Creamy Comfort in a Crockpot: The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe

Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Introduction

Few comfort foods are as beloved as homemade mac and cheese, and this Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe promises maximum creaminess with minimal effort. Slow-cooked to perfection, it frees up your oven and time, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, weeknight dinners, or holiday gatherings. The set-it-and-forget-it approach means you get rich, melty cheese and tender pasta every time—without babysitting a boiling pot.

Why This Crockpot Mac and Cheese Stands Out

This dish is the definition of cheesy indulgence—ultra creamy, with a touch of sharp cheddar tang, and a buttery finish. The slow cooker ensures the pasta gets perfectly tender, while the sauce stays smooth and luscious. There’s no need to precook your noodles or create a separate sauce. Everything cooks together, resulting in less mess and more flavor.

Prepping Ingredients for Crockpot Success

Start by shredding your cheeses freshly—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can cause grainy texture. To make dicing or chopping easier (think for onions or veggies you might want to add in), the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper offers a lightning-fast way to prep. For measuring out the perfect cheese or pasta amounts, rely on a precise digital scale like the Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display to eliminate guesswork.

The Creamiest Cheese Sauce

Using a classic blend of sharp cheddar, creamy mozzarella, and a touch of cream cheese yields the dreamiest cheese pull. Melt your butter and combine with seasonings before mixing in cheeses and milk—this helps distribute flavor throughout the dish. If you want to ensure perfectly blended sauces, a quick blitz with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender will make your cheese mixture ultra-silky before adding it to the slow cooker.

Effortless Crockpot Cooking & Cleanup

Line your slow cooker insert with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for super easy cleanup and to prevent any sticky cheese bits from baking onto your crock. Once you add all the ingredients, set it and forget it—just give it a quick stir every hour, if possible, for even melting.

Mac and Cheese Serving Tips

For gatherings, transfer servings to a spacious Bentgo Salad Container for mess-free transport or to keep it warm on the go. Serve straight from the crockpot for family-style comfort, or dress it up with crispy bacon, herbs, or toasted breadcrumbs for an elegant twist.

Nutritional Information & Serving Size

This recipe delivers about 8 hearty servings, each arriving at roughly 400–450 calories, depending on your cheese and milk choices. It’s filling and satisfying—a classic that’s always welcomed at the dinner table.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe Recap

Ultra-creamy, deeply cheesy, and supremely simple, this Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a favorite for a reason. It’ll please kids and grown-ups alike with classic flavors and melt-in-your-mouth texture—with none of the stovetop fuss.

Ingredients

16 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
2 ½ cups whole milk
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional toppings: crispy bacon, herbs, breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Generously grease or line your slow cooker with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
  2. Using the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, quickly prep any additional mix-ins like onions or peppers if desired.
  3. Add uncooked macaroni, 2 cups cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker.
  4. If a smoother cheese sauce is preferred, blend cheeses, milks, and seasonings with the Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender before adding to the slow cooker.
  5. Stir ingredients well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours. Stir gently every hour to prevent sticking and to ensure even melting.
  6. Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup cheddar on top, cover, and let stand for 10 minutes to melt before serving.
  7. Serve hot. For parties or events, portion out into a Bentgo Salad Container for easy transport or storage.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 to 2½ hours (low)

Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Enjoy this show-stopping Crockpot Mac and Cheese—creamy, comforting, and impossible to resist, whether for a family dinner or a party centerpiece.

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