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Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.8 from 61 reviews

This creamy and comforting Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe combines sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with elbow macaroni cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Easy to prepare and ideal for a hands-off meal, it results in a rich, cheesy dish with a velvety texture, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese

  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded

Liquids & Dairy

  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 4 tbsp butter

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking in the crockpot.
  2. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: In your slow cooker, add the drained macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, whole milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute the ingredients.
  3. Slow cook to creamy perfection: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and to prevent sticking. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit more milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.
  4. Serve hot: Once the mac and cheese is creamy, bubbly, and heated through, spoon it into serving dishes and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use whole milk for creamier texture; you can substitute with 2% milk but the dish will be less rich.
  • Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent cheese from sticking or burning on the sides of the slow cooker.
  • If more cheesiness is desired, add an extra half cup of shredded cheese before serving.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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