Prepare to delight your taste buds with our indulgent Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Ham recipe! This hearty and comforting dish combines tender chunks of ham, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked macaroni noodles, all cooked to perfection in your trusty slow cooker. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family dinner or looking for an easy weeknight meal, this crowd-pleasing mac and cheese with a twist is sure to satisfy. Join us as we guide you through the recipe, share helpful tips, and explore variations to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound diced ham
- 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 4 cups whole milk
- 24 ounces evaporated milk
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
Instructions:
- Prepare Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and dice the ham into bite-sized pieces. Cube the Velveeta cheese and butter.
- Combine Ingredients: In the bowl of your slow cooker, add the diced ham, uncooked elbow macaroni noodles, whole milk, evaporated milk, 3 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, cubed Velveeta cheese, cubed butter, salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Stir well to combine.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 3-4 hours or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Once the macaroni is cooked, stir in the remaining 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Serve: Serve the slow cooker mac and cheese with ham hot, garnished with fresh parsley or additional shredded cheese if desired.
Cook Notes and Variations:
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your mac and cheese. Try using smoked gouda, gruyere, or Monterey Jack cheese for added depth of flavor.
- Vegetable Additions: Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach to sneak in some extra nutrients and add color to your dish.
- Spice it Up: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- Creamy Texture: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream towards the end of cooking.
Keto Version: To make a keto-friendly version of Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Ham, follow these adjustments:
- Low-Carb Noodles: Substitute the elbow macaroni noodles with low-carb alternatives such as shirataki noodles or spiralized vegetables like zucchini or spaghetti squash.
- Cream and Cheese Base: Replace the whole milk and evaporated milk with heavy cream or coconut cream for a rich and creamy sauce. Use full-fat cheeses such as sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or cream cheese for a keto-friendly option.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Omit the ham and add in diced cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
- Low-Carb Thickener: Use xanthan gum or guar gum as a thickening agent instead of flour to keep the sauce low in carbs.
In conclusion, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Ham is a comforting and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chunks of ham, and perfectly cooked macaroni noodles, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
By following our easy-to-follow recipe and exploring the suggested variations, you can customize this dish to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re craving a classic mac and cheese with a twist or looking for a keto-friendly option, this recipe has you covered.
So why wait? Fire up your slow cooker and treat yourself to the deliciousness of Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Ham today!
