This creamy five cheese macroni is comforting at the end of the long day.
Large elbow macaroni | 1 Pound ((Uncooked)) | |
Whole milk | 2 1/2 Cup (40 tbs) | |
Half and half | 2 Cup (32 tbs) | |
Garlic powder | 1 1/2 Teaspoon | |
Grand diamond all purpose seasoning | To Taste | |
Salt | To Taste | |
Black pepper | 1 1/2 Teaspoon | |
Smoked paprika | 1 1/2 Teaspoon | |
Melted butter | 1/2 Cup (8 tbs) | |
Yellow onions | 1/4 Cup (4 tbs) | |
Cream cheese | 1/4 Cup (4 tbs) ((room temperature)) | |
Sharp cheddar cheese | 1 Pound , grated | |
Colby jack cheese | 8 Ounce , grated | |
Mozzarella cheese | 8 Ounce , grated | |
Monterey jack cheese | 4 Ounce , grated |
GETTING READY:
1. Prepare all of the ingredients before starting the recipe. Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature, chop the onions, and grate the cheeses.
2. Set aside 1 cups of the sharp cheddar cheese for the top of the mac and cheese.
MAKING:
3. First, turn the crock pot to the Low setting. Pour in the half & half, milk, all of the seasonings, cream cheese, butter, and onions.
4. Stir or whisk to combine. Taste to adjust the seasonings as needed.
5. Next, pour about 4 Quarts of water into to a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add cup of salt to the boiling water.
6. Stir in the macaroni and cook for 3 to 4 minutes only. Once done, drain the pasta and stir it into the milk mixture.
7. Add and stir in all of the cheeses except the 1 cups of cheddar that was reserved for the top. (Note: At this point you may add some grilled chicken, chopped cooked bacon, jalapenos, raw asparagus, or raw broccoli, etc. If you add precooked vegetables they will be past the mushy stage once the dish is done.)
8. Top with the reserved cheddar cheese, cover with the lid, and cook on low for 2 Hours. For the last hour of the cooking time, turn the lid to allow some of the moisture to evaporate.
SERVING:
9. Serve hot.
Serving size
Calories 495Calories from Fat 278
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 33 g50.8%
Saturated Fat 18 g90%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol
Sodium 493 mg20.54%
Total Carbohydrates 28 g9.3%
Dietary Fiber 1 g4%
Sugars 3 g
Protein 23 g46%
Vitamin A % Vitamin C %
Calcium % Iron %
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet