If you’re hunting for the ultimate comfort food that practically cooks itself, Crockpot Mac N Cheese is calling your name! This creamy, dreamy classic takes everything we love about homemade macaroni and cheese and makes it even easier by letting the slow cooker do all the work. Each bite is loaded with gooey cheese, perfectly tender pasta, and just the right touch of seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a crowd at a potluck or looking to upgrade regular weeknight dinners, get ready to fall in love with the easiest, cheesiest Crockpot Mac N Cheese you’ll ever taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish calls for just a handful of familiar ingredients, each one playing a special role in creating that signature creamy texture and rich flavor. Gather these pantry staples and get ready for something truly delicious!
- Elbow macaroni (2 cups, uncooked): The classic shape that holds onto every bit of cheesy goodness and cooks up perfectly in the slow cooker.
- Whole milk (3 cups): Adds rich, smooth creaminess to the sauce as it simmers gently.
- Evaporated milk (1 can, 12 oz): Makes the cheese sauce extra velvety and luscious without extra heaviness.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Provides richness and helps everything blend together beautifully.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (2 ½ cups): The bold, tangy flavor is the heart and soul of any good mac n cheese recipe.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Brings incredible stretch and gooeyness to every bite.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Subtle savoriness that deepens all the other flavors.
- Dry mustard powder (½ teaspoon): This secret ingredient gives your Crockpot Mac N Cheese a hint of tang and sharpness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for pulling all the flavors together and making them pop.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds balance and a gentle bit of warmth to the dish.
How to Make Crockpot Mac N Cheese
Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker
Start by spraying the inside of your crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. This simple step makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the noodles from sticking as they soak up all that amazing cheesy sauce.
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Pour in the uncooked elbow macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, sharp cheddar, mozzarella, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Don’t hold back; everything goes into the crockpot at once, making this recipe as easy as it gets.
Step 3: Stir Everything Together
Take a minute to stir all the ingredients together until the cheese, seasonings, and milk are evenly distributed. This ensures that every single noodle gets coated and starts soaking up all those incredible flavors as the Crockpot Mac N Cheese cooks.
Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for one hour. Once the time’s up, give everything a good stir to help melt the cheese and keep the pasta from sticking. Then, cover again and continue cooking on low for another 1 to 1 ½ hours, stirring occasionally. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is irresistibly smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once your Crockpot Mac N Cheese is creamy and bubbling with cheesy goodness, it’s time to dig in! Serve warm, and prepare for smiles all around the table. Add any extra toppings or mix-ins if you’re feeling adventurous.
How to Serve Crockpot Mac N Cheese
Garnishes
For that perfect finishing touch, try sprinkling a little extra shredded cheese, fresh chopped parsley, or crunchy buttered breadcrumbs on top. If you want a flavor boost, crispy bacon bits, a pinch of paprika, or some diced jalapeños can take your Crockpot Mac N Cheese to the next level.
Side Dishes
This creamy mac pairs beautifully with bright, crisp sides like a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or coleslaw. It’s also a fantastic partner for barbecue classics or grilled chicken, providing a rich, cheesy counterpoint to smoky and savory mains.
Creative Ways to Present
Scoop your Crockpot Mac N Cheese into individual ramekins for a fun dinner party twist, or serve it as part of a build-your-own mac n cheese bar with a variety of toppings. It’s also perfect tucked into sliders or piled high in bread bowls for ultimate comfort food status.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Crockpot Mac N Cheese stores wonderfully! Transfer any cooled leftovers into an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld, making the next-day reheats just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to save your mac n cheese for later, let it cool completely before spooning it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just be aware the texture may change slightly, but the flavor will stay spot on.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk to your Crockpot Mac N Cheese and warm it in the microwave or gently on the stovetop, stirring frequently. This helps bring back that creamy consistency and fresh-from-the-crockpot taste.
FAQs
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, you can use pre-shredded cheese in a pinch, but for the creamiest Crockpot Mac N Cheese, shredding your cheese fresh will melt smoother and yield a better sauce.
Will gluten-free pasta work in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you want to make this dish gluten-free, just swap in your favorite gluten-free macaroni and watch the cooking time closely, as some gluten-free noodles cook faster and can get a little softer.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Of course! Crockpot Mac N Cheese is a party favorite. Just make sure your slow cooker is big enough, and allow a bit of extra time for everything to get hot and creamy.
Is there a way to add protein?
Looking for a heartier meal? Stir in cooked chicken, ham, or even steamed broccoli for a complete, protein-packed main dish that still highlights all the cheesy goodness.
How do I keep my mac n cheese from getting mushy?
The key is to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally during the final cooking hour and check the noodles for doneness. Once they’re perfectly tender, switch the crockpot off to maintain that creamy texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting dish, let Crockpot Mac N Cheese be your new go-to! There’s something magical about a truly great batch of homemade macaroni and cheese, and this slow cooker version makes it so simple to enjoy, no matter how busy life gets. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a creamy, cheesy hug in a bowl—you deserve it!
Print
Crockpot Mac N Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and delicious Crockpot Mac N Cheese recipe. Perfect for busy days when you want a hearty side dish with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Elbow Macaroni:
2 cups (uncooked)
Whole Milk:
3 cups
Evaporated Milk:
1 can (12 oz)
Unsalted Butter:
4 tablespoons (melted)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded):
2 ½ cups
Mozzarella Cheese (shredded):
1 cup
Garlic Powder:
½ teaspoon
Dry Mustard Powder:
½ teaspoon
Salt:
½ teaspoon
Black Pepper:
¼ teaspoon
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Spray the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
- Combine Ingredients: Add macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, butter, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Stir and continue cooking for 1-1 ½ hours until pasta is tender and cheese is melted.
- Serve: Enjoy warm.
Notes
- Enhance with bacon, jalapeños, or cayenne for extra flavor.
- Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 ½ hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
