The Best Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 block sharp cheddar cheese
16-ounce
- 4 ounces American cheese
- 1 box dried elbow macaroni
1-pound
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
melted
- 2 cans evaporated milk
12-ounce
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
Directions
- 1
Grate the cheddar and American cheeses on a box grater. Do not use pre-shredded cheese. If the American cheese is in slices, cut it into thin strips. Set aside.
- 2
Spray the crock of a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Add the uncooked macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, dry mustard, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine. Add the cheeses and stir to combine.
- 3
Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. Stir well, cover again, and cook until the pasta is done to your liking - about 1 additional hour (2 hours total). Switch the slow cooker to warm and serve immediately. The exact cook time will vary based on the specific slow cooker. Add salt and pepper (or additional seasoning) to taste before serving.As the dish sits, it will thicken more and the pasta will continue to soften. Gradually add warm milk to thin the sauce if it gets too thick.
The Best Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
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Based on 95 ratings
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About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate comfort food, a rich and creamy mac and cheese, but without the fuss? This recipe for The Best Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is your answer, delivering an incredibly satisfying dish with minimal effort.
Why This Recipe Works
What truly sets this mac and cheese apart is its promise of a thick, creamy, velvety texture without a hint of graininess—a common pitfall in many crock pot versions. The magic lies in the precise blend of sharp cheddar and American cheese, combined with evaporated milk, creating an impossibly smooth sauce that clings beautifully to every elbow macaroni. Plus, it’s crazy easy to prepare, letting your slow cooker do all the hard work.
What to Expect
Prepare yourself for a truly luxurious mac and cheese experience. Each spoonful is a celebration of rich, cheesy goodness, with a deeply satisfying flavor profile thanks to the sharp cheddar and a touch of dry mustard that brightens the taste without being overtly spicy. The whole milk and melted butter contribute to the velvety mouthfeel, making this dish incredibly comforting and utterly addictive. It’s the kind of mac and cheese that will have everyone asking for a second helping, perfect for any occasion when you need a hearty, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe masterfully combines sharp cheddar and American cheese for its signature creamy texture, you can explore subtle flavor shifts. For a bolder, nuttier cheese profile, you might choose an extra-sharp aged cheddar. If you're feeling adventurous, a small pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne pepper can introduce a gentle warmth and complexity that beautifully complements the rich cheese sauce.
Serving & Context
This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate family meal, a show-stopping potluck contribution, or a comforting side dish for barbecue and holiday spreads. Serve it straight from the slow cooker for an easy, crowd-pleasing presentation that stays warm for hours.