Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and effortless. Made with real cheese and simple ingredients, this hands-off recipe delivers rich, velvety macaroni with minimal prep. Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or holiday meals, this version skips the boxed mix and delivers homemade flavor with the convenience of your slow cooker.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
uncooked elbow macaroniwhole milkevaporated milksharp cheddar cheesemild cheddar or Colby Jack cheesecream cheesesalted buttermustard powdersaltblack pepperpaprika (optional)garlic powder (optional)
directions
Spray the inside of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Add uncooked macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, shredded cheeses, cubed cream cheese, melted butter, and seasonings.
Stir to combine all ingredients well.
Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy and thick, give it a final stir and serve hot.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesSlow cooking time: 2 to 2½ hoursTotal time: 2½ hours
Variations
Use different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for variety.
Add cooked bacon, ham, or sausage for a protein boost.
Stir in steamed broccoli or peas for extra veggies.
Top with breadcrumbs and broil in the oven for a crispy finish.
Make it spicy with cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.Not recommended for freezing, as the texture of the pasta may become mushy.
FAQs
Do I cook the pasta first?
No, the pasta cooks right in the slow cooker with the cheese and milk mixture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives the best texture.
Is this recipe good for potlucks?
Absolutely—it stays warm in the slow cooker and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Can I use low-fat milk?
Whole milk gives the best creamy texture, but you can use 2% in a pinch.
What if it gets too thick?
Stir in a little warm milk before serving to loosen the sauce.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients and store them separately, then cook when ready.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger slow cooker and extend the cooking time slightly.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a creamy, dreamy, no-fuss dish that delivers all the comfort of homemade mac without the stovetop hassle. Rich, cheesy, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or indulging in a cozy meal at home. Just set it, stir it, and enjoy warm, gooey perfection every time.
Print
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Crockpot recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With just a few simple ingredients and no need to boil the pasta, it comes out rich, creamy, and full of cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect side dish or cozy main for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
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2 1/2 cups whole milk
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1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
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2 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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Optional: 1/4 tsp dry mustard or a pinch of cayenne for extra flavor
Instructions
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Prep the slow cooker: Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or a little butter.
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Combine ingredients: Add uncooked pasta, milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, all the cheeses, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings. Stir to combine.
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Cook: Cover and cook on low for 2 to 2 ½ hours, stirring once or twice during cooking. Pasta should be tender and sauce thick and creamy.
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Serve: Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, stir well and serve warm. If it thickens too much, you can stir in a splash of warm milk.
Notes
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For extra creaminess, add a few ounces of cream cheese.
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Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Colby.
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Best served right away, but can be kept on warm for up to an hour.
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