Crock Pot Mac And Cheese

If your family loves Mac and Cheese you have to try this easy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese that is over the top creamy! Tender macaroni noodles smothered in a cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate, classic comfort food. It’s perfect for a holiday side dish, potluck or weeknight dinner.

Sometimes you just need a big helping of creamy, cheesy macaroni and cheese, am I right? When that comfort food craving hits this crock pot mac and cheese is the answer. It’s a really easy way to make a big batch of cheesy pasta goodness – you are going to love it!

Crock pot macaroni and cheese is different from ones cooked in the oven, Instant Pot, or stovetop. The sauce gets it creamy texture from sour cream, condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk — no velveeta cheese needed! And the added richness from butter and shredded cheddar cheese is just *chef’s kiss*. Serve it up with some tasty air fryer hot dogs and your kiddos will go nuts! This easy mac and cheese is a total game changer.

Why I Love Crockpot Mac And Cheese

• The sauce is extra creamy and cheesy!
• I’ve made this recipe so many times and it always works – the pasta comes out perfectly cooked and the sauce has just the right consistency.
• It’s the perfect side dish for so many dinners. For holidays, it’s great with baked ham and turkey! For weeknight dinners, try it with my air fryer chicken legs or baked mini meatloaf!

Ingredients for Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

• Macaroni noodles – Grab some elbow macaroni noodles to make this delicious mac and cheese.
• Milk – For the most creamy results, use whole milk. You can also use 2% or skim if that’s what you have on hand.
• Sour cream – This is my secret ingredient for the most delicious slow cooker mac and cheese. Don’t skip it, trust me!
• Condensed cheddar cheese soup – A can of condensed cheddar soup makes for the most cheese and creamy mac and cheese.
• Cheddar cheese – For the most melty results, shred your own cheddar off of a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
• Butter – Cut the butter into small cubes so that it more easily melts into the dish.
• Ground mustard – A bit of ground mustard adds lovely flavor to this crock pot mac and cheese!
• Salt and black pepper – Season this crock pot recipe with some salt and black pepper.

How To Make Crock Pot Mac And Cheese

The first thing you will want to do is par boil the pasta on the stove. To do this, boil the macaroni in water for six minutes, then drain and rinse with cold water.

To make the sauce, melt the butter with the shredded cheese on the stove. Once melted, combine the cheese mixture with the sour cream, canned soup, salt, milk, dry mustard, and pepper in the slow cooker.

Add the drained pasta and then gently stir it all together until the pasta is coated.

Cook the mac and cheese on low for two to two and half hours or until it’s hot and the noodles are fully cooked. Stir it occasionally and once the pasta is tender it’s ready to serve.

Be sure to check on it because you don’t want the pasta to overcook – it will turn mushy! Serve and enjoy!

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Timing is everything with this recipe and I haven’t tested it with a different kind of pasta. Depending on the shape it may need more or less time so I recommend sticking with elbow macaroni!

Can I use evaporated milk instead of regular?

Some macaroni and cheese recipes have evaporated milk, but for this one we’re using a combination of the condensed soup and regular milk. I can’t say how it would work with evaporated milk so please let me know if you try it!

Will a different kind of cheese work?

I think you could substitute Monterey jack, Colby-jack, pepper jack, gruyere, American cheese or other good melting cheese in this recipe. It just depends on what flavors you like. My family loves cheddar so that’s what we always use!

Can I double this recipe?

If you are making this for the Christmas, Thanksgiving, or maybe just a large group then you might want to double it. You can absolutely do this with this recipe and the cooking time will stay the same plus you will be able to fit it all in a 6 quart crock pot.

Can I make crock pot mac and cheese ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making this crock pot mac and cheese ahead of time because it has a better texture when it is served right after cooking.

I think it tastes best the day it’s made, but you can keep the leftovers in the fridge and rewarm them. The sauce will be thicker so you can add a little more milk to loosen it up.

Why is my pasta mushy?

If you end up with mushy pasta, you likely overcooked it. be sure to stir and check on it while it’s cooking. I recommend every 30 minutes or so and once the pasta is tender it’s ready to serve. Remember that thinner noodles cook much faster so grab a thicker elbow macaroni or one with ridges!

Each crockpot will cook differently so know your slow cooker and how it heats. If you choose to use gluten-free pasta, that may also effect the cook time.

How to Store Leftover Macaroni and Cheese

Refrigerator: Allow leftover mac and cheese to cool then place in an airtight container or cover baking dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Freezer: Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container. Place in the freezer for up to 4 months. When you are ready to use the leftovers let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

How to Reheat Leftover Crock Pot Mac N Cheese

The best way to reheat any leftover is in a saucepan on medium heat. We recommend adding a few Tablespoons milk to the pot because the macaroni will have soaked up some of the cheese sauce. Heat it over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is warmed through.

To warm it in the microwave place it in a microwave safe bowl with a few Tablespoons milk. Heat in 30 second increments, stirring between each one, until it’s heated through.

Serving Suggestions

There’s just something about pulled pork and mac n cheese! Make it in your Crockpot or Instant Pot! The kids also LOVE baked chicken legs and mac and cheese so when I serve them together it’s always a hit dinner.

Another fave is our delicious Smoked Ribs that are finger lickin’ good.

I know, I know meatloaf gets a bad rap sometimes, but our baked meatloaf is so good! Or try out famous Mini Meatloaves which are always a hit.

Don’t forget fun topping or additions to your mac and cheese like bacon, green peas, or even broccoli. Could be a fun way to sneak in more veggies!

Are you ready to treat yourself to some serious comfort food? You should make this mac and cheese for your family this week – I know they’re going to love it! Be sure to try some of these other family-favorite recipes, too!

More Comfort Food Recipes

• Spaghetti Pie will be a new family favorite for dinner! The crust is made of spaghetti noodles then piled with cottage cheese, a meat sauce and shredded cheese. It’s one our family’s favorite dinner meals.
• My Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole is a quick recipe that you can prep in 10-minutes! It’s the perfect casserole recipe for busy weeknights.
• For a warm and cozy dinner on a cold night, you have to try my easy Instant Pot Chili with all of your favorite toppings!
• Crock Pot Chicken Parmesan is so easy to make and delicious served with pasta on the side!