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Best Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – Simple, Creamy Comfort Food

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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – Easy, Creamy, and Perfect for Busy Weeknights
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This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly tender pasta, it’s the kind of dish everyone loves. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. The cheese melts beautifully, coating every bite with a luscious, savory flavor. Best of all, there’s no need to stand over the stove. Just a few hours in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a homemade, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing taste!

What Makes This Recipe So Good?

  • Hands-off cooking: Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work.
  • Super creamy texture: The cheese sauce is rich and smooth, coating every bite of pasta perfectly.
  • Fewer dishes to clean: No need to boil the pasta separately or use multiple pots.
  • Kid-approved: This classic dish is a hit with both kids and adults.
  • Perfect for gatherings: It’s a great recipe for feeding a crowd at potlucks, parties, or family dinners.
  • Customizable: Easily add your favorite mix-ins like bacon, veggies, or extra cheese.

Key Ingredients

  • Elbow macaroni: The classic pasta shape for mac and cheese.
  • Cheddar cheese: Adds rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture.
  • Milk: Helps create the smooth, velvety sauce.
  • Cream cheese: Gives extra creaminess and depth to the sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the dish.
  • Ground mustard: Enhances the cheesy flavor with a subtle tang.
  • Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings to bring out the flavors.
  • Evaporated milk: For extra creaminess. (Optional)
  • Paprika or garlic powder: For a touch of extra flavor. (Optional)

Chefs Helpful Tips

  • Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can affect the creaminess. For best results, use freshly shredded cheese.
  • Use full-fat dairy: Whole milk and regular cream cheese will give you a richer, creamier sauce compared to low-fat versions.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta: Cook the macaroni until just tender, so it doesn’t become mushy in the slow cooker.
  • Stir halfway through: Give the mac and cheese a stir halfway through cooking to ensure even melting of the cheese and prevent sticking.
  • Add mix-ins at the end: If you’re adding ingredients like bacon, veggies, or extra cheese, stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.
  • Keep it warm: Once cooked, switch the slow cooker to the “warm” setting to keep the mac and cheese creamy without overcooking.

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Best Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – Simple, Creamy Comfort Food

Author: Courtney Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses: , Recipe Keys: Corn Free Dairy Kids Mixing Nut Free P pescatarian Slow Cooker Recipes Soy Free Vegetarian Meals
Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 2 hrs Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 6 Calories: 420
Best Season: Suitable throughout the year, Spring, Summer, Winter, Fall

Description

This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With its rich, creamy sauce and perfectly tender pasta, it’s the kind of dish everyone loves. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. The cheese melts beautifully, coating every bite with a luscious, savory flavor. Best of all, there’s no need to stand over the stove. Just a few hours in the slow cooker, and you’ll have a homemade, crowd-pleasing meal. Whether for family dinners or potlucks, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the convenience without sacrificing taste!

Ingredients

Optional mix-ins

Instructions

  1. Prep the slow cooker

    Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or lightly grease with butter to prevent sticking.

  1. Combine ingredients

    Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cubed cream cheese, milk, evaporated milk, cubed butter, ground mustard (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir everything to combine evenly.

  1. Cook on low

    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 2 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and the cheese melts smoothly.

  1. Check for doneness

    After 2 hours, check if the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little more milk and stir.

  1. Optional mix-ins

    If you want to add any mix-ins like cooked bacon, steamed veggies, or extra cheese, stir them in during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

  1. Rest and serve

    Once the macaroni is cooked and the cheese sauce is creamy, turn off the slow cooker and let the mac and cheese rest for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir again before serving.

  1. Enjoy

    Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, homemade Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Amount Per Serving
Calories 420kcal
Calories from Fat 225kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25g39%
Saturated Fat 15g75%
Trans Fat 0.8g
Cholesterol 90mg30%
Sodium 600mg25%
Potassium 300mg9%
Total Carbohydrate 32g11%
Dietary Fiber 1g4%
Sugars 6g
Protein 18g36%
Calcium 350 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Keywords: slow cooker mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, crockpot mac and cheese, comfort food, kid-friendly meals, cheesy pasta, weeknight dinner, simple mac and cheese, family-friendly recipe, potluck recipe, homemade mac and cheese, slow cooker recipes, pasta dishes, cheesy comfort food

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand All:
Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor. Just ensure at least one cheese is a good melting cheese, like cheddar.

Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?

No, the pasta goes in uncooked. It will cook in the slow cooker along with the cheese and milk.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just substitute the regular elbow macaroni with a gluten-free version

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too dry?

Stir halfway through cooking and check the consistency at the end. If it looks too thick, add a little more milk to loosen it up.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly and ensure your slow cooker is large enough.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

Can I freeze this mac and cheese?

Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly when reheated. Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

What mix-ins can I add to this mac and cheese?

Popular mix-ins include cooked bacon, steamed veggies, diced ham, or extra cheese on top. Add these during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking.

How do I keep the mac and cheese warm for serving?

After cooking, switch the slow cooker to the "warm" setting to keep the mac and cheese creamy and warm without overcooking.

Can I use low-fat dairy products?

While you can use low-fat milk or reduced-fat cheese, the dish will be less creamy. Full-fat versions provide the best texture and flavor.

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