Crowd-Pleasing Thanksgiving Sides That Don’t Need Oven Space

Lauren Bower on Instagram: "Crockpot Mac and Cheese Frees up the Oven"

Thanksgiving Cooking Tips from a Master

Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and of course, delicious food. But if you’re the one tasked with cooking the meal, it can be a lot of work. That’s where Lauren Bower comes in. As a registered dietitian and culinary nutrition expert, Lauren knows a thing or two about cooking delicious and healthy meals. In her latest Instagram post, she shares a recipe for Crockpot Mac and Cheese that is sure to free up your oven and make your Thanksgiving dinner a breeze.

Ingredients You Need to Make Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

To make Lauren Bower’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

1 pound elbow macaroni
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 (10.75 ounce) can cream of celery soup
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions to Make the Recipe

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
Stir in the cream of celery soup, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and black pepper.
Add the macaroni to the crockpot and pour the sauce overtop.
Cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is melted.

Tips for Making the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese

To make your mac and cheese even cheesier, you can add more shredded cheese to the sauce.
If you want a creamier mac and cheese, you can add more milk to the sauce.
If you want a more flavorful mac and cheese, you can add some chopped cooked bacon or crumbled sausage to the sauce.
If you don’t have a crockpot, you can make this mac and cheese in the oven. Just bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese is melted.

Nutrition Information for Crockpot Mac and Cheese

One serving of Crockpot Mac and Cheese contains approximately:

Calories: 350
Fat: 15 grams
Protein: 20 grams
Carbohydrates: 40 grams

The Benefits of Using a Crockpot to Make Mac and Cheese

There are several benefits to using a crockpot to make mac and cheese, including:

Crockpots are a great way to free up your oven. This is especially helpful during the holidays when you are likely cooking several other dishes.
Crockpots are also a great way to slow-cook your food, which can result in a more flavorful dish.
Crockpots are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.

Conclusion

Lauren Bower’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for the holiday season. If you are looking for a way to free up your oven and make your Thanksgiving dinner a breeze, then this recipe is for you.