Indulge in this creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese. With tender elbow macaroni, smoky bacon, and vibrant broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is perfect for any family gathering or potluck.
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 ½ cups milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 ounces Velveeta, cubed
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, cubed
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 (12-ounce) package frozen broccoli florets, thawed
Directions:
- Boil the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 6 minutes. Drain and rinse.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Coat the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, milk, 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, Velveeta, cream cheese, and dry mustard to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Add Broccoli and Bacon: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broccoli and bacon. Re-cover and continue cooking until the broccoli is tender.
- Melt Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the macaroni and cover until melted.
- Serve: Garnish with additional cooked and crumbled bacon, if desired.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish Creatively: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the macaroni for a burst of color and freshness.
- Pairing Suggestions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are also excellent accompaniments.
- Individual Servings: For a party or potluck, consider transferring portions into individual ramekins before sprinkling with cheese and melting. This makes serving and cleanup easier.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Freezing: Macaroni and cheese can be frozen, but it’s best to freeze before adding the broccoli. Portion cooled macaroni into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: When reheating, stir occasionally and add a bit of extra milk or cream to maintain a creamy texture. Adjust seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your Slow Cooker Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese remains delicious and enjoyable for every occasion, whether served fresh or reheated!
Variations :
- Spicy Kick:
- Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a spicy twist. Top with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper before serving for extra heat.
- Italian-Inspired:
- Substitute the Velveeta with cubed mozzarella and stir in a teaspoon of Italian seasoning blend. Add diced sun-dried tomatoes and chopped fresh basil during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Extra Veggie Boost:
- Mix in additional vegetables such as diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms along with the broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
- Protein Packed:
- Incorporate cooked chicken, diced ham, or crumbled sausage into the macaroni and cheese mixture for a heartier meal option. Adjust cooking times as needed to ensure proteins are fully heated through.
- Crunchy Topping:
- For a crispy contrast, top the macaroni with a layer of buttered breadcrumbs mixed with grated Parmesan cheese before serving. Broil briefly in the oven until golden brown.
- Lighter Option:
- Use low-fat or skim milk, reduced-fat cheeses, and substitute Greek yogurt for the cream cheese to reduce the overall calorie and fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Tex-Mex Twist:
- Mix in a can of diced green chilies and a teaspoon of cumin powder. Serve topped with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream or salsa.
- Seafood Sensation:
- Stir in cooked shrimp, crab meat, or chunks of cooked lobster during the last 15 minutes of cooking for a luxurious seafood mac and cheese experience.
- Mushroom Medley:
- Sauté sliced mushrooms (such as cremini or shiitake) with garlic until tender. Stir them into the macaroni and cheese mixture along with the broccoli and bacon for a savory twist.
- Pesto Perfection:
- Stir in a few tablespoons of basil pesto into the cheese sauce for a vibrant, herby flavor. Top with pine nuts or additional Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Buffalo Chicken Kick:
- Toss shredded cooked chicken with buffalo sauce and mix it into the macaroni and cheese along with the broccoli and bacon. Drizzle extra buffalo sauce on top before serving for added spice.
- Spinach and Artichoke Delight:
- Add chopped cooked spinach and drained canned artichoke hearts (quartered) to the macaroni and cheese mixture. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the oven until bubbly.
- Loaded Baked Potato Twist:
- Mix in sour cream, chopped green onions, and shredded cheddar cheese along with the broccoli and bacon. Serve with a dollop of sour cream and additional bacon bits on top.
- Cajun Flair:
- Season the macaroni and cheese with Cajun seasoning blend and stir in cooked andouille sausage slices or diced smoked sausage. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
- Truffle Infusion:
- Drizzle truffle oil over the finished macaroni and cheese just before serving for a luxurious touch. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
- Chipotle Cheddar Fiesta:
- Add chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the cheese sauce for a smoky, spicy kick. Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Bacon Jalapeño Popper:
- Mix in diced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) and cream cheese along with the broccoli and bacon. Top with a crispy breadcrumb topping mixed with crumbled bacon before serving.
- Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Fusion:
- Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained of oil) and fresh chopped basil into the macaroni and cheese mixture. Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
- Asian Inspired:
- Mix soy sauce, sesame oil, and a touch of ginger into the cheese sauce. Add cooked shrimp or diced chicken along with broccoli and bacon. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
- Maple Bacon Bliss:
- Substitute regular bacon with maple-flavored bacon for a sweet-savory twist. Drizzle a bit of maple syrup over the finished dish before serving.
Experiment with these variations to customize your Slow Cooker Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese to suit different tastes and occasions, making each batch uniquely delicious!
FAQs :
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini. Adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta shape used.
- How can I make this dish vegetarian?
- Omit the bacon and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for variety.
- Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, refrigerate it, and then cook it the next day. Add broccoli and bacon as directed before cooking.
- What can I substitute for evaporated milk?
- You can use half-and-half or a combination of milk and heavy cream in place of evaporated milk. Adjust the proportions to maintain the desired creaminess.
- How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
- Cook the pasta for only 6 minutes before adding it to the slow cooker. This ensures it retains some firmness before finishing cooking in the creamy sauce.
- Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
- Yes, you can use fresh broccoli florets. Steam or blanch them briefly before adding them to the slow cooker to ensure they cook evenly.
- How do I prevent the cheese from becoming stringy?
- Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Stir the cheese into the sauce gradually, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more.
- Can I double this recipe?
- Yes, you can double the ingredients for a larger batch. Ensure your slow cooker can accommodate the increased volume, and adjust cooking times accordingly.
- What can I serve with Slow Cooker Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese?
- It pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. For a complete meal, consider serving with grilled chicken or roasted pork.
- How should I store leftovers?
- Store leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
These FAQs address common queries about preparing, storing, and customizing Slow Cooker Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese, ensuring a successful cooking experience every time!
Enjoy this Slow Cooker Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese for a delicious and hearty meal that will satisfy everyone at the table!