Spices: Mustard, cayenne, and nutmeg are classic choices, as are garlic or smoked paprika. If you need to let the casserole warm for a while, then you might want to try this approach instead. Note: America’s Test Kitchen’s Slow Cooker Revolution takes a completely different approach for slow cooker macaroni and cheese, using evaporated milk, canned cheese soup, and water to make a sauce. Either way, the sauce is still edible and tasty. A few sources suggest a bit of lemon juice. But if your sauce breaks or curdles, try stirring in more milk or half-and-half to improve the texture. Pasta: It is fine to substitute other shapes of pasta in place of elbow macaroni, try Conchiglie shells or Cavatappi.ĭairy: The creamy half-and-half adds extra fat which helps keep the cheese sauce from breaking. The Pioneer Woman’s Macaroni and Cheese suggests a combination of Cheddar and Fontina. Some people say using Monterey Jack makes a creamier sauce.
#MAC AND CHEESE FOR 100 IN SLOW COOKER MAC#
Ina Garten’s Mac and Cheese calls for Cheddar and Gruyere.Īlton Brown’s Macaroni and Cheese uses Monterey Jack and Cheddar. Note, you really should grate your own cheese. of cheese, so use more cheese if desired. The best mac and cheese recipes call for a ratio of approximately 8 oz. Toast a few minutes until golden brown and crisp.Ĭheeses: Try other cheeses in place of some of the Cheddar to find the flavor and consistency that you prefer. To make toasted breadcrumbs: In a small skillet over medium-high heat, heat a few tablespoons olive oil or butter, add about 1 cup fresh bread crumbs or Panko, season with salt and pepper. Cooking NotesĪ pound of pasta makes a lot of macaroni and cheese, but the recipe is easily halved. Adapted from NYT Cooking’s 5-star Creamy Macaroni and Cheese.