Crockpot Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Food
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, made extra creamy and cheesy with minimal effort. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, a holiday gathering, or a game day feast, it’s sure to be a crowd favorite.
This homemade mac and cheese is a crowd-pleaser that’s great for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. It’s made with real cheese, butter, milk, and seasonings, creating a perfectly smooth and velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite of tender macaroni.
Why You’ll Love Crockpot Mac and Cheese
🧀 Ultra Creamy and Cheesy
The combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and Velveeta ensures a rich, smooth, and gooey cheese sauce.
🕒 Easy, No-Boil Recipe
There’s no need to pre-cook the pasta—just dump everything in the slow cooker and let it cook!
🍽 Perfect for Feeding a Crowd
This recipe makes a large batch, making it great for parties, potlucks, and family meals.
🌟 Customizable and Flavorful
Add crispy bacon, jalapeños, or breadcrumbs for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients for Crockpot Mac and Cheese
For the Mac and Cheese:
- 3 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions for Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot
- Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Add the Ingredients
- Add the uncooked elbow macaroni, milk, heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Velveeta, and melted butter to the crockpot.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Mac and Cheese
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- After 1 hour, check the pasta and stir to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Adjust the Consistency
- If the mac and cheese is too thick, add a little extra milk or heavy cream and stir until smooth.
- If you prefer a crispier top, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Stir the mac and cheese one final time before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese, and enjoy warm!
Tips for the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese
🌟 Use Freshly Grated Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy—grate your own cheese for the smoothest texture.
🔥 Don’t Overcook
Mac and cheese can dry out if left in the crockpot too long—stir occasionally and check for doneness around the 2-hour mark.
🧄 Enhance the Flavor
Add onion powder, cayenne pepper, or a splash of hot sauce for extra depth of flavor.
🥓 Make It Extra Indulgent
Stir in crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for a gourmet twist.
How to Serve Crockpot Mac and Cheese
🍽 As a Main Dish
Serve a hearty portion as a comforting meal on its own.
🥩 As a Side Dish
Pair it with grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or steak for a complete meal.
🥦 With Vegetables
Serve alongside roasted Brussels sprouts, steamed broccoli, or a crisp green salad for balance.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
🧊 Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring in a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
❄️ Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Variations to Try
🌶 Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes for heat.
🦞 Lobster Mac and Cheese: Stir in cooked lobster meat for a luxurious twist.
🥬 Spinach & Artichoke Mac and Cheese: Mix in sautéed spinach and chopped artichokes for a creamy, flavorful variation.
