Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy comfort food that’s easy to prepare and perfect for busy days. This slow-cooked version melts cheese beautifully and delivers a velvety texture without constant attention.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a slow cooker, combine the drained macaroni, cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, milk, butter, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Step 3: Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure creaminess. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Step 4: Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy comfort meal!
Tips & Variations
- Use smoked cheddar or gouda for a deeper flavor variation.
- Adding a pinch of paprika or mustard powder can enhance the cheese flavor.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Feel free to toss in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for added texture.
Storage
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if it thickens too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, small shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well. Keep the cooking times similar, but drain once al dente before adding to the crockpot.
Is it necessary to stir during cooking?
Stirring occasionally helps prevent the mac and cheese from sticking to the sides and promotes even cooking, but you don’t need to stir constantly.
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Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and comforting Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe combines elbow macaroni with sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, slow-cooked to perfection. The slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, velvety dish perfect for family dinners or potlucks with minimal hands-on time.
Ingredients
Macaroni
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheeses
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
Other Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water for 7–8 minutes until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the drained macaroni, shredded sharp cheddar, shredded Monterey Jack, whole milk, butter, salt, and black pepper. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Slow Cook the Mac and Cheese: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Adjust the cheese sauce consistency by adding more milk if it becomes too thick.
- Serve: Once creamy and heated through, serve the mac and cheese hot for a delicious, comforting meal.
Notes
- For a tangier flavor, use a mix of sharp cheddar and extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
- To make it creamier, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half along with the milk.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking helps prevent cheese from sticking and ensures a smooth texture.
- You can add cooked bacon, sautéed onions, or breadcrumbs for variations.
- Ensure not to overcook the macaroni initially; al dente keeps it from turning mushy in the slow cooker.
- 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 mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, easy mac and cheese
