Dreamy Slow-Cooked Crockpot Mac N Cheese Recipe

Crafting a creamy crockpot mac n cheese promises comfort wrapped in pure deliciousness.

Slow-cooking brings magic to this classic dish, melding flavors seamlessly.

Cheese lovers will appreciate how simple ingredients create something extraordinary.

Soft pasta absorbs rich, velvety sauce without constant stirring.

Weeknight dinners become stress-free with this hands-off approach.

Kitchen novices and seasoned cooks alike can nail this recipe effortlessly.

Come savor a cheesy adventure that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese That’s Rich and Creamy

• Set-and-Forget Convenience: Toss ingredients into the crockpot, walk away, and return to a perfectly cheesy meal without constant monitoring.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Watch children and adults alike devour this ultra-rich, gooey mac and cheese that transforms a classic dish into a no-fuss family favorite.
• Versatile Weeknight Wonder: Perfect for busy families, potlucks, and casual gatherings, delivering restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese Ingredient Overview

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that creates the perfect base for creamy mac and cheese, choose elbow macaroni for traditional texture.

• Butter, Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich dairy components that create a luxurious and smooth cheese sauce, whole milk provides extra creaminess.
• Cream Cheese: Adds extra richness and helps create a velvety texture, cubed for easy melting.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Primary cheese blend that provides deep flavor and stretchy consistency, shredded for quick melting.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance the rich cheese sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth without raw garlic texture.
• Paprika: Provides a mild smoky undertone and slight color to the dish.
• Mustard Powder: Optional ingredient that adds a subtle tangy complexity to the cheese sauce.

Cooking Spray: Prevents ingredients from sticking to the crockpot during slow cooking process.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese Cooking Directions

Step 1: Prep the Slow Cooker

Grab your trusty crockpot and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray.

This little trick will save you from a sticky cleanup later.

Step 2: Mix the Base

• Uncooked macaroni
• Melted butter
• Evaporated milk
• Whole milk
• Heavy cream
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Mustard powder

Stir everything together until it’s well combined and looking creamy.

Step 3: Cheese Party

Time to get cheesy!

• Shredded cheddar
• Mozzarella
• Cubed cream cheese

Blend the cheeses throughout the mixture so every bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 4: Slow and Steady Cooking

Pop the lid on and let your crockpot work its magic.

Cook on low heat for 1 hour, giving it an occasional stir to prevent any pasta from sticking to the bottom.

Step 5: Check and Adjust

After an hour, take a peek and give the mac and cheese a good stir.

Make sure the pasta is cooking evenly and nothing is burning.

Step 6: Final Cheese Boost

When the pasta looks tender (around 1.5-2 hours), sprinkle in the remaining shredded cheddar.

Let it melt for 5-10 minutes and get ready to dive into creamy, cheesy goodness.

Mac & Cheese Crockpot Tips for Creamy Every Time

• Stir the macaroni occasionally during cooking to ensure even distribution and prevent sticking at the bottom of the crockpot.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged to get smoother, creamier mac and cheese with better melting properties.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack to add unique depth and complexity to the dish.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives for a dairy-free version that's equally delicious and creamy.
• Let the mac and cheese rest for 10-15 minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken and achieve the perfect consistency before serving.

Reheat Crockpot Mac N Cheese

• Store leftover mac n cheese in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place desired portion in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore creaminess. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Transfer mac n cheese to oven-safe dish. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add extra cheese on top for renewed flavor.
• Freeze in sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.

Crockpot Mac N Cheese Comfort Sides

• Savory Protein Partner: Pair this creamy mac n cheese with grilled barbecue chicken for a hearty meal that balances rich cheese with smoky meat flavors.
• Wine Companion: Select a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir to cut through the richness of the cheesy dish, providing a refreshing palate cleanse between bites.
• Zesty Side Kick: Serve with a tangy green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to add brightness and contrast to the heavy, comforting mac n cheese.
• Crunchy Texture Enhancer: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits to introduce a delightful crunch that complements the smooth, creamy pasta texture.

Mac N Cheese Crockpot Comfort Options

• Gluten-Free Mac N Cheese: Replace traditional macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpea flour, ensuring the dish remains safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Creamy Option: Substitute dairy ingredients with cashew cream, nutritional yeast, plant-based milk, and vegan cheese alternatives to create a rich, dairy-free version.
• Protein-Packed Boost: Add cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, or diced ham to transform the mac n cheese into a more substantial main course with extra protein.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Use cauliflower rice or riced cauliflower instead of pasta, creating a lighter, lower-carbohydrate alternative that maintains the creamy cheese experience.

FAQs

• Why use uncooked macaroni in the crockpot?

Uncooked macaroni absorbs the creamy cheese sauce while cooking, creating a richer and more flavorful mac and cheese compared to pre-boiling pasta.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can swap or combine cheeses like monterey jack, gouda, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles while maintaining similar melting properties.

• How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the mac and cheese occasionally during cooking and ensure you’ve sprayed the crockpot with nonstick spray before adding ingredients. Regular stirring helps distribute heat and prevent burning.

• What if my mac and cheese looks too dry?

If the mac and cheese seems dry during cooking, you can add a little extra milk or cream to maintain a creamy consistency, stirring gently to incorporate the additional liquid.

Crockpot Mac N Cheese Recipe

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• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy crockpot mac n cheese, where classic ingredients meld into a luscious, cheesy masterpiece. Slow-cooked to perfection, you’ll savor each comforting bite of this irresistible classic that promises warmth and satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheese:

• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, cubed

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounces/340 grams) can evaporated milk
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni, uncooked
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by generously coating the interior with nonstick spray to ensure effortless serving and cleanup.
2. Consolidate the uncooked pasta, liquefied butter, dairy components, and seasonings into the slow cooker, whisking thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.
3. Incorporate the shredded and cubed cheese varieties, gently folding them throughout the liquid base to promote even distribution and melting potential.
4. Secure the lid and initiate cooking on low temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld and transform over approximately one hour, intermittently stirring to prevent potential bottom-layer adherence.
5. Assess the pasta’s tenderness and consistency after the initial cooking period, gently rotating the contents to guarantee uniform heat exposure and texture development.
6. During the final stages of cooking, introduce additional cheese segments, enabling them to melt seamlessly into the creamy foundation.
7. Once the pasta reaches optimal softness and the cheese has completely liquefied, remove the lid and allow the mac and cheese to rest momentarily, facilitating slight thickening before serving.

Notes

• Spray the crockpot thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy cleanup and stop pasta from clumping together.
• Choose high-quality, freshly shredded cheese for maximum melting and flavor, avoiding pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
• For creamier mac and cheese, add an extra splash of heavy cream or reduce cooking time slightly to maintain a silky consistency.
• Swap regular milk with lactose-free or plant-based alternatives, and use gluten-free pasta for those with dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 624
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 738 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 21 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 101 mg