There’s nothing quite like the creamy goodness of homemade mac and cheese bubbling away in the kitchen, is there? Imagine coming home to a warm, cheesy delight just waiting for you. Crockpot Mac and Cheese takes all the hassle out of cooking, bringing you comfort food that’s rich, creamy, and super easy to whip up. It’s a total game-changer for busy nights and lazy weekends!

Why make this recipe

Let’s be real—who doesn’t want a dish that practically cooks itself? With Crockpot Mac and Cheese, you get:

Easy cleanup: One pot, minimal mess. Just toss everything in and let the magic happen.
Family-friendly vibes: Kids and adults alike will dive in for seconds (or thirds).
Budget-friendly: All those cheesy ingredients are affordable and will fill you up without breaking the bank!

It’s like showing your family you love them without spending all night in the kitchen. 🙌

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

16 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
4 ounces cream cheese (cubed)
2 ½ cups whole milk
1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard or mustard powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
1 teaspoon cornstarch

Directions

Grease your crockpot with butter or non-stick spray.
Toss in the uncooked elbow macaroni.
In a separate bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and cornstarch.
Pour the cheese mixture over the macaroni in the crockpot.
Add cubed cream cheese, melted butter, whole milk, evaporated milk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Stir well to mix all ingredients evenly.
Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice.
Check for doneness at the two-hour mark.
If too thick, stir in extra warm milk before serving.
Serve immediately or keep warm on the ‘Warm’ setting.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

How to make Crockpot Mac and Cheese (Overview)

It’s as easy as tossing things in a pot! Here’s how it goes down: First, you grease up your crockpot and add those uncooked macaroni noodles—easy peasy. Then, you mix your cheeses, pour that glorious melty goodness on top, and add the creams and seasonings. Give it a good stir and let the crockpot do its thing for a couple of hours. Pro tip: Check on it halfway through to give it a little stir and avoid any gooey mess! 😋

How to serve Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Time to dish it out! Serve your Crockpot Mac and Cheese straight from the pot for a cozy, casual vibe. For a twist, consider adding:

Chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Bacon bits for that crispy, smoky goodness.
Crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up a bit!

Imagine the aroma floating through your home as you dig in—indulgent, creamy, cheesy perfection.

How to store Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Got leftovers? No problem! Your Crockpot Mac and Cheese keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container. For a quick reheat, pop it in the microwave with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just remember to let it thaw overnight in the fridge before digging in!

Tips to make Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Timing is key: Check the two-hour mark to prevent overcooking. 😬
Cheese swap: Feel free to switch up your cheeses for a unique take. Gouda or pepper jack can add amazing flavors!
Creamy texture: Don’t skimp on the milk—extra liquid ensures a luscious dish every time.

Variation

Want to mix things up? Try adding cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for an extra health boost. You can even swap out the dairy with almond or oat milk for a vegan version! Just be sure to use vegan cheeses for that creamy finish.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
A: Definitely! Assemble everything in the crockpot and refrigerate it overnight before cooking.

Q: How can I make it a bit healthier?
A: You can reduce the cheese quantity or add in some veggies! Zucchini or bell peppers work great.

Q: Can I use gluten-free pasta?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta can behave differently.

📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!