Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is perfect for the holidays or a Sunday dinner. This is sure to be a family favorite because this easy recipe only needs minutes of prep time thanks to the slow cooker. The whole family will love this rich cheesy mac and cheese.

So simple and yet so delicious, that you will want to make it again and again!

Crockpot Mac N Cheese Inspiration

Ever since I was I was a little girl, I have always loved homemade macaroni and cheese. It all started at my Aunt Brenda’s house where she would host Thanksgiving for the whole family and whoever else was lucky enough to show up.

While she was cooking, my sister and I would sneak into the kitchen to steal chunks of the extra sharp cheddar cheese she was slicing to make her famous mac n cheese. We would eat as much as we could get our hands on while Aunt Brenda was preoccupied with other dishes long enough for us to sneak a few chunks.

I recently spoke to my Aunt Brenda and found out that she knew every year that we were sneaking in to steal her cheese and she bought an extra block each year just for us. She said that she would hear us coming into the kitchen and would turn her back just in time so we would feel like we were getting away with something.

She is one of the sweetest women I have ever known and every time I see a block of Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, I think of her.

Crockpot Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 1/2 Stick of Butter
• 1 – 12 ounce Can of Evaporated Milk
• 1 Block of Cream Cheese
• 13 oz of Elbow Macaroni
• 1 Cup of Milk
• 1 Lb. of Sharp Cheddar Cheese

How to Make Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Boil the Elbow Macaroni

Begin by bringing a pot of water to a gentle boil. Add the elbow macaroni and let it simmer for approximately 5 minutes.

This brief boil allows the noodles to soften just right, ensuring a perfect texture in your mac and cheese.

Step 2: Transfer to the Crock Pot

Once the elbow macaroni achieves the desired texture, carefully drain it and transfer it into your crock pot.

This is the foundation of your creamy crockpot mac and cheese.

Step 3: Cubing Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cut the extra sharp cheddar cheese into cubes.

These will melt into your mac n cheese, providing that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Add them to the crock pot with the rest of the ingredients in this cheesy masterpiece.

Step 4: Pour in the Milk and Stir

Pour in a measured cup of milk, surrounding the macaroni and cheese cubes.

Gently stir the ingredients, ensuring an even distribution of cheesy delight. This step sets the stage for the velvety texture that will unfold during the slow cooking process.

Step 5: Cooking on Low

Set your crock pot to the low setting and let the magic happen. Allow the ingredients to mix and the flavors to intensify over the course of about 2 and a half hours.

This slow-cooking method ensures a rich and creamy mac n cheese that will leave everyone craving more.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Allow the Crock Pot Mac and Cheese to cool to room temperature before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container to preserve freshness.

Refrigerate promptly to ensure food safety or freeze this dish for longer storage.

When reheating, add a small amount of milk to prevent the macaroni from drying out. Use a microwave-safe dish for quick individual servings.

For larger portions, reheat in the oven at a low temperature to maintain creaminess.

If the mac n cheese has thickened upon reheating, simply incorporate a little more milk and stir until the desired consistency is reached.

It’s really simple to make and after boiling the elbow macaroni for about 5 minutes, you just throw the rest of the ingredients into the crock pot and get busy cooking other stuff because it’s really that simple.

Just be sure to stir occasionally.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe Notes

Elevating the mac n cheese game starts with precooked pasta. Unlike numerous “no boil mac and cheese recipes” that gamble with uncooked pasta, our method ensures perfection every time.

By boiling the macaroni just shy of the recommended time on the package, and keeping it pleasantly firm, we steer clear of any undesirable mushiness.

If you have leftovers that you would like to reheat, add a small amount of milk before reheating to prevent the macaroni from drying out.

Also if your macaroni and cheese is too thick, add a little more milk and stir.

Monitor the pasta’s progress closely, as slow cookers exhibit variations in cooking times.

Can I Make this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Ahead?

Yes! To streamline preparation, mix all ingredients except the pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta in advance, rinse, and cool. Combine the pasta with the sauce elements in the crock pot just before initiating the cooking process to save some prep time right before dinner.

How Long Does Dry Pasta Take to Cook in Slow Cooker?

Slow cookers can vary but on average it takes about 4 hours for dry pasta to cook completely in a slow cooker set to low. For a quick cook, set the crock pot to high and cook dry pasta for about 2 hours.

Can You Put Evaporated Milk in the Slow Cooker?

Yes! It is often used in place of heavy cream when converting oven or stovetop recipes to be made in a slow cooker. It helps make recipes more creamy without the worry of without the worry of curdling and adds a rich, velvety texture to your slow-cooked dishes.

The slow cooker provides a gentle environment for evaporated milk to infuse its flavor, making it a versatile and convenient substitute in various savory and sweet slow cooker creations.

Want More Easy Crock Pot Recipes?

Uncover the joy of effortless cooking with our assortment of slow cooker and crockpot recipes. Crafted to streamline your cooking experience without sacrificing taste, these simple slow cooker recipes are easy to make.

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