Have you had a rough week? Want to treat yourself with an adult version of a childhood favorite? Then come with me my friends and try out this Cheese Lover’s Crock Pot Shells recipe.
Aunt Lou here.
It had been a rough week…actually a rough couple of weeks…around here. We had a loved one fall terribly ill and then pass away. So, of course, we also had a viewing and funeral to attend…and if you have ever tried to do that with a 3-yr-old and 1-yr-old in tow, you know how exhausting that is. We have also had family in for over a week staying with us (don’t get me wrong, they were the perfect house guests, and I know we will miss them now that they have left, but my momma raised me right…when you have guests, you take care of them!). And now Ryder is sick. So that being said, I felt like treating myself. And that is how this Cheese Lover’s Crock Pot Shells recipe has come to you!
When I told some people about this recipe, I got some raised eyebrows when I mentioned muenster cheese. I had to get it from the deli at Jay-C and shred it myself. If you do this, you will only need about an inch and a half block off of the big block of cheese. They will just cut it for you at the deli if you ask. (If you have never heard of it, it is the white cheese with the orange rind in the pic above. I found it in my middle-of-nowhere town, so I assume it is pretty much available just about anywhere! Just in case I am wrong, I looked up substitutes, it looks like most people agree that you can use Havarti or Monterey Jack if you can’t find muenster.)
Cheese Lover’s Crock Pot Shells
I knew I wanted to throw together five cheeses for these yummy Cheese Lover’s Crock Pot Shells…because I always hear of 5 cheese this and 5 cheese that, so I thought I’d follow that line of thinking with this recipe. I picked out some of my favorites…mild cheddar, colby, parmesan, mozzarella and muenster. Sound like a crazy combo? Give it a try. It isn’t ooey, gooey creamy. Think yummy texture of mac and cheese in a fancy restaurant. Just what this mama needed.
Now I know as soon as you take a glimpse at the recipe that you are going to gasp and say, “That is a LOT of cheese!” Yes, yes it is. However, I made this recipe twice. I LOVED the flavor the first time, but there just wasn’t enough cheese to get to all of the shells. So I decided to make it again and take it to my small group. With all the cheese that is in the recipe, it is AH-MAZING! Just give a try. I know you will love it as much as my small group did!
- 16 oz pasta shells cooked according to directions on box
- 1 c shredded Colby cheese a generous cup
- 2 c shredded mild cheddar
- 2 c fresh grated parmesan
- 2 c shredded mozzarella
- 2 c shredded muenster
- 1/3 c milk
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In a large bowl, mix all your cheeses together
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Place your cooked pasta shells in your crock pot
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Pour in 2/3 of your cheese mixture and mix well
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Top with remaining cheese mixture
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Pour your milk evenly across the top
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Cover and cook on high for 1-2 hours until your cheese is melted and the edges are golden
Slow Cooker Recommendation
My Casserole Crock Pot was perfect for these Cheese Lover’s Crock Pot Shells. I love how the top “bakes” up, so it spread them out so that there was more “top” to enjoy. If you do not have one yet or it is otherwise engaged, I would use a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
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I have never made homemade shells and cheese. By the looks of your picture I have been missing out! I am definately making this. Looks delicious! When I make this I will come back and rate it, although it looks like a big 5 to me!
Hi Donna!
Thank you! I hope you love it as much as we do! Enjoy!
Aunt Lou
Aldi sells muenster slices
Hi Pegell!
Thanks for the info! Our Ruler sells them too. I hope everyone can find muenster. I love how it blends with all the other cheeses in this recipe! Enjoy!
Aunt Lou
As far as I’m concerned, mac-n-cheese, especially homemade, is at the top of the food pyramid! I’m definitely going to make this one…..as I have several other of your cp recipes. Haven’t found a bad one yet.
Hi Gary!
Thank you so much! We love hearing that our readers are loving the recipes as much as we do! I am confident that you will not be disappointed in this one! Enjoy!
Aunt Lou
Is 1/3 cup of milk correct? That is such a small amount for all that mach and cheese.
Hi Bobette!
Yes, that is correct. It turned out great for me with that amount. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Aunt Lou
I will be trying this next week , will leave you know how it tastes. thanks
My email on this recipe showed Mikey in a youtube video but video does not work….will there be a working video of this recipe?
Hi Fayleen!
So sorry for the confusion! There was a video in that email, but it was not for this recipe. It was for the Cinnamon Roll French Toast Casserole. Here is a link to that video: https://youtu.be/1-VGlkYyx8Q?list=PLl_jT_HWYkMln6No64_njJEpYSSzCmnx9
As you might imagine, we have had lots of requests for videos of different recipes, so we will definitely keep this recipe in mind when we are trying to decide what to do next.
Enjoy!
Aunt Lou
Can you add meat to it and it still be good ?
Rachel,
I haven’t tried it with this recipe, but have added browned ground beef to mac n’ cheese before and love it! If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! Enjoy!
Aunt Lou
Will this recipe work in a 4 qt crock pot or will I need to half it?
Hi McKinzie!
I would half it if using a 4 quart crock pot. Let me know how it goes! Enjoy!
Aunt Lou
i JUST WONDER, USING COOKED PASTA AND THEN COOKING IT ALL FOR 1-2 HOURS MORE…DOESN’T THE PASTA GET MUSHY??
Hi Shelly!
It didn’t turn to mush for us! If you like your pasta more al dente, then you could just cook it that way before adding it to your crock pot. Enjoy!
Aunt Lou