Crock Pot Mac and Cheese in the Slow Cooker

Savor the ultimate cheesy delight with crock pot mac and cheese. Slow-cooked to perfection, it's an easy-to-make dish that will wow your taste buds.

This recipe cooks macaroni noodles in a creamy cheese sauce to perfection in a crock pot with minimal effort. Simply stir together the ingredients, turn on the slow cooker, and give it an occasional stir until it's time to enjoy.

The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together beautifully, resulting in a creamy and rich dish that will leave you craving for more. So next time you're looking for an easy meal for one with planned leftovers, give this slow cooker mac and cheese a try.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is that it's made using simple ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Here's what you'll need to make the creamy mac and cheese in your crockpot.

• elbow macaroni
• sharp cheddar cheese
• American cheese
• butter
• half and half
• Dijon mustard
• onion powder
• salt
• ground black pepper
• paprika
• optional sliced green onions

Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

Instructions

Once you've gathered all your ingredients and slow cooker, it's time to get cooking. We recommend using a 2-quart Crock Pot when making this small-batch crockpot mac and cheese recipe.

Hint: If the sauce appears too thick, stir in a few tablespoons of milk to help loosen it to your desired consistency.

Variations

Looking to add some excitement to your slow cooker macaroni? Try these creative variations that will take your slow cooker recipes to the next level:

• Add cooked bacon or ham: Crumble some cooked bacon or diced ham into your macaroni and cheese for an extra savory twist.
• Mix in diced tomatoes and green chilies: If you're a fan of spicy food, kick up the heat by adding diced tomatoes and green chilies to your slow cooker.
• Incorporate steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets: Sneak in some veggies by incorporating steamed broccoli or cauliflower florets into your slow cooker mac and cheese. It's a great way to add some nutritional value without sacrificing taste.
• Experiment with different cheeses. Try using a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyere cheeses. You can also substitute Velveeta cheese for the American cheese.
• Try evaporated milk. It has a higher concentration of milk solids than regular milk or half-and-half. This results in a creamier and thicker texture to the mac and cheese sauce.
• Double the recipe. If you need to feed more people, you can easily scale the recipe up.

For a unique topper, chop up leftover air fryer jalapeño poppers and sprinkle them on just before serving.

Tips

• Grease the slow cooker crock to prevent sticking. Use a cooking spray or butter to lightly coat the insert. This will help prevent the cheesy goodness from sticking to the sides and bottom of the pot.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution. This will prevent any cheese clumps from forming and guarantee a smooth consistency throughout.
• Adjust cooking time as needed. Some models may cook faster or slower than others, so watch your mac and cheese as it cooks. Start with the recommended cooking time in your recipe, but be prepared to make adjustments based on the texture of the pasta.
• Let it rest before serving. Letting it rest for a few minutes allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, resulting in a more delicious dish. This short resting period will also let the sauce thicken slightly, creating a creamy texture everyone will love.
• Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Pre-shredded cheese adds starch which can affect the consistency of the cheese sauce.

Serving suggestions

For a light and refreshing contrast to the rich and cheesy macaroni, consider serving it alongside a simple chopped Greek salad. The crispness of the lettuce, paired with juicy tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers, provides a refreshing break from the indulgence of the mac and cheese.

If you're looking for something heartier, consider adding some pulled pork or shredded BBQ chicken as a topping. The savory flavors of these meats perfectly balance out the creaminess of the pasta dish.

You can also add classic pairings like garlic bread or air fryer potato wedges. Both add a layer of flavor and texture that will satisfy you after each bite.

Storage

To store, let it cool down completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

To reheat the mac and cheese, you can either microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop. If using the microwave, cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. If reheating on the stovetop, transfer the mac and cheese to a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed.

It should be noted that the texture may change slightly change when reheating. To maintain its creamy consistency, you can add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back some moisture.

Related Recipes

Want a few more cozy side dishes to add to your meal rotation? Here are more of our favorites:

• Loaded twice-baked potatoes are a flavorful addition to any meal.
• Southern fried cabbage with bacon is a satisfying side.
• Scalloped potatoes for two are a cozy and creamy dish.
• Home fries in air fryer are a quick and crispy way to have potatoes.
• Small-batch biscuits are tender and flaky.

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