Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese recipe is rich, cheesy, and simply delicious. The hearty dish comes together fast and is a fantastic recipe for a hectic weeknight or a holiday supper. Both children and grownups will eat it up!
Let's talk about macaroni and cheese. I'm very fussy with my mac and cheese. I don't like it being grainy, oily or mushy, it has to be creamy, cheesy and tasty. I have tried so many different macaroni and cheese recipes over the years and found this slow cooker recipe to be one of our favorites! When I made mac and cheese with uncooked noodles, they always turned out more mushy than if you cooked them for about 4-5 minutes, rinsed in cold water and added them to the crockpot. The flavors and creaminess have been perfect each time I have made this recipe.
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Try some of our other favorite side dishes, such as Twice Baked Potato Casserole, The Best Baked Beans, Southern Squash Casserole, or the always delicious Broccoli Salad.
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Ingredients for Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- elbow macaroni
- onion powder
- dry mustard powder
- black pepper
- sour cream
- mayonnaise
- cheddar cheese soup
- cheddar cheese, shredded
- Velveeta cheese
- milk
FAQs
Crockpot macaroni and cheese is a creamy, cheesy version of the classic comfort food made in a slow cooker. This method allows the macaroni to cook in the cheesy sauce, making it an easy and hands-off dish.
To keep the dish from drying out, ensure there's enough liquid (milk and cream) in the recipe. Stirring occasionally during cooking helps distribute the cheese and prevent sticking. If it appears too thick, you can add a little extra milk.
Here are some popular additions:
Cooked bacon or ham
Steamed broccoli or other vegetables
Diced tomatoes or green chilies
Breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture
Yes, you can freeze it. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Graininess can occur if the cheese separates. To prevent this, use cheese you have grated (not bagged) and avoid overcooking.
Top Tips
- Cook the noodles less than al-dente. You want them 2-3 minutes less than the box recommends. They should still be firm.
- Shred cheese from a block whenever possible. There is an anti-caking agent added to bags of shredded cheese, which makes them not melt as well.
- All slow cookers cook slightly different, so you will want to keep an eye on it and alter time or temp as needed.
- Leftover mac and cheese should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
How to make Mac & Cheese in the Slow Cooker
- Boil noodles 3-4 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spray your slow cooker (I'm using a 6 qt) with nonstick spray and add your noodles.
- Add cheddar cheese soup, Velveeta, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, pepper, dry mustard and stir until mostly combined.
- Place shredded cheese on top and mix until well combined.
- Cover with lid and cook for 2 hours on high or 3 hours on low. Stir about every 30-45 minutes.
- When it is almost finished, add 1 cup of milk to get the desired creamy consistency. Stir and enjoy!
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
Instructions
- Boil noodles 3-4 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Spray your slow cooker (I’m using a 6 qt) with nonstick spray and add your noodles.
- Add cheddar cheese soup, Velveeta, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion powder, pepper, dry mustard and stir until mostly combined.
- Place shredded cheese on top and mix until well combined.
- Cover with lid and cook for 2 hours on high or 3 hours on low. Stir about every 30-45 minutes.
- When it is almost finished, add 1 cup of milk to get the desired creamy consistency. Stir and enjoy!
Dorothy Middleton
Love the recipes. You have great taste. Plz continue posting recipes. Ty for giving such recipes that create great food.
Jill Lockridge
You are so sweet! Thank you so much, you made my day with your comment! I'm so glad you enjoy seeing the recipes that I love to make and share.