Crockpot Mac & Cheese: Creamy & Cheesy Recipe

Introduction

This Crockpot Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and effortlessly made in your slow cooker. Perfect for busy days, it delivers rich, melty mac and cheese with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Shred the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses if using block cheese. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In the crockpot, combine the uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
3. Step 3: Pour in the milk and add the butter cut into pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir until everything is well combined.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Step 5: The mac and cheese is done when the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. Step 6: Serve warm by ladling into bowls and enjoy your creamy crockpot mac and cheese!

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream before serving.
• Try mixing in cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or roasted garlic for added flavor.
• Use a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for a different taste profile.
• To make it spicier, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of smoked paprika.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just keep the cooking time similar and check for doneness as crockpot times may vary slightly.

Do I need to cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot?

No, the macaroni is added uncooked and will cook fully in the crockpot along with the cheese and milk, absorbing all the creamy flavors.

Crockpot Mac & Cheese: Creamy & Cheesy Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 mins to 3 hours 10 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Crockpot Mac & Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made effortlessly in your slow cooker. Combining a blend of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with elbow macaroni, this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a hands-off meal that results in tender pasta and a luscious cheese sauce.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese

• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dry Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Liquids & Fats

• 4 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick), cut into pieces

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)

---

Instructions

1. Shred the Cheese: If using block cheese, shred the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses and set them aside for easy incorporation in the crockpot.
2. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the uncooked elbow macaroni into the crockpot. Add the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Pour in the milk, then add the butter pieces along with garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder (if using), salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything until well combined.
3. Cook the Mac & Cheese: Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours or on high heat for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the sides. The dish is ready when the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy and fully melted.
4. Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the mac and cheese and tweak the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices as needed to suit your preference.
5. Serve: Scoop the creamy mac and cheese into bowls and enjoy this comforting, cheesy meal warm.

Notes

• Use whole milk or 2% for best creamy texture; skim milk may result in a thinner sauce.
• Make sure to stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and uneven cooking.
• For a spicier kick, increase cayenne pepper according to taste or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
• Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends for varied flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours on low or 1 hour on high
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, cheesy comfort food