Easter Sunday Comfort: Just 3 ingredients. I make it when I want holiday dinner handled hours ahead of time.
3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Easter Macaroni
Make your holiday meal easier with this simple 3-Ingredient Slow Cooker Easter Macaroni. By letting your slow cooker handle the cooking, you can save valuable oven space for your main dishes while still serving a creamy, comforting side everyone will love.
There’s no need to boil the pasta or make a traditional cheese sauce. The uncooked macaroni slowly cooks in milk, releasing starches that blend with melted sharp cheddar to create a smooth, rich, and creamy sauce with minimal effort.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Elbow macaroni or small shell pasta | 16 oz |
| Whole milk (or half-and-half for a richer texture) | 6 cups |
| Shredded sharp cheddar cheese | 4 cups |
Instructions
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly coat the inside of a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick cooking spray to help prevent sticking.
2. Add the Ingredients
Place the uncooked pasta into the slow cooker. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the noodles, gently mixing so the cheese is distributed throughout the pasta.
3. Pour in the Milk
Slowly pour the milk (or half-and-half) over the pasta and cheese. Stir gently until everything is evenly combined and most of the pasta is covered by the liquid.
4. Cook
Cover with the lid and cook on the LOW setting for 2½ to 3 hours. Stir the mixture every 45 to 60 minutes to promote even cooking and ensure the cheese melts into a smooth sauce.
5. Test the Pasta
After about 2½ hours, check a piece of pasta for tenderness. The noodles should be cooked through while remaining firm, and the sauce should be creamy and slightly thick. If needed, continue cooking for up to 30 more minutes.
6. Finish and Serve
Once the macaroni is fully cooked, switch the slow cooker to the WARM setting. Stir well and let it rest for 5–10 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly. Serve directly from the slow cooker, adding a splash of warm milk if the sauce becomes too thick while sitting.
This creamy slow cooker macaroni is an effortless holiday side dish that’s perfect for Easter gatherings, potlucks, or family dinners, delivering rich cheesy flavor with just three simple ingredients.
