Description
Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy in the slow cooker. This rich and cheesy pasta dish delivers perfectly tender macaroni coated in a smooth, velvety cheese sauce that’s ideal for busy weeknights, holiday dinners, potlucks, and easy dinner ideas. The slow cooking method creates deep flavor while keeping the recipe simple and stress-free. Whether you need a quick family dinner, comforting side dish, or satisfying food idea for gatherings, this easy recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite at the table.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
4 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Butter or nonstick spray for greasing crockpot
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until slightly underdone, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain well.
2. Lightly grease the inside of the crockpot with butter or nonstick spray.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, cream cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Dijon mustard.
4. Add half of the cooked macaroni to the crockpot and top with half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack cheeses.
5. Repeat with the remaining macaroni and shredded cheeses.
6. Pour the prepared milk and cream mixture evenly over the pasta and cheese layers.
7. Gently stir until the ingredients are combined evenly throughout the crockpot.
8. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring once every hour to maintain a smooth and creamy texture.
9. Once the cheese sauce is fully melted and creamy, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a small amount of warm milk until the desired consistency is reached.
11. Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving for the creamiest texture.
12. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates a creamier sauce than packaged shredded cheese.
Do not overcook the macaroni before adding it to the crockpot because the pasta continues cooking during the slow cooking process.
For extra richness and flavor, combine multiple cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy pasta, crockpot pasta recipe, homemade mac and cheese