Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With creamy, cheesy goodness and tender pasta, this hands-off recipe is perfect for busy days, potlucks, or weeknight dinners. The slow cooker does all the work, delivering a rich, velvety mac and cheese with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

elbow macaroniunsalted butterevaporated milkwhole milkshredded sharp cheddar cheeseshredded mozzarella cheeseshredded Colby Jack cheesecream cheesesaltblack pepperpaprikaground mustard (optional)

directions

Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.

Add uncooked elbow macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, and all the cheeses to the slow cooker.

Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and ground mustard if using.

Stir to combine everything evenly.

Cover and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even melting.

Once the pasta is tender and the cheese is fully melted and creamy, switch the slow cooker to warm.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6-8 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 2-3 hoursTotal time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes

Variations

Use different cheese blends like Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for unique flavor.

Add cooked bacon bits or diced ham for a meaty twist.

Stir in cooked broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.

Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before serving for extra texture.

Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.To reheat, warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.Avoid freezing as the texture may become grainy after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives better results.

Do I need to boil the pasta first?

No, the pasta cooks right in the slow cooker with the other ingredients.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, just make sure it has a similar cooking time to elbow macaroni.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance and keep it on the “warm” setting until ready to serve.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely—just use a larger slow cooker and extend the cooking time slightly.

What’s the best cheese combo?

Sharp cheddar for flavor, mozzarella for meltiness, and Colby Jack for creaminess is a great trio.

Why is my mac and cheese dry?

It may have cooked too long. Stir occasionally and don’t overcook.

Can I use skim milk?

Whole milk is preferred for creaminess, but you can use lower-fat milk with slightly less richness.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and effortless way to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a cozy dinner, this recipe delivers with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Give it a try and watch it become a staple in your rotation.