Description
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made effortlessly in a slow cooker. Combining elbow macaroni with sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, whole milk, evaporated milk, and a blend of seasonings, it delivers rich flavors and a perfectly tender texture after cooking low and slow. Ideal for easy weeknight meals or gatherings, this recipe requires minimal prep and hands-off cooking while ensuring a warm, gooey mac and cheese that’s irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Dairy
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, cubed
Cheeses
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the crockpot: Lightly grease your crockpot with butter or nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Combine ingredients: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, cubed butter, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper into the crockpot.
- Mix ingredients: Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are evenly combined for consistent flavor and cooking.
- Cook the mac and cheese: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking and to help the sauce thicken. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy.
- Keep warm before serving: Once cooked, switch the crockpot setting to ‘keep warm’ until you are ready to serve the mac and cheese, maintaining its ideal temperature and texture.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during cooking to avoid pasta sticking to the bottom.
- Use sharp cheddar for a more flavorful, classic taste.
- Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste depending on preference.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach desired consistency.
- For a crispy topping, transfer cooked mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil briefly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 to 3 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: Crockpot Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese, Easy Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta
