Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

There’s nothing better than a warm, creamy, cheesy bowl of mac and cheese, and with this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe, you can enjoy all the flavor without the hassle! This slow-cooker version is ultra-creamy, rich, and absolutely effortless—just dump the ingredients, set it, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, holidays, or game days, this no-boil, no-fuss recipe gives you the ultimate comfort food with minimal effort. Unlike stovetop mac and cheese, which requires constant stirring, this slow cooker version lets you set it and forget it while the flavors meld into a cheesy, velvety masterpiece.

Get ready for the easiest, creamiest homemade mac and cheese ever! 🧀✨

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Hands-Free Cooking – No need to watch the stove—just dump and cook!
✅ Extra Creamy & Rich – Made with three cheeses and evaporated milk for a velvety texture.
✅ Perfect for Potlucks & Gatherings – Keeps warm in the slow cooker, making it great for serving a crowd.
✅ No-Boil, No-Stress Recipe – The pasta cooks directly in the crock pot for ultimate ease.
✅ Customizable – Add bacon, jalapeños, or even buffalo chicken for a delicious twist!

Ingredients (in grams)

For 6-8 servings, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

400g elbow macaroni (uncooked)
50g unsalted butter (melted)
500ml whole milk
250ml evaporated milk
200g sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
150g mozzarella cheese (shredded)
100g gouda cheese (or Monterey Jack, shredded)
50g Parmesan cheese (grated)

Seasonings:

1 teaspoon (5g) salt
½ teaspoon (2g) black pepper
½ teaspoon (2g) paprika
½ teaspoon (2g) garlic powder
½ teaspoon (2g) onion powder
1 teaspoon (5g) Dijon mustard (optional, for depth of flavor)

Optional Topping:

50g panko breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
1 teaspoon (5g) butter (melted)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crock Pot

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Pour uncooked macaroni into the crock pot.
Add butter, whole milk, evaporated milk, and seasonings.
Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan cheese (reserve some for topping later).
Mix everything well to coat the pasta evenly.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Mac & Cheese

Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
After 1 hour, check the pasta. If needed, cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy.

Note: Cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker model. Be sure to stir every 30 minutes to prevent clumping.

Step 4: Final Touches & Serve

Once the pasta is fully cooked and coated in a creamy cheese sauce, stir well to combine.
If you like a crunchy topping, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
Serve immediately or set your slow cooker to “Keep Warm” until ready to serve.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 490 kcal
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 22g
Sodium: 550mg

(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on ingredient choices.)

Tips & Tricks for the Best Crock Pot Mac & Cheese

✔️ Use Freshly Grated Cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy. Always grate your own cheese for the best melt!

✔️ Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Check the mac and cheese after 1 hour, as slow cookers heat differently. Overcooking can make the pasta mushy.

✔️ Stir Occasionally – Stirring every 30 minutes helps distribute the cheese sauce evenly.

✔️ Make It Extra Creamy – Add ½ cup of cream cheese or sour cream for an even richer texture.

✔️ Use Evaporated Milk for Authentic Flavor – This keeps the sauce ultra-creamy and smooth without being too heavy.

✔️ Keep Warm for Serving – If serving at a party or potluck, keep the slow cooker on the “Warm” setting so the mac and cheese stays gooey and delicious!

Variations to Try

🥓 Bacon Mac & Cheese: Stir in crispy bacon bits for smoky, savory goodness.

🌶️ Spicy Buffalo Mac & Cheese: Add ½ cup buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.

🦐 Seafood Mac & Cheese: Toss in cooked shrimp or lobster for a gourmet twist.

🌿 Veggie Mac & Cheese: Mix in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted broccoli for extra nutrients.

🥩 BBQ Mac & Cheese: Top with shredded BBQ chicken or pulled pork for a smoky, Southern-style dish.