Crockpot Mac and Cheese

This cheesy Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or holidays. It features a quick, ultra-creamy homemade cheese sauce whisked together with tender elbow macaroni and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. Simply combine everything in your slow cooker and let it simmer until perfectly ooey-gooey and irresistibly delicious.

Easy Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe

There’s just something downright magical about a good Crockpot Mac and Cheese, especially on days when the oven’s already doing overtime. This cheesy Southern classic starts with a quick, creamy sauce that comes together in minutes, then gets poured over tender elbow macaroni and a generous amount of freshly grated sharp cheddar. After that, the slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, letting everything bubble, melt, and turn into the kind of ooey-gooey goodness that brings the family to the kitchen. It’s the perfect “set it and forget it” side dish for Sunday suppers, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food without breaking a sweat.

Checkout this quick list of ingredients you’ll need to make Crockpot Pot Macaroni and Cheese: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Pasta – One pound elbow macaroni is classic for mac and cheese.
• Liquid – Evaporated milk and half and half for the cheese sauce.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs stabilize the sauce for slow cooking.
• Butter – Melted salted butter or unsalted butter for richness.
• Cheese Sauce – One can of cheddar cheese soup or cheez whiz amps up the flavor.
• Spices – Salt, black pepper, ground mustard.
• Cheese – Freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the melty cheesy texture and taste.

How to Make the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Prepare the Crockpot – Spray the liner of a 6 quart crockpot, or similar size crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. You could also use a crockpot liner.
• Parboil the Macaroni – Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain well pour into the bottom of the slow cooker.
• Combine the Cheese Sauce Ingredients – Whisk together milk, evaporated milk, cheese soup (or cheez whiz) butter, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, paprika and eggs until fully combined.
• Combine – Pour sauce over the macaroni adding 3 cups shredded cheese. Gently mix to combine.
• Cook – Cover and cook per the recipe.
• Serve – Uncover and sprinkle with reserved shredded cheese. Let stand until melted, then serve.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

• Large pot for boiling the macaroni.
• Large bowl.
• Cheese grater.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Balloon whisk.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Freshly Grated Cheese – It’s important to use freshly grated cheese for slow cooker macaroni and cheese. The preservatives used for preventing pre-shredded cheese from clumping can cause the sauce to separate.
• Cheese – You can adapt this recipe using your favorite combination of cheese. You could use Gruyere, Swiss, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, American cheese or Mozzarella cheese would all be great choices.
• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni – Parboiling the macaroni begins the cooking process and prevents the macaroni from being undercooked. Once the macaroni comes to a boil, don’t take it past 5 minutes before draining and adding to the crockpot. If you forget and let it cook longer, it won’t take as long to cook in the slow cooker so adjust the cooking time to accommodate.
• Soup – Cheddar cheese soup adds flavor and stability to the easy sauce. You can use the same amount of Cheez Whiz, Velveeta cheese (jar) nacho cheese or another similar type of easy melt cheese sauce, if desired.
• Know Your Appliance – Slow cookers can vary on how they cook due to age and brand. Know your appliance and adjust the cooking time according to how your appliance performs.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – You can store Crockpot Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single servings in the microwave or in a preheated 350°F oven with a piece of foil on top.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Crockpot and Slow Cooker Recipes to Make

Crock Pot is a brand that’s become synonymous with slow cooking. When you hear the term crockpot or slow cooker, it’s the same thing. More crockpot recipes you may also like to try:

• Slow Cooked Cheesy Ranch Potatoes are always a crowd pleaser.
• Crockpot Corn Casserole is a cross between corn pudding and cornbread.
• Comfort food favorite Slow Cooked Chicken and Dumplings.
• Easy Cheesy Slow Cooker Grits are a game changer.
• Crockpot Cornbread Dressing is moist and flavorful.
• Slow Cooker Creamed Corn with bacon.
• Slow Cooker Sweet Potato Casserole topped with marshmallows and pecans.
• Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Casserole from Eating on a Dime.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Crockpot
• Cheese Grater
• Kitchen Utensils
• Measuring Set