The Creamiest Crockpot Mac N Cheese Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Creamy, comforting mac n cheese bubbles with pure deliciousness in this crockpot mac n cheese recipe that promises minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Slow cooking transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will adore.

Cheese melts into velvety perfection while pasta absorbs rich, savory goodness without constant stirring.

Simple pantry staples combine magically inside your trusty appliance, creating a crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug.

No complicated techniques or multiple pots needed – just toss, stir, and wait for magic to happen.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can nail this foolproof recipe that delivers pure comfort in every single bite.

One spoonful will convince you this might just become your new favorite way to make mac n cheese.

Ultimate Comfort: Crockpot Mac N Cheese

• Simplify Cooking: Dump all ingredients into the crockpot and let it do the magic without constant monitoring or complex cooking techniques.
• Creamy Comfort Guaranteed: Combines multiple cheese types for an ultra-rich, velvety texture that melts perfectly and delivers serious flavor depth.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Classic mac and cheese recipe that appeals to kids and adults alike, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
• Minimal Prep Required: No need to boil pasta separately or create complicated cheese sauces, just mix ingredients and let the slow cooker work its charm.

Ingredients for Gooey Crockpot Mac & Cheese

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps prevent sticking.
• Evaporated Milk: Provides creamy texture and depth.
• Whole Milk: Contributes to the smooth and rich consistency.
• Heavy Cream: Enhances the luxurious and velvety mouthfeel.
• Cream Cheese: Offers a tangy and creamy element to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Deliver the classic cheesy flavor and melty goodness.

• Macaroni: The classic pasta shape that holds the cheesy sauce perfectly.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika, Mustard Powder: Provide layers of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the mac and cheese.

How to Make Crockpot Mac N Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Crockpot

Grab your trusty slow cooker and give it a generous spray of nonstick cooking spray. This little trick ensures your cheesy creation won’t stick to the sides.

Step 2: Combine Initial Ingredients

• Uncooked macaroni
• Melted butter
• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Mustard powder

Give everything a hearty stir until well combined.

Step 3: Introduce Cheese Extravaganza

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Cubed cream cheese

Stir thoroughly to ensure an even cheese distribution.

Step 4: Slow Cook with Love

Cover the crockpot and let it work its magic on low heat for one hour. Peek in occasionally and give a gentle stir to prevent any pasta from getting too cozy at the bottom.

Step 5: Check Pasta Progress

After an hour, stir the mixture carefully. Make sure the pasta is cooking evenly and absorbing all those delicious dairy flavors.

Step 6: Final Cheese Flourish

When the pasta becomes tender (around 1.5-2 hours), sprinkle in the remaining cheddar cheese. Let it melt beautifully for 5-10 minutes before serving up this creamy comfort food.

Tips for Creamy, Perfect Mac & Cheese

• Spray crockpot with nonstick spray and stir occasionally to avoid clumping and ensure even cooking.
• Select sharp cheddar and fresh mozzarella for richer, more complex flavor profile that elevates the dish.
• Adjust milk ratios using whole milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream to control thickness and richness of mac and cheese.
• Experiment with optional spices like garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika to add subtle, interesting taste dimensions.
• Monitor pasta tenderness carefully during the 1.5-2 hour cooking window to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.

Flavor Twists on Classic Mac N Cheese

• Spicy Southwest Mac: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and replace half the cheddar with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Bacon Lover's Edition: Crisp and crumble bacon pieces into the mac, mixing them through the cheese mixture before cooking.
• Veggie Power Mac: Incorporate roasted broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, and spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Mediterranean Style: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Pairings That Complement Mac & Cheese

• Pair Crisp Chardonnay: The buttery, creamy white wine complements the rich mac and cheese texture, cutting through the heavy cheese flavors with refreshing acidity.
• Serve Crunchy Green Salad: A light, tangy salad with mixed greens, vinaigrette dressing balances the dish's richness, adding fresh contrast and nutritional variety.
• Match Roasted Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread provides delightful crunch and complementary garlic notes, enhancing the overall comfort food experience.
• Select Hoppy IPA Beer: Bold, bitter beer cuts through the cheese's creaminess, offering a palate-cleansing effect and creating a satisfying flavor interaction.

Storage Suggestions for Mac & Cheese

Store leftover mac n cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Place desired portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

Transfer mac n cheese to a saucepan, add a few tablespoons of milk or cream, stir gently over low heat until heated through and creamy, preventing cheese from separating.

Freeze mac n cheese in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, and stir well to restore consistency.

FAQs

• What cheese works best for this mac and cheese?

Sharp cheddar and mozzarella provide the best flavor and melting quality. The combination creates a rich, creamy texture that complements the pasta perfectly.

• Do I need to precook the pasta?

No, this recipe uses uncooked macaroni that cooks directly in the crockpot. The liquid and slow cooking process allows the pasta to absorb the flavors and become tender without pre-boiling.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in the crockpot and refrigerate overnight. Just add an extra 30 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold ingredients.

Crockpot Mac N Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy, cheesy Crockpot Mac n Cheese delivers comfort straight from your slow cooker’s warmth. Families will savor this classic American pasta dish with its rich blend of melted cheeses and smooth, hearty texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (453 grams) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the crockpot by thoroughly coating the interior with nonstick cooking spray to ensure effortless food release and easy cleanup.
2. Pour uncooked macaroni into the crockpot, then introduce melted butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, and heavy cream, creating a rich liquid base for the pasta.
3. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and mustard powder, whisking thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the liquid.
4. Gently fold in three cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and cubed cream cheese, ensuring each cheese variety is well-integrated into the pasta mixture.
5. Cover the crockpot and set to low temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld together for approximately 1 hour, stirring periodically to prevent pasta from clumping.
6. After the initial cooking period, assess the pasta’s tenderness and redistribute the contents to promote uniform cooking and prevent scorching.
7. When pasta reaches desired consistency, incorporate the remaining cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt seamlessly into the creamy sauce for an additional 10-15 minutes.
8. Once the cheese has completely melted and the pasta is tender, turn off the crockpot and let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving to achieve optimal consistency.

Notes

• Experiment with cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, gouda, or pepper jack to create unique flavor profiles and customize the mac and cheese.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta alternatives like chickpea or rice pasta without changing cooking times.
• Enhance creaminess by adding a dollop of cream cheese or Greek yogurt during the final stirring stage for extra richness and tang.
• Boost nutritional value by mixing in roasted vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, or spinach during the last 30 minutes of cooking for added texture and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 580 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg