Most baked mac and cheese recipes have you use the oven for cooking. Not this one! In this recipe, we'll be using the crock pot to do most of the cooking. It's an efficient and easy way to cook a great dinner for your entire family.
Who doesn't love baked mac and cheese? This recipe is even better thanks to the inclusion of sausage and bacon. In terms of cheese, we use two different kinds of cheese. Two flavors of cheese is more than sufficient for this recipe, but you can always add more if you want.
This is a dinner that the kids will love. It might not be the healthiest thing out there, but indulging in something like this is okay in moderation. Everyone needs a comfort meal; this one can definitely fit that bill! Add some crushed potato chips on top for a nice crunch.
We hope you enjoy this excellent crock pot recipe. If you do, take a look at the other great crock pot recipes we have on our site. We have dozens for you to look at, so take your time and be sure to go through them all!
Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Sausage and Applewood Bacon
Ingredients:
1 package smoked sausage (about 1 pound)
1 (8 ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2-1/2 cups whole milk
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded white or sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
6 thick slices applewood bacon, cooked and crumbled
Directions:
1. Cut sausage into 1/2″ cubes. Add sausage to a crock pot that has been generously greased with butter.
2. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and add to crock pot.
3. Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, and pepper. Whisk in milk. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Pour into crock pot.
4. Sprinkle the cheeses and 4 slices of the bacon on top of macaroni mixture, stirring until cheese melted.
5. Sprinkle remaining bacon on top.
6. Cover and cook on low 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Elena Shashkina/Shutterstock.com.