Description
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese delivers creamy, cheesy indulgence with minimal effort. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings, this velvety pasta dish combines rich cheeses, tender macaroni, and a flavorful sauce. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld while keeping the pasta perfectly creamy—no constant stirring required.
Ingredients
16 ounces (1 pound) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
4 cups whole milk
1 cup evaporated milk
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
¼ teaspoon paprika
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup sour cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for sharper flavor)
Tip: Shred cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded bags for smoother melting and better flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Slow Cooker
Grease the inside of the slow cooker with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta (Partially)
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender but still firm (al dente). Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Sauce Base
In a large bowl, whisk together whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, eggs, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder, and paprika until smooth.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Stir in 3 cups cheddar, 1 cup mozzarella, and ½ cup Monterey Jack (reserve the rest for topping). Mix until the cheeses begin blending into the milk mixture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the partially cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Pour the cheese mixture over it and stir gently to coat all noodles. Sprinkle remaining cheeses on top.
Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring once halfway through. The sauce should be thick and creamy, coating every noodle. Avoid overcooking to prevent mushy pasta.
Step 7: Serve Warm
Stir gently and serve hot directly from the slow cooker.
Notes
Slightly undercook pasta before slow cooking for best texture.
Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
Avoid high heat to prevent curdling.
Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even consistency.
Add a splash of milk when reheating to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2–3 hours
- Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Slow cooker mac and cheese, crockpot mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food
