Macaroni and Two Cheeses is a classic comfort food that brings together the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese with the convenience of a slow cooker. This recipe takes the traditional mac and cheese up a notch by adding a flavorful Parmesan cheese topping. With the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal without the hassle of constant monitoring. Whether it’s a family gathering, potluck, or cozy night in, this macaroni and cheese recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
INGREDIENTS:
- 8 ounces (225 g) elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 13 ounces (365 ml) fat-free evaporated milk
- 1 cup (235 ml) skim milk
- ¼ cup (60 ml) egg substitute
- 4 cups (450 g) shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon white pepper
- ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
PREPARATIONS:
- Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In the slow cooker, combine the cooked macaroni, evaporated milk, skim milk, egg substitute, 3 cups (345 g) shredded Cheddar cheese, salt, and white pepper.
- Top the mixture with the remaining 1 cup (105 g) shredded Cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the cheeses to melt.
YIELD: 8 servings
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:
- Cooking the macaroni al dente ensures that it retains a slight bite and texture even after slow cooking.
- It is important to spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the macaroni and cheese from sticking to the sides.
- For a golden and slightly crispy topping, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the Cheddar cheese in the last hour of cooking.
TIPS:
- Serve this macaroni and cheese as a main course accompanied by a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or diced tomatoes to the macaroni and cheese mixture for added flavor and texture.
- If you prefer a spicier version, sprinkle some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal option.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:
- 98 g water
- 440 calories (49% from fat, 25% from protein, 27% from carbs)
- 27 g protein
- 24 g total fat
- 15 g saturated fat
- 7 g monounsaturated fat
- 1 g polyunsaturated fat
- 29 g carbs
- 1 g fiber
- 6 g sugar
- 548 mg phosphorus
- 699 mg calcium
- 2 mg iron
- 544 mg sodium
- 367 mg potassium
- 947 IU vitamin A
- 247 mg ATE vitamin E
- 1 mg vitamin C
- 75 mg cholesterol
CONCLUSION: Macaroni and Two Cheeses is the ultimate comfort food that combines the simplicity of macaroni with the rich, creamy flavors of Cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. The slow cooker method makes it effortless to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a homemade mac and cheese without spending hours in the kitchen. This recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences by adding your favorite ingredients or spices. Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a special occasion, Macaroni and Two Cheeses will always be a crowd favorite that brings warmth and satisfaction to every bite.
