Bobby Flay's Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Four Cheeses

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Bobby Flay's slow cooker mac and cheese, a rich and creamy delight that features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, creamy fontina, tangy goat cheese, and nutty Gruyère

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Bobby Flay's Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Four Cheeses
Chef profile

JUE

Enjoy home-cooked meals made with love and shared from a family kitchen.

Chef's Essential Tips

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

Serving Suggestions:
Pair the mac and cheese with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. This not only enhances the dining experience but also adds nutritional value to the meal.
Reheating:
When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or oven. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help restore creaminess and prevent the dish from drying out.
Storage Techniques:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For extended storage, you can freeze portions, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go at any time.
Garnishing:
Fresh herbs can elevate the dish both visually and in taste. A sprinkle of parsley or chives just before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that brightens the richness of the mac and cheese.
Baking for Crispiness:
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top before baking. This final step creates a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Breadcrumb Topping Preparation:
Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil to create a crispy topping. This step adds a delightful crunch to each creamy bite and elevates the overall presentation of the dish.
Slow Cooking Magic:
Set your slow cooker to low heat to allow the flavors to meld over time. Stirring occasionally will ensure an even cook and prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides.
Proper Pasta Cooking:
Cook the pasta al dente before adding it to the slow cooker, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce. This technique prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and losing its texture.
Creating the Sauce:
Whisk together butter, milk, and cream until smooth. This mixture serves as the base for your cheese sauce and is crucial for achieving that rich, creamy mouthfeel that everyone loves in mac and cheese.
Mixing Cheese Blend:
Combine the different cheeses in a large bowl to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish. Using a mix of cheeses like cheddar, fontina, Gruyère, and goat cheese not only enhances the taste but also the texture, providing creaminess and depth.
Bobby Flay's Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Four Cheeses

The Complete Guide to Mastering Bobby Flay's Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Serving Suggestions:
Pair the mac and cheese with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. This not only enhances the dining experience but also adds nutritional value to the meal.
Reheating:
When reheating, do so gently in the microwave or oven. Adding a splash of milk during reheating can help restore creaminess and prevent the dish from drying out.
Storage Techniques:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For extended storage, you can freeze portions, ensuring you have a delicious meal ready to go at any time.
Garnishing:
Fresh herbs can elevate the dish both visually and in taste. A sprinkle of parsley or chives just before serving adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that brightens the richness of the mac and cheese.
Baking for Crispiness:
Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top before baking. This final step creates a golden, crispy crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Breadcrumb Topping Preparation:
Mix panko breadcrumbs with olive oil to create a crispy topping. This step adds a delightful crunch to each creamy bite and elevates the overall presentation of the dish.
Slow Cooking Magic:
Set your slow cooker to low heat to allow the flavors to meld over time. Stirring occasionally will ensure an even cook and prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides.
Proper Pasta Cooking:
Cook the pasta al dente before adding it to the slow cooker, as it will continue to cook in the cheese sauce. This technique prevents the pasta from becoming mushy and losing its texture.
Creating the Sauce:
Whisk together butter, milk, and cream until smooth. This mixture serves as the base for your cheese sauce and is crucial for achieving that rich, creamy mouthfeel that everyone loves in mac and cheese.
Mixing Cheese Blend:
Combine the different cheeses in a large bowl to ensure an even distribution of flavors throughout the dish. Using a mix of cheeses like cheddar, fontina, Gruyère, and goat cheese not only enhances the taste but also the texture, providing creaminess and depth.
Pro Chef Secrets for Perfect Mac and Cheese
Adjust ingredients according to the size of your gathering; this recipe is easily scalable.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container, and reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
Serve with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture for a kick.
Bobby Flay's Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Four Cheeses

Bobby Flay's Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Four Cheeses

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Bobby Flay's slow cooker mac and cheese, a rich and creamy delight that features a luscious blend of sharp cheddar, creamy fontina, tangy goat cheese, and nutty Gruyère. This dish strikes a perfect balance between savory and a hint of sweetness, delivering a mouthwatering experience that feels both homey and upscale. The smooth, velvety texture pairs perfectly with al dente pasta, making it the perfect side dish for holiday gatherings, family barbecues, or cozy weeknight dinners. People love this recipe because it evokes cherished memories of gathering around the dinner table with loved ones, enjoying every cheesy bite. Whether you’re serving it at a casual potluck or a festive celebration, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to impress and warm hearts. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this unforgettable dish that captures the essence of comfort and joy, making it a beloved staple in any household.

Bobby Flay's Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Four Cheeses
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Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese:
01
8 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked
02
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
03
1 cup fontina cheese, shredded
04
1/2 cup goat cheese, crumbled
05
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
06
4 cups whole milk
07
1/2 cup heavy cream
08
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
09
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
10
1 teaspoon garlic powder
11
1 teaspoon onion powder
12
1 teaspoon mustard powder
13
Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
14
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
15
2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

01
Step 1: Begin by preparing the slow cooker; lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
02
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni with the shredded cheddar, fontina, Gruyère, and crumbled goat cheese, ensuring an even distribution of cheese.
03
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, whole milk, heavy cream, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
04
Step 4: Pour the milk and cheese mixture over the macaroni and cheese mixture in the slow cooker, gently stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
05
Step 5: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat, cooking for approximately 4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
06
Step 6: During the last 30 minutes of cooking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare the topping.
07
Step 7: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil until well coated.
08
Step 8: Once the mac and cheese is cooked, transfer it to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.
09
Step 9: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese for added crunch.
10
Step 10: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11
Step 11: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
12
Step 12: Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
13
Step 13: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
14
Step 14: Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through before serving again.