The President’s Secret Recipe
Thomas Jefferson didn’t just shape a nation—he shaped American cuisine. His passion for fine dining led him across the Atlantic, where he discovered a dish that would forever change the American palate: macaroni and cheese. Jefferson first encountered this cheesy delight in France and Italy, instantly falling in love. Determined to bring the experience home, he imported pasta, a pasta-making machine, and detailed recipes back to Monticello. In 1802, he even served a baked version of mac and cheese at a state dinner, introducing it to American high society.
As time passed, mac and cheese became a staple of Southern comfort food, cherished for its creamy texture and irresistible flavor. Jefferson may have enjoyed a baked version, but today, we embrace convenience without sacrificing taste. Enter the Crockpot: the modern kitchen’s secret weapon. With slow, even heating, it transforms simple ingredients into a rich, velvety masterpiece. No boiling, no fuss—just pure, cheesy perfection.
Imagine coming home to the aroma of cheddar, cream, and butter melting into tender pasta. Every bite delivers the same indulgence Jefferson adored, but with minimal effort. This recipe honors his legacy while making mac and cheese easier than ever. Get ready to taste history, one spoonful at a time.
Creamy Mac and Cheese
There is nothing better than creating a dish in a slow cooker. So, when you’re ready to eat you can sit down to this warm “comfort food meal.”
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Cellentani (corkscrew) pasta, uncooked (may substitute any small pasta)
- 4 T unsalted butter, slice into tablespoon sizes
- 1 t kosher salt
- 1/2 t cayenne pepper
- 3 C whole milk
- 1/2 C heavy cream
- 2 C freshly shredded cheddar cheese (use sharp cheddar for vibrant flavor)
- 1 C freshly shredded colby jack cheese (may substitute pepper jack for fantastic flavor)
Directions
- In a 6 quart slow cooker, add pasta then scatter butter and cream cheese over the pasta.
- Distribute the salt and cayenne over the top then add milk and cream — stir to combine and smooth to cover in liquid.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 to 2 hours, until pasta is very chewy not crunchy stirring once half way through.
- Once pasta is cooked to perfection, add cheddar and pepper jack cheese then stir to combine. Cover and cook 10 additional minutes creating a very luxurious sauce.
- Stir before serving.
Tips
- Add additional milk if Mac and Cheese will be held in slow cooker longer as needed. The sauce will thicken over time.
- Add crushed seasoned croutons, or pan toasted buttered Panko crumbs for texture and a real treat!
- Add bacon for a special variation.
Conclusion:
Thomas Jefferson may have introduced mac and cheese to America, but you just perfected it. With the magic of your Crockpot, you’ve crafted a dish as rich in history as it is in flavor. Each bite connects you to a legacy of indulgence, innovation, and pure comfort. Serve it up, savor the moment, and raise a fork to the Founding Father of flavor!
