Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese to warm your soul. Whether it’s a chilly evening, a family gathering, or just a craving for some homemade comfort food, this crockpot mac and cheese recipe is the perfect solution.
Equipment
- Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Cheese grater
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Colander
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 2 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 can 12 oz evaporated milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for a subtle smoky flavor
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder optional, enhances the cheesy taste
- ½ cup unsalted butter cut into small cubes
- 1 block 8 oz cream cheese (cubed)
Optional Toppings & Add-Ins:
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- ½ cup breadcrumbs for a crispy topping
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder for extra flavor
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a little heat
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Shred all the cheeses if not pre-shredded.
- Cut the butter and cream cheese into small cubes for even melting.
- Measure out the milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions but undercook it by about 1-2 minutes to prevent mushy pasta.
- Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot
- Grease the crockpot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Add the cooked pasta, shredded cheeses (reserving 1 cup cheddar for later), butter, cream cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard powder.
- Pour in the milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream. Stir everything gently to combine.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Mac and Cheese
- Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even melting and prevent clumping.
- In the last 30 minutes, add the reserved 1 cup of cheddar cheese and mix it in for extra creaminess.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Once the mac and cheese is smooth and creamy, turn off the crockpot.
- If using toppings, sprinkle bacon or breadcrumbs over the top.
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving - Approximate)
- Calories: 500-600 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Calcium: 300mg
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.