Crockpot Mac and Cheese (Creamy & Easy)


Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a super simple recipe! It makes the perfect side dish or weeknight dinner for the whole family. This slow cooker macaroni and cheese is virtually foolproof, and it comes out extra creamy and extra cheesy every time. Mac n cheese is always one of the best cheesy comfort foods around! 

mac and cheese in a slow cooker

Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the cheesy easy weeknight meal you’ve been waiting for!

This creamy mac and cheese recipe is one of the best, and I love to make it for any dinner, holiday side dish, BBQ, or potluck. It stores and reheats well too, so saving leftovers is a breeze.

Making macaroni and cheese in a slow cooker is extra easy, extra creamy and EXTRA CHEESY, just the way I like it.

Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe:

  • CREAMY: This is truly the creamiest and cheesiest macaroni recipe I’ve ever tasted. If you want the most comforting dish ever, make this!
  • FAMILY FAVORITE: Everyone in the family will love this one. Kids can’t resists mac n cheese, and neither can the rest of us!
  • CROCKPOT RECIPE: Making this in a slow cooker means it’s EASY, and mostly hands-off. You can go relax while it cooks!

Doesn’t matter when you eat this crockpot mac and cheese or why, it will always be delicious! It’s a dish that never feels out of place.

bowl of crockpot mac n cheese
close up on creamy crockpot mac and cheese

Ingredients

  • Elbow Macaroni: The classic macaroni noodle is ideal, but you can actually use other short pasta shapes too.
  • Butter: Use salted butter, cut into cubes to help it melt evenly.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • Eggs
  • Sour Cream: I like to use light sour cream, or you could substitute plain Greek yogurt.
  • Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: This is the secret to the cheesiest mac and cheese you’ll ever taste!
  • Heavy Cream: This helps create a nice creamy texture.
  • Milk: Whole milk is great for this dish, but other milk types are fine.
  • Dry Mustard
  • Salt & Pepper

How to Make Mac and Cheese in a Crockpot

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Cook macaroni noodles on the stove until tender, then drain and set aside.
  2. Melt butter and shredded cheese in a saucepan, and mix together.
  3. Next, combine the rest of the ingredients in the slow cooker. Then stir in the cooked pasta to fully coat.
  4. Cook on LOW setting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

This creamy crockpot mac and cheese is the best set it and forget it recipe for dinners or side dishes. I just love the mix of cheese, heavy cream, and sour cream to create that super creamy texture and cheesy flavor!

how to make crockpot mac and cheese step by step collage
What’s the best cheese for mac and cheese?

Classic cheddar cheese is perfect for this recipe, but you can add other types of cheese if you prefer. Pepper jack adds some spice, or you can use a white cheddar.

Can you freeze macaroni and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze this to reheat and serve later. Let it cool completely after cooking, then place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze up to 1 month.

How long do you cook mac and cheese in a crockpot?

It only takes 1 1/2 to 2 hours to cook this macaroni and cheese in a slow cooker! It’s not an all-day recipe, so it’s still the perfect weeknight recipe.

Serving Suggestions

This crockpot mac and cheese is the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family (talk about a kid-friendly dinner!). But it makes a great side dish too, to serve up with any main dish, as a BBQ side, or on any holiday. Here’s what I like to serve it with.

a bowl filled with macaroni and cheese
creamy crockpot mac and cheese

Tips!

  • Keep it Warm: It’s already in the crock pot, so just keep it on a low setting, with the lid on, to keep it warm throughout dinner.
  • Store It: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator up to 4 days. Or freeze it for up to 1 month.
  • Reheat It: If you want to reheat this mac n cheese after storing it in the refrigerator, you can use a microwave, the stove, or place it back in the slow cooker. Add a small amount of liquid (milk ideally) to help rehydrate it.

How do you make mac and cheese extra creamy?

Every ingredient in this macaroni and cheese recipe just makes it creamier and creamier! The real secret ingredients are the heavy cream and cheddar cheese soup. These additions add so much creaminess and cheesiness, you’ll be amazed when you take a bite.

Can I make Crockpot mac and cheese ahead of time?

This dish keeps well in the fridge, and reheats well too. So yes, make it the day before if needed, then store it until it’s time to eat. That time in the fridge only enhances the cheesy flavor!

More Macaroni and Cheese Recipes:

Don’t have a crockpot? Don’t worry, I’ve got plenty more mac n cheese recipes to try instead.

close up on a bowl of creamy macarano and cheese
a bowl of mac and cheese next to a crockpot

This cheesy, creamy crockpot mac and cheese recipe is a family favorite in our house, and it will be in yours too. It’s one of those dishes that comes in handy time and time again, whether it’s a quick dinner for the kids, a side dish for dinner or holidays, or as something easy to bring to a potluck. It’s basically perfect!

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy!



Original Source Link