Imagine diving into a creamy, cheesy paradise that combines the ultimate comfort foods - mac and cheese and savory ham - all prepared effortlessly in your slow cooker! This Crock Pot Ham Mac and Cheese Bake is about to become your new favorite family-friendly meal that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this recipe will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for your culinary secret!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups diced ham
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine uncooked elbow macaroni, diced ham, and 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until well combined and mustard powder is fully dissolved.
- Pour the milk mixture over the macaroni and ham mixture, stirring gently to ensure all pasta is coated and ingredients are well mixed.
- Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared slow cooker, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the mixture.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 3 hours, or until pasta is tender and cheese is melted and bubbly.
- After cooking, let the mac and cheese rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or additional black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting and flavor - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Don't overcook the pasta. The 3-hour low setting allows the pasta to cook perfectly without becoming mushy.
- For extra richness, consider using whole milk or adding a splash of heavy cream to the milk mixture.
- If you want a crispy top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.
- Customize your dish by adding mix-ins like crispy bacon bits, diced green onions, or a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for added texture.
- Ensure your ham is evenly diced to distribute the meat flavor throughout the dish.
- Let the mac and cheese rest after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and set, creating a more cohesive texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
