Easy Crockpot Mac & Cheese: Creamy, Cheesy Comfort
Creamy, rich, and loaded with cheesy goodness, this easy crockpot mac & cheese is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a holiday gathering, this slow cooker mac and cheese recipe is a no-fail classic that delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
This dish combines tender pasta with a velvety cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Velveeta, and evaporated milk for an irresistibly luscious texture. Using your crockpot ensures the cheese melts slowly, creating a smooth and decadent sauce without any need for monitoring the stovetop.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: This mac and cheese is ultra-creamy with the perfect balance of sharp and mild cheese flavors.
- Texture: Silky, smooth, and decadently rich, with tender noodles that soak up all the cheesy sauce.
- Aroma: The comforting scent of melted cheese, butter, and warm seasonings fills the kitchen.
- Visual Appeal: A golden, cheesy top layer with a luscious, creamy interior makes this dish irresistible.
- Skill Level Needed: Perfect for beginners—no complicated techniques required.
- Special Equipment: Slow cooker (crockpot), mixing bowl, wooden spoon.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This crockpot mac and cheese recipe is easy to make, requiring only simple ingredient preparation.
- Category: Classic comfort food, side dish, or main course.
- Cuisine: American-style mac and cheese with Southern and homemade influences.
- Cost: Budget-friendly ingredients make this a cost-effective meal.
- Season: Perfect for fall and winter, but great year-round.
- Occasion: Ideal for family dinners, holiday meals, potlucks, and game-day gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot mac and cheese is perfect for anyone who loves creamy, cheesy pasta dishes without the extra work. The combination of cheddar and Velveeta guarantees a deliciously smooth sauce that clings to every bite.
With only 10 minutes of prep time, this slow cooker mac and cheese allows you to focus on other tasks while it cooks. It’s a convenient “set it and forget it” meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
This recipe is packed with high-quality protein from dairy and pasta, making it an excellent comfort food option. You can also adjust the ingredients to make it a little healthier.
A hit at any social gathering, crockpot mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s a great addition to a holiday buffet, potluck, or family get-together.
Using everyday ingredients, this dish is an affordable way to feed a crowd. No fancy cooking techniques or expensive cheeses are required.
The Recipe
Easy Crockpot Mac & Cheese
Serves: 8
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 2 cups whole milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp ground mustard
- ¼ tsp paprika (optional)
Directions
- Spray your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the elbow macaroni (uncooked) to the slow cooker.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, cubed Velveeta, evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika.
- Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even melting.
- Check pasta for doneness. If needed, cook for an additional 15-30 minutes.
- Once creamy and fully cooked, serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- You can add extra milk if the mac and cheese thickens too much.
- For a crunchier texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top and broil for a few minutes.
- Want extra flavor? Add cooked bacon, caramelized onions, or sautéed mushrooms.
