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

Scale

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