Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Directions / Instructions
Why You'll Love This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
If you're looking for a foolproof comfort food recipe that practically cooks itself, this Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is exactly what you need. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant stirring or baked versions that can sometimes dry out, this Crock Pot recipe slowly cooks the pasta in a creamy mixture of cheeses and dairy, creating an unbelievably smooth and velvety sauce. The result is rich, cheesy macaroni with perfectly tender pasta that's ideal for holidays, potlucks, family dinners, backyard barbecues, or busy weeknights.
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Everything comes together in one slow cooker, leaving you free to prepare the rest of your meal while the Crock Pot does the work. The combination of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and cream cheese creates incredible depth of flavor, while evaporated milk helps produce the signature creamy consistency that everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just barely al dente, about 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well but do not rinse.
2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Add the Ingredients
Place the cooked macaroni into the slow cooker. Add the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, cream cheese, whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir Everything Together
Gently stir until the ingredients are evenly combined. The cheeses will melt gradually during cooking, so don't worry if everything isn't completely smooth at this stage.
5. Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring gently every 30 to 40 minutes to ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides.
6. Check the Consistency
Once the cheese sauce is completely smooth and the pasta is tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small splash of warm milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the finished mac and cheese with fresh parsley and a light dusting of smoked paprika before serving. Enjoy immediately while hot and creamy.
Storage Tips
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture. Leftovers also freeze well for up to 2 months, although the sauce may require additional milk when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese alongside barbecue ribs, smoked brisket, fried chicken, grilled steak, roasted turkey, meatloaf, pulled pork, baked ham, burgers, grilled vegetables, or fresh green salads. It's also an excellent addition to holiday dinners such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and Fourth of July cookouts.
Recipe Variations
Customize this recipe by adding crispy bacon, diced jalapeños, smoked sausage, shredded rotisserie chicken, lobster, crab meat, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or sautéed mushrooms. You can also substitute Gruyère, Gouda, Colby Jack, Pepper Jack, or Fontina cheese for part of the cheddar to create your own signature flavor combination. For a crunchy finish, transfer the cooked macaroni to a baking dish, top with buttered panko breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden brown.
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