Creamy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Crock pot Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, indulgent recipe that is easy to make and comfort food your whole family will love.

The rich and cheesy flavors from the sharp cheddar cheese and Gruyere are a delicious combination that will make you smile with every bite.

Our crock pot mac and cheese becomes smooth and velvety when cooked slowly using the low heat setting. It’s the perfect dish for game day, family gatherings, or a potluck dinner. My easy-to-make creamy crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe is definitely a crowd-pleaser!

I love using a crock pot or slow cooker to make mac and cheese. It frees up oven space and makes the cooking process easy. You can also use this recipe to make stovetop mac and cheese. Just make sure to let the cheese melt so the sauce gets a smooth, creamy texture.

If you love mac and cheese as much as we do, make sure to check out our recipes for White Cheddar Truffle Mac and Cheese and Gouda Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients to prepare our crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe. Culinary professionals call this the “Mise en Place,” which means “everything in its Place.”

Setting up your ingredients not only helps speed up the cooking process but also ensures you have all the necessary ingredients on hand to make the recipe.

✨ Recipe Variations

Spicy Mac: Add diced jalapeños, cayenne, or hot sauce for a kick.

BBQ Mac: Stir in pulled pork or brisket for a Southern-style twist.

Loaded Mac: Top with crispy bacon, green onions, and extra cheese before serving.

Truffle Mac: Add a drizzle of truffle oil for a gourmet touch.

Veggie Mac: add broccoli, peas, spinach (or your favorite greens), mushrooms, or cauliflower to the mixture, just par-cook the veggies before adding them.

Buffalo Chicken Mac: Mix in shredded chicken, buffalo sauce, and bleu cheese crumbles.

Beefaroni Mac: Add cooked ground beef and a little marinara sauce to the mixture.

Can I use other types of cheese?

You certainly can. I’ve made mac and cheese using a variety of cheeses over the years. In my younger days, I loved using American cheese and Velveeta cheese. They melt really well, and you end up with a very creamy cheese sauce.

You can also use a combination of cheeses to make this recipe. Some of my favorites are Gouda, Monterey Jack cheese, Colby Jack, fontina, and cream cheese or mascarpone. For a spicier flavor, you can use pepper jack cheese.

You can also add a little Parmesan cheese (or Romano) to give mac and cheese a flavor boost.

*Another tip is that pre-shredded cheese won’t melt, as well as shredding your own cheese from blocks. An anti-clumping agent is added to pre-shredded cheese.

How to make Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Follow along with my simple step-by-step instructions to learn how to make Crock Pot macaroni and cheese in your home kitchen.

Cook the elbow macaroni per package instructions for al dente.

*Make sure not to overcook the pasta, as it will cook more once placed in the slow cooker.

Turn the slow cooker on the low heat setting and set the timer for 2 hours and 30 minutes. Then, add the macaroni to the slow cooker.

Add the milk and heavy cream to the elbow macaroni and stir to thoroughly combine.

Reserve ½ cup of cheddar and ½ cup of Gruyère for the last part of the recipe. Add the remaining cheese to the slow cooker.

Stir the milk and cheese mixture into the macaroni.

Add the butter, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder to the macaroni noodles.

Stir to combine.

Place the lid on the slow cooker and continue to cook for two hours on the low setting, stirring occasionally.

After the two-hour mark, add the remaining cheese over the top of the macaroni.

Place the lid back on the slow cooker.

Cook the mac and cheese for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

*You can hold the mac and cheese on the warm setting until ready to serve.

Chef Tips

Use evaporated milk instead of regular milk for extra creaminess and stability.

Add a small amount of cream cheese for extra body and a velvety texture.

Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even melting.

For a smoky touch, add a pinch of smoked paprika or bacon crumbles before serving.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something cheesy and nostalgic, our Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese checks all the boxes. It’s rich, creamy, and easy to make.

Serving Suggestions

This crock pot mac and cheese pairs beautifully with:

Barbecue ribs or pulled pork

Fried chicken or meatloaf

Roasted vegetables or collard greens

Holiday dinners as a hearty side dish

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
It can be stored frozen in portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Recipe FAQ’s

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