Kid Friendly Mac and Cheese in a Crockpot #SundaySupper

Our theme for this week's Sunday Supper is Slow Cooker Comfort Food.  You would think this would be an easy theme for me.  I love using my crockpot for stews and soups and roasts.....all comfort foods.  The only problem is, I have already posted all of those wonderful, comforting recipes.

Then, to make it even tougher, tomorrow we are celebrating Crocktober and are sharing even more Crockpot recipes.  The recipe I made for Crocktober is classic comfort food as well, Beef Shank Pasta Sauce, yum.

Providence smiled upon me, however, when my Little Angel Face turned 3 years old.  We had a Moana themed birthday party, held at her Aunt Amy's, and I provided the food.

I prepared all the food at home so that I didn't need to turn on Amy's oven and heat up the house.  Even though it was the end of September the temps were in the high 80's on the day of the party.

 

Keeping with the Hawaiian theme, I made Kalua pork in my electric roaster, that I tossed with homemade bbq sauce and served on Hawaiian King Rolls.  I also served up some Baked Coconut Chicken strips for any kids that may not care for pulled pork. I made up a Rice Mingle Salad and then at the last minute decided I should also have a more kid friendly side dish as well.

I decided on Mac and Cheese.  What kid does not like Mac and Cheese?  What adult, for that matter.  Normally, I make a dry Macaroni and Cheese in the oven.  It is a family favorite but, as I said, it was HOT and I didn't want to make Amy's house any hotter.

Then I remembered this event was coming up.  Providence!!  Slow Cooker Comfort Food.  Creamy, delicious Mac and Cheese.....Perfect.

Even better, I had everything I needed in my refrigerator and pantry.  I threw it all into the crockpot and set it to low.  After a couple of hours, I peeked inside and gave it a good stir, now that everything was melted and the pasta was partially cooked.

When I was ready to head out the door to Amy's, about an hour later, this is how the contents of the slow cooker looked.  Upon arrival, I turned the slow cooker back to low and let it cook for another hour, before turning it to warm as guests began to arrive.

When dinner was served, I had only to give the Mac and Cheese a quick stir and it was ready to go.  It must have been good because there was not a drop left when I went to get my plate while the others were enjoying birthday cake.

This is a great recipe for this theme.  It was perfect for taking to a party and would be a wonderful addition to a pot luck.  Being made in a crock pot, it is hands off so if you are going to be gone for a few hours enjoying the weekend it would be a nice meal to have waiting upon your return.  It only needs about 4 hrs. on low heat so it would not be great for a workday unless your slow cooker is equipped with a delay start.

Kid Friendly Mac & Cheese in a Crockpot

adapted from Kraft

4 c. lowfat milk

1 lb. processed cheese product (like Velveeta)

1 stick butter, cut into 10-12 pieces

1 lb. macaroni noodles

salt and pepper to taste 

Treat the crock of a slow cooker, liberally, with cooking spray.  Add all ingredients to the crock and cook on low for 3-3 1/2 hrs., stirring halfway through cooking time to combine.  Print Recipe

More Crockpot Comfort Foods

Desserts, Breakfasts, and Sides

• Easy Slow Cooker Apple Crisp by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Easy Slow Cooker Banana Coconut Pudding by Kudos Kitchen by Renee
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Baked Apples by Sprinkles and Sprouts
• Slower Cooker Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding by A Little Fish in the Kitchen
• Slow Cooker Pumpkin Butter by Our Good Life

Main Dish

• Beef Brisket in Slow Cooker by Life Tastes Good
• Crock Pot Beef Stroganoff by Flour On My Face
• Crockpot Cabbage Rolls by My World Simplified
• Slow Cooker Asian BBQ Pork by Simple and Savory
• Slow Cooker Asian Garlic-Ginger Meatballs by The Weekend Gourmet
• Slow Cooker Beef Tips and Gravy by Sunday Supper Movement
• Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Slow Cooker Cube Steaks Paprika by Hardly A Goddess
• Slow Cooker Pepperoncini Chicken by Cricket’s Confections
• Slow Cooker Salisbury Steak by Soulfully Made
• Slow Cooker Short Ribs with Mushrooms by Cooking Chat
• Slow Cooker Swiss Steak by Palatable Pastime
• Slow Cooker Tinga de Pollo Poblano by Cooking On The Ranch

Soups, Stews, and Pastas

• Beef Massaman Curry (Slow Cooker) by Caroline’s Cooking
• Beefy Chili Mac by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
• Kid Friendly Mac and Cheese in a Crockpot by A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Pork & Lentil Stew by Gourmet Everyday
• Slow Cooker Baked Ziti by A Mind “Full” Mom
• Slow Cooker Curried Butternut Squash Soup by Bites of Wellness
• Slow Cooker Low Carb Mexican Casserole by My Life Cookbook
• Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta by Fantastical Sharing of Recipes
• Slow Cooker Southwestern Pork Stew by The Freshman Cook

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