Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, but making it in a crockpot takes it to a whole new level of convenience and flavor. This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. With a combination of cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is rich, smooth, and bursting with flavor.
Slow-Cooked Perfection
Cooking mac and cheese in a crockpot allows the flavors to meld beautifully while achieving the perfect creamy texture. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant stirring, this method lets you set it and forget it—making it a stress-free option for busy days. The slow cooking process ensures that every bite is infused with cheesy goodness, creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, this crockpot mac and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s simple to prepare and made with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Plus, using evaporated milk and eggs adds a rich, velvety texture that elevates the dish to restaurant-quality levels.
Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps needed to make this delicious crockpot mac and cheese!
Ingredients for Crockpot Mac and Cheese
To create this rich and creamy mac and cheese, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together perfectly.
-
Elbow Macaroni – Classic elbow macaroni works best for holding onto the creamy cheese sauce.
-
Unsalted Butter – Melted butter adds richness and enhances the overall flavor.
-
Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheddar provides the signature bold and creamy cheese flavor.
-
Parmesan Cheese – Adds a slightly nutty and salty depth to balance the cheddar.
-
Whole Milk – Helps create a smooth and velvety sauce.
-
Evaporated Milk – Gives the mac and cheese an extra creamy texture without being too heavy.
-
Eggs – Beaten eggs help bind the ingredients together for a richer consistency.
-
Salt and Black Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the cheesy goodness.
How to Make Crockpot Mac and Cheese
This crockpot mac and cheese is easy to prepare with just a few steps. Here’s how to make it:
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water for 6 minutes. The pasta should be slightly firm since it will continue cooking in the crockpot. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with melted butter. Add shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, whole milk, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 3: Cook in the Crockpot
Grease the inside of your crockpot to prevent sticking. Pour the macaroni mixture into the crockpot, spreading it evenly. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the mac and cheese is creamy and fully cooked, give it a final stir. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish as a main course or a delicious side.
How Long to Cook Mac and Cheese in a Crockpot
Cooking mac and cheese in a crockpot requires slow and gentle heat to achieve the perfect creamy texture. The total cooking time can vary depending on your slow cooker model and settings, but here are some general guidelines:
-
Low Setting – Cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
-
High Setting – If short on time, cook for 1½ to 2 hours, but stir more frequently to avoid burning.
Since every slow cooker heats differently, it’s best to check your mac and cheese after 2½ hours to ensure it doesn’t overcook. The cheese should be fully melted, and the sauce should be thick and creamy without drying out.
How to Store Leftovers
If you have leftovers, they store well and can be reheated easily. Here’s how to keep your crockpot mac and cheese fresh:
-
Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
-
Freezer – If you plan to freeze, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips for the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Here are some useful tips to ensure your mac and cheese turns out perfect every time:
-
Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating cheese fresh from the block results in a creamier texture.
-
Don’t overcook the pasta – Since the macaroni continues to cook in the crockpot, boiling it for only 6 minutes prevents it from becoming mushy.
-
Stir occasionally – Giving the mac and cheese a gentle stir every hour helps distribute the melted cheese evenly and prevents sticking.
-
Add extra creaminess – If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of warm milk before serving to loosen it up.
Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 1x
Description
This creamy, cheesy Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food. Made with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan, it’s a hassle-free dish that’s great for any occasion.
Ingredients
-
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
-
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
-
2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
-
3 cups whole milk
-
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
-
2 large eggs, beaten
-
1 tsp salt
-
½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
-
Cook the Macaroni – Boil the macaroni in salted water for 6 minutes. Drain and set aside.
-
Combine Ingredients – In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, melted butter, cheeses, milk, evaporated milk, eggs, salt, and pepper.
-
Slow Cook – Pour the mixture into a greased crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
-
Serve – Enjoy hot as a main dish or side.
Notes
-
Stir occasionally to keep the cheese from sticking.
-
For extra creaminess, add a splash of warm milk before serving.
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I Make Crockpot Mac and Cheese Without Eggs?
Yes! The eggs help create a slightly firmer texture, but you can leave them out if you prefer a looser, creamier mac and cheese. Simply increase the amount of whole milk by ½ cup to maintain the right consistency.
2. How Do I Prevent Mac and Cheese from Drying Out in the Crockpot?
To keep your mac and cheese creamy, make sure to use whole milk and evaporated milk. Stir occasionally while cooking to prevent the cheese from sticking to the sides. If it seems dry after cooking, mix in a little extra warm milk before serving.
3. Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan work great, you can mix in other cheeses like:
-
Mozzarella – For a stretchier, milder cheese pull.
-
Gouda – Adds a smoky, creamy flavor.
-
Monterey Jack – Melts smoothly and enhances creaminess.
Experiment with your favorite cheeses to customize the taste!
4. Can I Add Meat or Vegetables to This Recipe?
Yes! You can turn this into a heartier meal by adding:
-
Cooked Chicken – Stir in shredded or diced chicken for extra protein.
-
Ground Beef or Turkey – Brown and drain the meat before mixing it into the crockpot.
-
Steamed Broccoli or Peas – Fold in cooked vegetables for added texture and nutrients.