Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly comforting, this slow cooker bacon mac and cheese is an easy family favorite. Everything comes together in the crockpot with elbow pasta, sharp cheddar, creamy evaporated milk, and crispy bits of bacon.
Ingredients
- 500 g elbow pasta
- 8 slices bacon, diced
- 500 g sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 cups hot water
- 1 can (375 ml) Carnation Light & Creamy evaporated milk
- 1 tablespoon chicken Vegeta seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon
Dice the bacon into small pieces. For extra flavor and crispiness, cook it in a skillet until lightly browned, then drain on paper towels.
You can also add it directly to the slow cooker if you prefer a softer texture.
2. Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Add the elbow pasta, diced bacon, grated sharp cheddar, hot water, Carnation Light & Creamy milk, chicken Vegeta, and paprika to the slow cooker.
Stir thoroughly so the pasta is coated and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Slow Cook
Cover and cook on HIGH for about 1½–2 hours, stirring every 30–40 minutes.
Start checking the pasta around the 1½-hour mark. Cooking time can vary between slow cookers, so stop once the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted into a creamy sauce.
4. Let It Rest
Once cooked, turn off the slow cooker and let the mac and cheese sit uncovered for 5–10 minutes. The sauce will thicken slightly as it rests.
Give it one final stir before serving.
Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese
- Use freshly grated cheddar for the smoothest melting.
- Don’t overcook the pasta—it should be tender but still have a little bite.
- Stir periodically to prevent pasta from sticking together.
- If the mac and cheese becomes thicker than you prefer, stir in a small splash of warm milk.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, black pepper, or a little mustard powder.
Optional Toppings
Make it even more indulgent with:
- Extra grated cheddar
- Crispy bacon
- Parmesan
- Chopped spring onions
- A light sprinkle of paprika
- Toasted breadcrumbs
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Bacon Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, cheesy, and wonderfully easy. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and minimal preparation, it’s the kind of comforting side dish that disappears quickly at family dinners and gatherings.