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Comforting Crockpot Velveeta Mac and Cheese with Bacon Breadcrumbs

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A creamy, slow-cooked mac and cheese made with Velveeta and sharp cheddar, topped with crispy bacon breadcrumbs for a perfect salty crunch. Easy to prepare and perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces (340 grams) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 16 ounces (450 grams) Velveeta cheese, cubed
  • 1 cup (115 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 3 cups (720 ml) whole milk (2% milk can be used)
  • 4 tablespoons (56 grams) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 3/4 cup (about 60 grams) bread crumbs (preferably panko), toasted in bacon fat
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble once cool. Reserve 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
  2. Toast the breadcrumbs and garlic powder in the reserved bacon fat, stirring frequently until golden brown and crispy, about 3–5 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and flour until smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk until fully combined with no lumps.
  4. In the crockpot, combine uncooked macaroni, Velveeta cubes, shredded sharp cheddar, and the milk mixture. Stir gently to mix evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2.5 hours. Stir halfway through to prevent sticking and check pasta tenderness; macaroni should be tender but not mushy.
  6. Once cooked, stir the mac and cheese well. If too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen. Sprinkle crispy bacon breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Do not rush the slow cooking time to ensure creamy texture. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking. Toast breadcrumbs in bacon fat for best flavor and crunch. If sauce separates or looks grainy, whisk with a splash of milk to smooth it out. For a golden crust, broil topped mac and cheese for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mac and cheese, Velveeta mac and cheese, bacon breadcrumbs, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://tessierecipes.com/comforting-crockpot-velveeta-mac-and-cheese-with-bacon-breadcrumbs-recipe-easy-and-perfect/