Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a comforting, creamy dish that’s perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this slow-cooked mac and cheese delivers rich, cheesy flavor without standing over the stove.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a slow cooker, combine the drained macaroni, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally until the mac and cheese is creamy and fully heated through. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Serve hot and enjoy your delicious, creamy crockpot mac and cheese!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a pinch of smoked paprika to the cheese mixture before cooking.
- Try mixing in cooked bacon pieces or sautéed onions for added texture and taste.
- Use a blend of different cheeses such as Gruyère or Fontina for a richer flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce as needed.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook them al dente before adding to the slow cooker.
What if I don’t have whole milk?
You can substitute with 2% or skim milk, but the mac and cheese may be slightly less creamy. For extra richness, add a bit more butter or a splash of cream if available.
Print
Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe offers a comforting, creamy twist on a classic favorite. Using a slow cooker, it’s an effortless way to achieve perfectly tender macaroni bathed in a rich blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, all melded together in a velvety milk and butter sauce. Ideal for busy days or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers warm, cheesy goodness with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Dairy and Seasoning
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain well and set aside to prevent overcooking in the slow cooker.
- Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: In your slow cooker, add the cooked macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, whole milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of cheese and seasonings.
- Slow cook the mac and cheese: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir every 30 minutes or so to prevent the cheese and milk mixture from separating and to promote even cooking. Check the consistency toward the end and add a bit more milk if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the mac and cheese is creamy, hot, and fully melted, serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting, cheesy dish.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during slow cooking to avoid curdling and to ensure even melting of cheese.
- For a thicker mac and cheese, reduce the milk slightly; for creamier, add a bit more milk.
- You can substitute the cheeses with other mild melty cheeses like Gruyere or Fontina for varied flavors.
- Using whole milk and butter enhances creaminess; low-fat alternatives can be used but will affect texture.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crockpot Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese, Easy Mac and Cheese Recipe, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta
