Creamy Bobby Flay Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

Bobby Flay’s Dreamy Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

Crock pot mac and cheese elevates humble pasta into a velvety symphony of comfort that dances across taste buds with unparalleled richness.

Slow-cooking magic transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Molten cheese cascades through tender noodles, creating a luxurious blanket of creamy decadence.

Every forkful promises a nostalgic embrace of flavor that warms both heart and stomach.

Minimal kitchen effort yields maximum deliciousness, making this recipe a secret weapon for busy food lovers.

Layers of tangy, smooth cheese meld seamlessly, turning a classic side dish into a show-stopping main course.

This isn’t just mac and cheese; it’s a creamy revolution waiting to tantalize your palate and spark dinner table excitement.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 750 kcal

Servings: 5

Bobby Flay’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Ingredient List

For Pasta Base:
  • Elbow Macaroni: Choose fresh, high-quality pasta for the best texture and flavor absorption.
For Dairy and Cheese Team:
  • Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Velveeta Cheese: Select full-fat, rich dairy products for creamy, indulgent results.
  • Condensed Milk, Half-and-Half, Whole Milk: Opt for fresh, high-quality dairy to enhance the sauce's richness.
For Seasoning Companions:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt for maximum flavor depth.

Cooking Tools for Bobby Flay’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

  • Slow Cooker (4-6 quart): Perfect for creating creamy, hands-off mac and cheese.
  • Cooking Spray: Helps prevent pasta from sticking to the slow cooker.
  • Large Pot: For boiling and draining pasta before adding to slow cooker.
  • Colander: Drains pasta quickly and completely.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring pasta and mixing cheese sauce.
  • Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of milk and cheese ingredients.
  • Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure milk and dairy components.
  • Cheese Grater (optional): Useful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
  • Airtight Container: Stores leftovers safely in the refrigerator.

Steps to Make Bobby Flay’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Steps to Make Bobby Flay’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Dream

  • Prep the Magic Vessel

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a quick spray coating to prevent any sticky situations. Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly tender, then drain completely.

  • Butter Up the Noodles

Slide those drained pasta strands into the slow cooker and tumble in some butter. Swirl and stir until every noodle gleams with melted buttery goodness.

  • Craft the Cheesy Potion

Pour in a dreamy blend of creamy milks and meltable cheeses. Whisk with passion, creating a smooth, luxurious sauce that promises pure comfort. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to awaken the flavors.

  • Slow Cook to Perfection

Lock down the lid and let your slow cooker work its magic on low heat. This is where patience transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering masterpiece.

  • Cheese Crown Finale

As the finale approaches, shower the top with an extra cascade of cheese. This final touch creates a golden, bubbling crown that’ll make mouths water.

  • Serve and Savor

Once done, keep your mac and cheese warm and ready for eager diners. Scoop out generous portions and watch faces light up with pure joy.

  • Love Your Leftovers

Treasure any remaining mac and cheese by storing in a sealed container. These delicious remnants will keep happily in the refrigerator for a few days, ready to be reheated and enjoyed again.

Tips to Customize Bobby Flay’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Mix up this classic mac and cheese with exciting twists that will delight your taste buds.

Add diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick that transforms the dish from mild to wild.

Fold in crispy bacon bits, diced ham, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked ground beef to turn this side dish into a hearty main course that satisfies hungry appetites.

Stir in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted bell peppers to sneak extra nutrients and create a more complex flavor profile that feels gourmet yet comforting.

Prepare the entire recipe up to the cooking stage, then refrigerate in the slow cooker insert overnight. Simply pop it in the slow cooker the next day and start cooking for an effortless meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Serving Suggestions for Bobby Flay’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

  • Garnish with Crispy Bacon Bits: Crumble crispy bacon over the top for a salty, crunchy texture that adds incredible depth to the creamy mac and cheese.
  • Pair with Fresh Green Salad: Serve alongside a light, tangy green salad to balance the rich, cheesy pasta and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Add Herb Sprinkle: Chop fresh parsley or chives and dust over the top for a bright, fresh flavor that cuts through the cheesy richness.
  • Create Breadcrumb Crunch: Toast panko breadcrumbs with a bit of butter and sprinkle on top for an extra crispy, golden layer that adds amazing texture.

Storage Instructions for Bobby Flay’s Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

  • Meal Prep Magic: Portion out the mac and cheese into individual containers for quick grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. This strategy saves time and ensures delicious meals are always ready.
  • Refrigeration Secrets: Seal leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss. Place in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking to keep flavors intact and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheating Wisdom: Revive cold mac and cheese by adding a splash of milk before microwaving. Stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly and restore the creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
  • Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently, stirring occasionally to maintain the smooth, creamy consistency of the original dish.
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Creamy Bobby Flay Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

Creamy Bobby Flay Crock Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Bobby Flay’s crock pot mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort with bold southwestern flavors. Professional chefs and home cooks alike will savor this irresistible dish that elevates classic comfort cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (454 g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 16 oz (454 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz (227 g) velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups (480 ml) half and half
  • 12 oz (340 g) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) whole milk
  • 6 tbsps (85 g) butter, cubed
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Thoroughly coat the interior of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
  2. Pasta Cooking: Cook pasta until achieving al dente consistency, then drain completely using a colander.
  3. Initial Mixing: Transfer drained pasta into the slow cooker and fold in butter until fully melted and evenly distributed throughout the pasta.
  4. Cheese Fusion: Combine condensed milk, half-and-half, whole milk, cheddar cheese, Velveeta, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until smooth and homogeneous, ensuring no lumps remain.
  5. Slow Cooking: Secure the lid and set the slow cooker to low heat, allowing the mac and cheese to develop rich, complex flavors for several hours.
  6. Finishing Touch: During the final cooking phase, sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top, creating a golden, crispy cheese crust that adds textural contrast.
  7. Serving and Storage: Transfer to warm setting for serving, and store any remaining mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Notes

  • Prevent Pasta Sticking: Generously spray the slow cooker with cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
  • Achieve Perfect Pasta Texture: Cook pasta al dente before adding to the slow cooker, preventing mushy or overly soft mac and cheese.
  • Create Smooth Cheese Sauce: Whisk milk and cheese thoroughly to eliminate lumps and guarantee a creamy, silky texture throughout the dish.
  • Optimize Serving Temperature: Keep mac and cheese warm after cooking to maintain its delicious consistency and prevent drying out.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Category: Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 70 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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