC & CHEESE

INGREDIENTS

1.5 cup Milk
2 Large Eggs
1 can (12 oz) Evaporated Milk (this prevents the milk and egg from curdling in the slow cooker)
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) Unsalted Butter, melted
2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
1 cup Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 lbs Macaroni
1/2 tsp Paprika
2 tsp Italian Seasoning (I simply use Thyme, Oregano, and Basil)
Salt and Back Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
 
1.) Cook pasta for about five minutes and drain

2.) Spray or grease the inside of your crock pot, then combine the milk, evaporated milk, eggs, butter, and salt. Whisk until smooth.

3.) Add the pasta, Pepper, Paprika, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheese (NOT the Parmesan Cheese) Stir gently to mix.

4.) Sprinkle the Parmesan on top. Cover and cook on HIGH for 30 minutes. Then, turn slow cooker to LOW and cook for an additional 2.5 hours.

5.) Serve hot (Top with bread crumbs to make it a little fancier) 

Just in case you need a little Pin-spiration, here's the link to my Pinterest Boards: http://pinterest.com/stardustbabey/boards/