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Slow Cooker Broccoli Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

  • Author: Lusine Svetlana

Description

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker: Coat the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  3. 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.
  4. Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. 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.
  6. Melt Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the macaroni and cover until melted.
  7. 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

Notes

Serving Tips:

  1. Garnish Creatively: Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the macaroni for a burst of color and freshness.
  2. 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.
  3. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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!

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Find it online: https://cookiespedia.com/slow-cooker-broccoli-bacon-macaroni-and-cheese/