Imagine coming home to the aroma of perfectly creamy, bubbling cheese and tender pasta—the very essence of comfort food. That’s the magic of Crockpot Mac N Cheese! This soul-warming classic lets your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting, melding rich cheeses and simple seasonings into a velvety masterpiece. Whether it’s a family weeknight, potluck, or your personal treat, you’re just a few steps from the coziest dish you’ll ever crave.

Crockpot Mac N Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Mac N Cheese uses everyday kitchen staples, but each one plays a starring role in flavor, creaminess, and color. These ingredients are the secret behind every luscious bite, so try not to swap them out unless you’re feeling adventurous!

Elbow macaroni: The classic shape for mac and cheese, it holds sauce like a champ and becomes perfectly tender in the slow cooker.
Whole milk: Adds depth, creaminess, and helps bind all the cheesy goodness together.
Evaporated milk: This pantry staple brings an ultra-creamy texture and helps prevent the sauce from turning grainy during long, gentle cooking.
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Brings tangy richness and signature golden color to the dish.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers unbelievable melt and stringy, gooey texture in each forkful.
Unsalted butter: Adds luxurious silkiness and a subtle richness to both pasta and sauce.
Garlic powder: A pinch brings savory warmth without overpowering the cheesy flavors.
Dry mustard: Enhances the sharpness of the cheese and gives a classic mac and cheese flavor profile.
Salt: Essential for drawing out the flavor of the cheese and pasta.
Black pepper: Just a touch wakes up all the flavors with gentle heat.

How to Make Crockpot Mac N Cheese

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Lightly grease the inside of your 4 to 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick spray. This simple step ensures that none of that delicious Crockpot Mac N Cheese sticks, making cleanup a breeze and helping every bite come out creamy, not crusty.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Pour the uncooked elbow macaroni right into the crockpot, followed by the whole milk, evaporated milk, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, butter, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Give everything a good stir so the pasta is well coated and the seasonings are spread throughout. Trust me, that little bit of stirring makes all the difference!

Step 3: Set and Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 1 hour. After that initial hour, remove the lid and stir well, making sure the melty cheese and milk are enveloping every noodle. Those quick stirs break up any clumps and guarantee everything cooks evenly.

Step 4: Finish Cooking

Recover the crockpot and continue cooking on low for another 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring once or twice along the way. You’re looking for macaroni that’s tender and cheese that’s thoroughly melted into a luscious sauce. Don’t overcook past 3 hours—keeping it creamy is key!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Crockpot Mac N Cheese is bubbling and irresistible, serve it straight from the slow cooker for ultimate coziness. Every bowlful is rich, creamy, and absolutely loaded with flavor—guaranteed to vanish fast!

How to Serve Crockpot Mac N Cheese

Garnishes

Top each portion with a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a meltier finish, fresh cracked black pepper for a little zing, or chopped chives for color and a hint of freshness. Some folks love bacon crumbles or sliced jalapeños if you want to add personality and a kick!

Side Dishes

Crockpot Mac N Cheese shines as a star on the table, but it plays beautifully with roasted vegetables, tangy coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for balance. For hearty gatherings, serve it alongside barbecue meats, fried chicken, or smoky baked beans for a Southern feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your creamy mac into small ramekins for handheld party snacks, or serve from a big cast-iron skillet for that rustic dinner appeal. Don’t forget over-the-top combinations—think breadcrumbs broiled for a crispy top, or loaded “nacho-style” with all your favorite toppings for a game day treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Crockpot Mac N Cheese cool to room temperature before transferring to airtight containers. It keeps happily in the fridge for up to four days, making lunchbox and dinner dreams come true all over again.

Freezing

For longer storage, portion cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe bags or containers, removing extra air. Freeze up to three months; just note that cheese sauces can sometimes change texture, but a gentle reheat and a splash of milk brings them right back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often until creamy and hot. If reheating straight from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Absolutely, pre-shredded cheese is wonderfully convenient! Just know that freshly shredding your own can lead to a smoother, creamier sauce, since pre-shredded cheese sometimes contains anti-caking agents that affect melting.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double this Crockpot Mac N Cheese as long as your slow cooker is big enough (aim for at least a 6-quart capacity). You may need to add a little extra time, so keep an eye on the texture of the pasta and stir often.

What types of cheese can I swap in?

Get creative! Feel free to substitute some or all of the cheddar or mozzarella with Colby, Monterey Jack, Gruyère, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness. Each cheese brings its own personality, making every batch unique.

Can I make this ahead for a party?

Crockpot Mac N Cheese is party-perfect. You can prep all your ingredients up to a day ahead, keep them in the fridge, then just dump and cook before serving. Use the “warm” setting to keep it gooey for hours during your event.

Why did my mac and cheese turn grainy?

This usually happens if the mixture overheats or cooks too long. Stick to low heat and the suggested cooking time, and make sure to use evaporated milk for a sauce that stays smooth and creamy every time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to wrap yourself in a blanket of comfort, give this Crockpot Mac N Cheese a try. You’ll be amazed at the deep flavors and dreamy texture—all with almost no effort at all. Grab your slow cooker and let the magic happen!

Crockpot Mac N Cheese Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in creamy, cheesy goodness with this easy and comforting Crockpot Mac N Cheese recipe. Perfect for busy days when you crave a warm and satisfying side dish without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

2 cups elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 1/2 cups whole milk
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

Prepare Ingredients: Lightly grease the inside of a 4 to 6-quart slow cooker. Add the uncooked macaroni, milk, evaporated milk, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, butter, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Cook in Slow Cooker: Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. After 1 hour, stir well to ensure even cooking. Cover and continue cooking on low for another 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and cheese is melted and creamy.
Serve: Serve warm directly from the crockpot.