I enjoy making this delicious Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Garlic Mac and Cheese often, it’s creamy, satisfying, and straightforward, prepared using ingredients like macaroni pasta, semi-skimmed milk, Cheddar cheese, garlic, and butter.

To make Garlic Mac and Cheese in your slow cooker or crockpot, just mix all the ingredients, cook on low for 1 hour and 20 minutes, then add Parmesan and cook for another 20-25 minutes.

So why not try making this recipe yourself? I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below—looking forward to your stories!

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Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Garlic Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 400g dried macaroni pasta
• 725ml semi-skimmed milk
• 5 garlic cloves, crushed
• 130g Cheddar cheese, grated
• ½ tsp paprika
• ¼ tsp grated nutmeg
• 100g low-fat butter
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Optional: Handful of breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Chopped chives, for garnish

How To Make Bored of Lunch Garlic Mac and Cheese In Slow Cooker

1. Combine the Macaroni: Place the dried macaroni pasta, semi-skimmed milk, crushed garlic, grated Cheddar cheese, paprika, grated nutmeg, and low-fat butter in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
2. Slow Cook the Mixture: Stir the mixture well to ensure even distribution of ingredients. Set your slow cooker to low and cook for 1 hour and 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Add Parmesan: After the initial cooking time, check the consistency of the macaroni mixture. If it appears too thick, stir in a little extra milk to loosen it. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and combine thoroughly. Continue cooking on low for an additional 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and creamy.
4. Crisp the Topping: If you prefer a crispy top and your slow cooker pot is ovenproof, sprinkle a handful of breadcrumbs evenly over the macaroni. Place under a preheated grill and cook until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped chives over the top for a fresh, herbal finish. Serve hot as a comforting meal on its own or as a hearty side dish.

How do I know when the mac and cheese is done cooking?

The mac and cheese are done when the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy and well-absorbed. Stir the pasta occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent any pasta from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.

Recipe Tips

• Prevent Sticking: To avoid macaroni sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker, stir the mixture thoroughly at the beginning and periodically during the cooking process, ensuring all pasta is well-coated with liquid.
• Enhance Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, consider using full-fat milk or adding a spoonful of cream cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking; this will enrich the overall flavor and texture of the dish.
• Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the cooking time; overcooked macaroni can become mushy. If your slow cooker cooks hotter than average, check the pasta after the first hour to ensure it retains some bite.
• Layer Flavors: Introduce layers of flavor by sautéing the garlic and spices in a small amount of butter before adding them to the slow cooker; this step helps deepen the flavor profile of your dish.

Recipe Variations

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: To make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, use gluten-free macaroni pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, like breadcrumbs, are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the milk, butter, and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like almond or oat milk and vegan cheese options to cater to dairy-free diets without compromising the creamy texture.
• Add Protein: Boost the nutritional value by adding cooked chicken breast, ground turkey, or crispy bacon pieces into the mix before the final 20 minutes of cooking to infuse the dish with additional protein.
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a kick, add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pasta before cooking to elevate the heat level of the meal.

What To Serve With Garlic Mac and Cheese

Serve your Garlic Mac and Cheese with sides like crispy roasted asparagus, Slow Cooker Chicken Nuggets, garlic roasted cauliflower, Orange Glazed Carrots, or a mixed vegetable stir-fry.

Pairing it with apple cider vinegar-dressed cucumber salad or buttered peas also enhances the meal with fresh flavors.

How To Store Leftover Garlic Mac and Cheese

In The Fridge:

Store leftover Garlic Mac and Cheese in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating. It will stay good for up to 3 days; always use clean utensils when serving to avoid contamination.

In The Freezer:

Garlic Mac and Cheese is best enjoyed fresh; however, it can be frozen for up to 2 months if needed. To freeze, portion the mac and cheese into meal-sized containers.

How To Reheat Leftover Garlic Mac and Cheese

Reheat your leftover Garlic Mac and Cheese by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and covering it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Microwave on high for about 3-4 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

If it seems dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back creaminess.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Chicken Pesto Pasta
• Bored of Lunch Cajun Chicken and Penne Alfredo
• Bored of Lunch Slow Cooker Porterhouse Ragu