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Vegetarian Recipes

Crockpot Mac And Cheese

The easiest way to make a batch of creamy macaroni and cheese for your next family gathering or Sunday dinner is with this easy Crockpot Mac and Cheese. It only takes a couple minutes to prep and then everything gets added to a slow cooker for a simple side dish with minimal effort. It also frees up your time and oven to make some of your other favorite dishes. It’s a definite game-changer for those big holiday meals! 😉

Overhead view of crock pot mac and cheese with a large spoon lifting some out.

Ingredients For Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Here’s everything that you need to make this creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe:

  • Macaroni: You’ll need about 8 oz. of elbow macaroni, but feel free to use any small pasta shape you like or have on hand.
  • Evaporated Milk and half & half: After testing this recipe several times, a combination of evaporated milk and half & half gave me the best consistency in cheese sauce. 
  • Cheddar Cheese: I used a combination of 2 sharp cheddars in this recipe, but you can certainly just use one type of cheddar cheese instead. Sharp cheddar provides a strong pronounced flavor which tastes great in mac and cheese, but any kind of cheddar works well. And as always buy cheese in block form and shred it yourself for the best results. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in anti-caking agents and doesn’t always melt well.
  • Seasoning: There are lots of ways to season your mac and cheese to add extra pops of flavor. I used one of our favorite seasoning blends in the budget bytes kitchen and that is Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning along with some salt and pepper. That’s it! But feel free to experiment with your favorite seasoning mix. I’ll share a few more flavor ideas below.

Variations

Looking to mix things up? Feel free to experiment with different cheeses and seasoning blends to really make this mac and cheese your own. Here are some more cheese options to choose from:

  • Gruyere
  • Gouda
  • Extra Sharp Cheddar
  • Parmesan
  • Pepper Jack
  • Cream Cheese
  • Velveeta

For seasoning try switching out the Creole seasoning for a different seasoning salt like Lawry’s. You can also create your own mix with a combination of spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Recipe Tips!

  • Don’t overcook the pasta. You’ll want to just parboil the pasta for a few minutes, then quickly drain and rinse cool water. 
  • Use block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese for the best texture and consistency.
  • Cook times may vary depending on the age and model of your slow cooker. Stir and check the mac and cheese after one hour and then again every 30 minutes until the noodles are perfectly cooked and not mushy, and the cheese is melted.

Overhead view of a bowl full of crockpot mac and cheese.
Overhead view of crock pot mac and cheese with a large spoon lifting some out.

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Crockpot Mac and Cheese

This Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a definite game-changer for those big holiday meals and family gatherings. It’s creamy and delicious with minimal prep!
Course Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Total Cost $7.54 recipe / $1.26 serving
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 5 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 10 minutes
Servings 6 (1 cup each)
Calories 534kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided $2.49
  • 1 cup shredded white sharp cheddar cheese $1.24
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni $0.67
  • 3 Tbsp butter, cut into small cubes $0.42
  • 1.5 cups half & half $1.23
  • 1 12oz. can evaporated milk $1.29
  • 3/4 tsp Tony chachere’s $0.10
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper $0.02
  • non-stick cooking spray $0.06

Instructions

  • Start by shredding both blocks of sharp cheddar cheese and set the cheese to the side.
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the macaroni for 4 minutes, then drain it in a colander. Briefly rinse the pasta with cool water to cool it off.
  • Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add the al dente macaroni and butter. Stir the butter around with the macaroni to help it start melting. Now add the rest of the ingredients (1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, shredded white sharp cheddar, half & half, evaporated milk, tony chachere’s seasoning, salt, and black pepper) to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
  • Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring after 1 hour.
  • During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the top and add the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and finish cooking the last 15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted. Serve hot and enjoy!

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 534kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 33g | Sodium: 551mg | Fiber: 2g

How to Make CrockPot Mac And Cheese – Step by Step Photos

Blocks of cheese being shredded.

Start by shredding 2 cups sharp cheddar and 1 cup white sharp cheddar and set the cheese to the side.

Cooked elbow pasta noodles in a colander.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Boil the macaroni for 4 minutes, then drain it in a colander. Briefly rinse the pasta with cool water to cool it off.

Mac and cheese ingredients added to slow cooker.

Spray the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. Add the al dente macaroni and 3 Tbsp cubed butter. Stir the butter around with the macaroni to help it start melting. Now add the rest of the ingredients (1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar, 1 cup shredded white sharp cheddar, 1 1/2 cups half & half, 1-12oz. can evaporated milk, 3/4 tsp tony chachere’s seasoning, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper) to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.

Mac and cheese ingredients stirred together in a crock pot.

Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring after 1 hour.

Adding shredded cheese on top of crockpot mac and cheese.

During the last 15 minutes of cooking, remove the top and add the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top. Cover and finish cooking for 15 more minutes until the cheese on top is melted.

Cooked crockpot mac and cheese.

Now all that’s left to do is enjoy this easy, cheesy, mac and cheese goodness!!

Overhead side view of crockpot mac and cheese.

The post Crockpot Mac And Cheese appeared first on Budget Bytes.

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Vegetarian Recipes

Pear Galette

As we say goodbye to peaches in the summertime, I stay positive and look forward to the next season… pear season! Pears are one of my favorite fall fruits, and this perfectly fall-festive Pear Galette with caramel sauce is a delicious way to showcase them. This free-form pie is one of the easiest desserts you’ll EVER make, and the filling is deliciously simple. Spiced pears and tangy dried cranberries are wrapped in a flaky, buttery crust to create the best beginner-friendly dessert on a budget!

Overhead view of a pear galette with a slice cut out.

What is a Galette?

Originating from France, a galette is the answer to all your pie needs this busy holiday season! It’s essentially a rustic, free-form pie made with a single crust and folded-up edges over a simple filling. They differ from traditional pies because you don’t bake them in a pie pan (a baking tray is all you need!), and they’re often quicker to make. They also don’t have a top crust, so there’s no messing around with latticework or fancy pastry techniques. All you need is a pre-made pie crust and your filling! I use sliced pears, dried cranberries, cinnamon, ground ginger, sugar, and lemon juice for a sweet-tart pear galette perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple pear galette recipe:

  • Pears: You can use any type of pear you like. I used a green Bartlett pear and a red Anjou pear for beautiful color contrast in my filling. I recommend choosing a pear that feels firm but not too hard (it should give a little when you press on it).
  • Granulated Sugar & Light Brown Sugar: Mix these sugars with lemon juice and spices to create a sweet and slightly tangy marinade.
  • Lemon Juice: Stops the pears from browning and adds a bright flavor to the filling.
  • Spices: Ground cinnamon and ginger add a warm, fall flavor.
  • Salt: Just a pinch for flavor.
  • Dried Cranberries: These add a chewy texture and tart flavor to every bite. They might be labeled “craisins” in your local grocery store.
  • Pre-Made Pie Dough: This is a shortcut I’m always willing to take when I’ve got a lot going on around the holidays! I use a pre-made pie crust to save myself time and effort. They often come in packs of two, so you could freeze the other and make our peach galette come summertime. For homemade, try our pie crust recipe.
  • Milk: Brush a little milk over your pie crust to help it brown in the oven.
  • Turbinado Sugar: A coarse, raw sugar that adds a crunchy texture and sweet flavor to the crust. Coconut sugar, demerara sugar, or brown sugar would all differ slightly, but would still work if you can’t find turbinado sugar.
  • Caramel Sauce: I use salted butter, room temperature heavy cream, vanilla extract, and brown sugar to make an easy caramel sauce for serving!

Variations to try

This easy pear galette recipe is just that—easy! But don’t let it’s simplicity fool you. The flavors and textures in this dessert are anything but basic. However, if you want to use this recipe as a base and switch up the flavor, here are some variations I think you’ll love:

  • Swap out one of the pears for an apple (make sure it’s sliced thin).
  • Mix in a handful of berries, such as blackberries or blueberries—like in our lemon blueberry cream cheese galette!
  • Sprinkle some slivered almonds or diced pecans.
  • Try raisins or dried cherries in place of the craisins.
  • Drizzle melted dark chocolate over the top.
  • Use different spices like cardamom, allspice or nutmeg instead of cinnamon/ginger.

What About the Leftover Spiced Pear Juice?

If you want to do something creative with any leftover pear juice after step 8, you can make a cocktail with it or briefly simmer it on the stovetop to make a pear simple syrup. Delicious and no-waste—win-win!

Serving Suggestions

I took our caramel sauce recipe and reduced the heavy cream used ever so slightly to make it thicker for this pear galette. Drizzle it over the top of the warm slices and enjoy every last bite! A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream would take this elegant dessert to the next level!

Storing Leftovers

This homemade pear galette recipe is best served fresh, but it’ll keep in the fridge for 2-3 days if covered with foil or plastic wrap. Just note the crust may lose some of its crispness.

You can also try freezing individual slices for up to 3 months, but let them thaw completely before serving. And like any fresh fruit dessert, the texture may be slightly softer after being frozen. I’d reheat slices in the oven at about 350F for a few minutes until warmed through.

Overhead view of a pear galette.
Overhead view of a pear galette with a slice cut out.

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Pear Galette Recipe

This easy Pear Galette is packed with warmly spiced pears and craisins, then wrapped in a flaky crust and served with homemade caramel sauce!
Course Dessert
Cuisine French
Total Cost ($6.24 recipe / $0.78 serving)
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 8 slices
Calories 288kcal

Ingredients

Pear Galette Ingredients

  • 2 pears, cored and quartered* $2.64
  • 2 Tbsp granulated sugar $0.08
  • 2 Tbsp brown sugar $0.10
  • 2 tsp lemon juice $0.02
  • ½ tsp cinnamon $0.04
  • ½ tsp ground ginger $0.12
  • pinch of salt $0.01
  • 1 pre-made pie dough $1.38
  • 1 Tbsp dried cranberries or ”craisins” $0.13
  • 1 Tbsp milk, for the crust $0.01
  • 1 Tbsp turbinado sugar, for the crust $0.06

Caramel Sauce Ingredients

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450F. Slice pears ¼ inch thin.**
  • In a medium mixing bowl, stir together sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, ground ginger, and salt.
  • Pour the mixture over sliced pears and set aside.
  • Unroll pie dough on a sheet of parchment paper and fill the crust with sliced pears in one single layer, leaving 1-2 inches of space around the edge. (I had some extra pear slices, so I fanned them out on top, making a small second layer.)
  • Then, add craisins to the leftover pear juice to rehydrate. Set aside while you make the caramel sauce.
  • In a small saucepan, melt salted butter over medium-low heat. Then, add brown sugar and whisk together until a smooth caramel forms.
  • Remove caramel from heat and stream in room temperature heavy cream and vanilla, whisking until smooth.
  • Set aside caramel sauce to thicken. Meanwhile, brush some of the leftover juice from the soaking cranberries over the pears.
  • Dot the pears with hydrated cranberries.
  • Gently fold the sides of dough over the edges of the pears and pinch the dough to form a rustic texture and enclose your pear filling inside the galette.
  • Brush the crust with milk.
  • Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the crust and on top of your galette.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the pears begin to wilt.***

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*I chose a red Anjou pear and a green bartlett pear. Any variety of pear will work for this galette. You can choose to peel your pears or leave the skin on. I left the skin on.

**I sliced my quartered pears, keeping them organized and together so they would be easier to fan out when filling my tart for aesthetic reasons.

***The pears will not turn to mush but should be tender and maintain their signature texture. If you find your crust is beginning to burn, you can lightly place a piece of tinfoil on top of your galette to help dodge the heat. This is a very flat “pie alternative” and doesn’t take as long to cook.

Nutrition

Serving: 1slice | Calories: 288kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 14g | Sodium: 141mg | Fiber: 2g
A slice of pear galette on a white plate, drizzled with caramel sauce.

how to make Pear Galette – step by step photos

A knife slicing pears on a wooden chopping board.

Preheat oven to 450F. Slice 2 cored and quartered pears ¼ inch thin.

Lemon juice, brown sugar, and spices in a mixing bowl.

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together 2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp brown sugar, 2 tsp lemon juice, ½ tsp cinnamon, ½ tsp ground ginger, and a pinch of salt.

Spice mixture being poured over sliced pears in a mixing bowl.

Pour the mixture over sliced pears and set aside.

Sliced pears arranged in a fan style on an unbaked pre-made pie crust.

Unroll 1 pre-made pie dough on a sheet of parchment paper and fill the crust with sliced pears in one single layer, leaving 1-2 inches of space around the edge. (I had some extra pear slices, so I fanned them out on top, making a small second layer.)

Dried cranberries soaking in a spiced lemon juice mixture in a mixing bowll.

Then, add 1 Tbsp craisins to the leftover pear juice to rehydrate. Set aside while you make the caramel sauce.

Brown sugar and melted butter in a sauce pan to make caramel sauce.

In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup salted butter over medium-low heat. Then, add ½ cup brown sugar and whisk together until a smooth caramel forms.

Heavy cream being whisked into melted butter and brown sugar to make caramel sauce.

Remove caramel from heat and stream in ¼ cup room temperature heavy cream and ½ tsp vanilla, whisking until smooth.

A brush glazing slices pears on a unbaked pre-made pie crust.

Set aside caramel sauce to thicken. Meanwhile, brush some of the leftover juice from the soaking cranberries over the pears.

Sliced pears and dried cranberries on a unbaked pre-made pie crust for pear galette.

Dot the pears with hydrated cranberries.

Hands folding and crimping the edges of a pear galette before baking.

Gently fold the sides of dough over the edges of the pears and pinch the dough to form a rustic texture and enclose your pear filling inside the galette.

An unbaked pear galette being brushed with milk.

Brush the crust with 1 Tbsp milk.

An unbaked pear galette.

Sprinkle 1 Tbsp turbinado sugar over the crust and on top of your galette.

Freshly baked pear galette on a parchment lined baking sheet.

Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the crust turns golden brown and the pears begin to wilt.***

Overhead view of a pear galette with a slice cut out.

This easy dessert recipe is one to keep in your back pocket for those last-minute fall gatherings! It’s quick, delicious, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite.

The post Pear Galette appeared first on Budget Bytes.

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