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In recent years, the culinary world has witnessed an explosion in the popularity of slow cooker recipes. These versatile kitchen appliances have become a staple for home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor. One dish that perfectly embodies the essence of slow cooking is Bacon Bliss Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese. This indulgent recipe combines the savory goodness of crispy bacon with creamy cheeses and hearty pasta, creating a delightful comfort food experience that is hard to resist.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Bacon

Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Bacon Bliss Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese recipe! This delicious dish combines crispy bacon, creamy cheeses, and hearty pasta, making it a family favorite that's easy to prepare. With minimal effort and a slow cooker, you can come home to a warm, cheesy masterpiece that’s perfect for busy nights or gatherings. Dive into the rich flavors and delightful textures, and enjoy a nostalgic meal that brings everyone together effortlessly.

Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

4 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

4 cups milk

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Prepping the Slow Cooker: Start by lightly greasing the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a bit of butter. This will help prevent the mac and cheese from sticking during the cooking process.

    Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, crumbled bacon, milk, chicken broth, sour cream, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well blended.

      Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Carefully pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased slow cooker. Spread it out evenly, making sure the pasta is covered by the liquid to allow it to cook properly.

        Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Every 30 to 45 minutes, open the lid and give the mixture a gentle stir to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking.

          Check the Pasta: After about 2 hours, begin checking the tenderness of the pasta. If it isn’t soft enough, allow it to cook longer, stirring every 30 minutes until the macaroni reaches your desired level of softness.

            Final Mix: Once the macaroni is fully cooked, give the mixture a vigorous stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. If you find the mac and cheese is thicker than preferred, add a splash of milk to achieve your desired creaminess.

              Serve and Garnish: After everything is mixed and has a lovely creamy consistency, top with extra crumbled bacon for added texture and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color. Serve hot and enjoy your deliciously crispy and creamy bowl of slow cooker mac and cheese!

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the mac and cheese in individual bowls with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top and a slice of crusty bread on the side for a comforting meal.