Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most decadent and incredibly easy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese! If you’ve been searching for a creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting mac and cheese recipe that practically makes itself, your quest ends here. This scratch-made cheddar cheese crockpot delight isn’t just a meal; it’s a culinary experience designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Imagine rich, velvety sauce clinging to every tender elbow macaroni, all slow-cooked to perfection in your trusty crockpot. Get ready to transform your weeknights or elevate your potluck game with this sensational dish that consistently earns rave reviews.
The Ultimate Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
There’s nothing quite like the magic of a slow cooker to simplify mealtime, and this homemade Mac and Cheese recipe truly shines in the crockpot. I’m a huge advocate for using the slow cooker to create quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful dinners. The sheer convenience of setting it up in the morning and returning later to a perfectly cooked meal is unparalleled. Plus, the aroma that fills your home as this cheesy masterpiece simmers away is simply intoxicating – it’s a preview of the deliciousness to come.
My goal this year has been to embrace our slow cooker at least once a week, exploring new and classic recipes. So far, we’ve enjoyed Fall off the Bone Ribs, zesty Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken, and now, this incredibly satisfying Mac and Cheese. This vegetarian crockpot recipe has quickly become a family favorite. My husband, John, even remarked that it reminded him of German Spaetzle, one of his absolute favorite comfort foods. That’s high praise!
We first introduced this beloved recipe back in February 2013, marking it as one of the very first slow cooker side dish recipes we ever shared on the blog. It’s truly remarkable to think that this simple mac and cheese recipe was a catalyst, inspiring us to share over 250 other fantastic crockpot creations since then. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its deliciousness and ease.
Why Choose the Slow Cooker for Mac and Cheese?
The slow cooker isn’t just for roasts and stews; it’s an absolute game-changer for mac and cheese. Here’s why it stands out:
- Unbeatable Creaminess: The low and slow cooking process allows the cheese to melt perfectly and integrate with the milk, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy sauce that’s hard to achieve on the stovetop without constant stirring.
- Hands-Off Convenience: Forget about hovering over a pot, stirring constantly to prevent sticking or burning. Once you’ve added your ingredients, the crockpot does all the hard work, freeing you up to tackle other tasks.
- Even Cooking: The gentle, consistent heat of a slow cooker ensures that your macaroni cooks evenly, becoming tender without turning mushy, while the cheese sauce thickens beautifully.
- Perfect for Potlucks and Parties: A slow cooker keeps mac and cheese warm and perfectly textured for hours, making it an ideal dish for entertaining, potlucks, or holiday meals.
- Rich Flavor Development: The extended cooking time allows the flavors of the cheese and milk to meld together deeply, resulting in a more profound and satisfying taste profile.
Fun Facts About Mac and Cheese
Dive deeper into the world of this iconic comfort food with these fascinating tidbits:
- Kraft Mac and Cheese reportedly sells approximately 1 million boxes of mac and cheese every single day.
- A staggering one-third of the U.S. population enjoys macaroni and cheese at least once every three months.
- Macaroni and cheese holds the coveted title of the #1 cheese recipe in the United States.
- Unsurprisingly, cheddar cheese is the most popular choice for crafting macaroni and cheese.
- In 1993, Crayola recognized its widespread appeal by naming a crayon color “macaroni and cheese.”
- Kraft Macaroni and Cheese made its debut in 1937, selling an impressive nine million boxes worldwide in its first year alone.
- The earliest known written macaroni and cheese recipe dates back to the thirteenth century in Southern Italy, highlighting its rich history.
- For those who enjoy a wine pairing, Burgundy is often recommended to complement the rich flavors of mac and cheese.
- Thomas Jefferson, a true culinary enthusiast, famously served “macaroni pie” at a state dinner in 1802, introducing this European delight to American high society.
- The largest pot of Macaroni and Cheese ever recorded weighed an astonishing 2,469 pounds, a true feast for the eyes!
Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
This recipe is designed for simplicity and maximum flavor. Using a blend of milks ensures the perfect creamy texture without being too thin or too thick.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
How to make delicious, easy, and incredibly creamy slow cooker Mac and Cheese!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 574 kcal
Author: Tammilee Tips
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz Elbow Macaroni
- 2 Tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil work well)
- 12 ounces Evaporated Milk
- 1 ½ cup Milk (whole milk is recommended for richness)
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on preference)
- ¼ cup Butter (unsalted, cut into pats)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray, or use a slow cooker liner for incredibly easy cleanup.
- Add all ingredients – elbow macaroni, oil, evaporated milk, regular milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and butter – into the slow cooker. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Stir all ingredients gently to combine, ensuring the macaroni is mostly submerged in the liquid.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 3 to 4 hours, or until the macaroni is tender and the cheese sauce is thick and creamy.
- Stir the mac and cheese once every hour during cooking to prevent the macaroni from sticking to the sides and to ensure even distribution of the cheese.
- Once done, stir one last time before serving hot. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, creamy slow cooker mac and cheese!
Kitchen Tools
- Slow cooker: We highly recommend using a crockpot with a digital timer that automatically switches to a “warm” setting after cooking. This ensures your mac and cheese is perfectly cooked and doesn’t overcook if you’re away.
- Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
- Spatula or large spoon for stirring
Notes and Tips for Success
- Our mac and cheese was perfectly done at 3 hours on the low setting. Cooking times can vary slightly depending on your slow cooker model, so keep an eye on it.
- Stirring the mac and cheese every hour is crucial! This helps prevent the macaroni from sticking to the bottom and sides, ensures even cooking, and helps create that desirable creamy texture by redistributing the cheese.
- Cheese Selection: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with a blend of cheeses. Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Colby, or even a touch of cream cheese can add wonderful depth and creaminess. Avoid pre-shredded cheese if possible, as it often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother.
- Don’t Overcook: Overcooking can lead to mushy macaroni and a broken sauce. Begin checking for doneness around the 2.5-hour mark.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a dash of hot sauce, or a teaspoon of dry mustard powder to the mixture.
- Make it a Meal: This mac and cheese is a fantastic stand-alone vegetarian dish, but it also pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken, ribs, or a simple green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories from Fat 324
Explore More Delicious Crockpot Recipes
If you’re a fan of the ease and flavor a slow cooker brings, you’ll love these other fantastic crockpot creations:
- Sloppy Joe Tater Tot Casserole: A comforting family favorite that’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
- Crockpot Meatloaf: Juicy, tender meatloaf with minimal fuss.
- Tex-Mex Chicken: Flavorful and versatile chicken for tacos, salads, or bowls.
- Stuffed Peppers: Classic comfort food, made easy in your slow cooker.
- Bacon Bourbon Meatballs: Sweet and savory, perfect for appetizers or a hearty meal.
- Crockpot Baked Ziti Recipe: A rich, cheesy pasta bake that’s incredibly simple to prepare.
Looking for more culinary inspiration? Dive into our extensive collection of copycat recipes to recreate your restaurant favorites at home, indulge your sweet tooth with our delightful dessert recipes, or explore even more effortless options in our dedicated Crock Pot Recipes section.
This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is also featured as one of our favorite side dishes to pair with Sloppy Joes – a match made in comfort food heaven!
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Recipe originally shared on February 7, 2013. Content updated for clarity, SEO, and expanded information in October 2020, and further enhanced in [Current Year].