Crock Pot Mac and Cheese – The Ultimate Comfort Dish Without the Fuss!
When the craving hits for creamy, cheesy goodness but you don’t want to babysit a pot, this slow cooker mac and cheese will steal the show. It’s rich, comforting, and ridiculously easy!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for color)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Prep the Crock Pot:
Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. - Mix Ingredients:
Add the uncooked macaroni, whole milk, evaporated milk, melted butter, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder into the crock pot. Stir everything well to combine. - Cook:
Cover and cook on LOW for about 2 to 2 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. The mac and cheese should be creamy and the pasta tender but not mushy. - Serve:
Once the cheese is melted and the pasta is cooked, switch the crock pot to the “warm” setting and serve hot!
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
| Calories | 490 |
| Protein | 21g |
| Carbs | 40g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
Printable Recipe Summary:
| Crock Pot Mac and Cheese | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 2–2.5 hours |
| Total Time | 2.5 hours |
| Servings | 6 servings |
FAQs
Q: Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
It’s better to use uncooked pasta so it absorbs flavor while cooking slowly.
Q: What cheeses can I substitute?
Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack add great flavor twists!
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, assemble all ingredients and refrigerate. Start cooking a couple of hours before serving.
Q: How do I prevent it from getting dry?
Keep an eye on the cooking time and stir every 30–45 minutes to maintain creaminess.
Tip: Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese on top just before serving for that extra cheesy pull!
