Luscious Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe for Soul Comfort

Comfort comes in many delicious forms, and this creamy crock pot mac and cheese delivers pure culinary bliss.

Cheesy goodness melts perfectly in a slow cooker, creating a dish that warms both heart and stomach.

Macaroni absorbs rich, velvety cheese sauce throughout a gentle cooking process.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet decadent recipe.

No complicated techniques or fancy ingredients stand between you and ultimate comfort food.

Smooth, dreamy cheese blankets tender pasta in a way that makes every bite irresistible.

Prepare to savor a classic favorite that turns ordinary meals into memorable moments.

Crock Pot Mac & Cheese—Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

• Dump all ingredients into the slow cooker and let it work its magic with minimal hands-on time, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without constant monitoring.
• Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly smooth mac and cheese that appeals to children and adults alike, making it a crowd-pleaser for family dinners or potluck gatherings.
• Easily adaptable recipe that can be served as a main dish or side, works great for weeknight dinners, game day parties, or holiday side tables with simple ingredient adjustments.
• One-pot cooking means fewer dishes to wash, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing pots and pans in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Creamy Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that provides the perfect base for creamy mac and cheese.

• Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Creates a rich and tangy flavor profile for the mac and cheese.

• Cream Cheese: Adds extra smoothness and helps create a velvety texture.
• Milk: Helps develop the sauce and keeps the mac and cheese moist.
• Butter: Enhances the richness and provides a smooth, silky base for the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the richness of the cheese.
• Dry Mustard Powder: Adds a subtle depth and sharpness to the cheese sauce.

• Paprika: Provides a light sprinkle of color and mild smoky flavor.

Tools for Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

• Crock pot (slow cooker): Essential for cooking the mac and cheese evenly and hands-free.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients and preventing sticking.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Helps accurately measure ingredients for consistent results.
• Cheese grater: Ideal for freshly grating cheese for maximum flavor and melting.
• Cutting board: Useful for preparing ingredients before adding to the crock pot.

Mac and Cheese in the Crock Pot Steps

Step 1: Prepare Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty crock pot and lightly grease the inside with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

This will make cleanup a breeze and help your mac and cheese slide out perfectly.

Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients

• Uncooked elbow macaroni
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Milk
• Butter
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Dry mustard powder

Step 3: Mix and Blend

Gently stir all the ingredients until they’re well combined.

Make sure the pasta is evenly distributed and coated with the creamy mixture.

This ensures every bite will be packed with cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the crock pot and set it to LOW heat.

Stir the mac and cheese every 30 minutes to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.

Let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours.

Step 5: Check Pasta Tenderness

After about 1.5 hours, test the pasta with a fork.

It should be soft and easily pierced.

If it’s still firm, continue cooking and check every 15 minutes.

Step 6: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If the sauce looks too thick, splash in a bit of milk and stir until you reach your desired creaminess.

If it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a few more minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Scoop the steaming mac and cheese into bowls.

For extra pizzazz, sprinkle some extra cheese or breadcrumbs on top.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Pro Tips for Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

• Stir the mac and cheese every 30 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent noodles from sticking together.
• Add extra milk gradually if the sauce seems too thick, creating a smooth and silky texture.
• Use a blend of cheeses like sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella for a rich, complex flavor profile.
• Replace regular milk with almond or oat milk for a lactose-free version that maintains creamy consistency.
• Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently in the slow cooker, stirring occasionally to restore original texture.

Mac and Cheese Twists and Extras

• Vegan Crock Pot Mac: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast, cashew cream, and plant-based milk for a dairy-free version. Use gluten-free pasta for added dietary flexibility.
• Protein-Packed Mac: Add cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to boost protein content. Mix in Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein punch.
• Veggie-Loaded Mac: Incorporate roasted butternut squash, cauliflower, or spinach for additional nutrients. Blend vegetables directly into cheese sauce for hidden vegetable goodness.
• Spicy Southwest Mac: Stir in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese. Top with crushed tortilla chips and fresh cilantro for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.

How to Serve Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

• Party Plate Pairing: Serve alongside crispy green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the creamy richness of mac and cheese.
• Game Night Champion: Perfect comfort food for movie marathons, sports viewing parties, or casual family gatherings with friends.
• Kid-Friendly Upgrade: Top with crunchy breadcrumbs, extra cheese, or diced bacon bits to make the dish more exciting and appealing to children.
• Potluck Pro Tip: Transport in a slow cooker to keep warm and wow your fellow guests with this delicious crowd-pleasing side dish.

Storing Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

• Transfer mac and cheese to an airtight container, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.
• Warm mac and cheese in a saucepan over medium-low heat, gradually adding milk or cream to maintain smooth texture. Stir constantly to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
• Pour cooled mac and cheese into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne. Just ensure they’re similar in size to maintain consistent cooking.

• Is it necessary to pre-cook the pasta before adding to the slow cooker?

No, the uncooked pasta cooks directly in the cheese sauce, absorbing flavors and creating a creamy texture without pre-cooking.

• Can I make this mac and cheese without a crock pot?

While designed for slow cookers, you can adapt this recipe to a stovetop by cooking pasta first, then mixing with cheese sauce and simmering until creamy.

• How can I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Stir every 30 minutes and check doneness around 1½ hours. Remove from heat immediately once pasta is fork-tender to avoid overcooking.

Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese – Easy Comfort Food Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty mac and cheese delivers pure comfort straight from the slow cooker. Cheesy pasta promises delightful flavors that comfort home cooks when you want a simple, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni pasta
• 8 ounces (227 grams) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 ounces (113 grams) american deli cheese, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 cups half and half

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika

Dairy and Fat Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons butter, cut into 1-inch cubes

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Instructions

1. Combine all ingredients in the crock pot, ensuring even distribution of pasta, cheese, and seasonings.
2. Set slow cooker to LOW temperature and cook for 1.5 to 2 hours, gently stirring every 30 minutes to prevent pasta from sticking.
3. Test pasta’s tenderness around 1.25 hours by checking with a fork; continue cooking if needed until pasta reaches desired softness.
4. If sauce appears too dense, gradually incorporate milk to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Once pasta is perfectly cooked and sauce is velvety, turn slow cooker to WARM setting to maintain temperature.
6. Serve hot directly from the crock pot, garnishing with optional fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.
7. For storage, transfer remaining mac and cheese to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking.
8. Refrigerated leftovers will maintain quality for up to 3 days; gently reheat with a splash of milk to restore original creaminess.

Notes

• Prevent pasta from sticking by generously buttering the slow cooker’s interior before adding ingredients.
• Opt for full-fat cheese and milk to ensure a luxuriously creamy texture that doesn’t separate during cooking.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni and use cornstarch instead of flour as a thickener.
• Enhance flavor by adding crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic for a gourmet twist on classic mac and cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 506
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 634 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 59 mg