Crockpot Mac N Cheese

Ah, mac n cheese—the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves! Imagine a bowl full of creamy, cheesy goodness with perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped up in the easiest way possible: your crockpot. Yes, you read that right! With just a little prep, you’ll have a creamy, dreamy mac n cheese waiting for you after a long day. No fuss, no boiling pasta, just a delicious, cheesy masterpiece that will make your taste buds sing. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to be your go-to mac n cheese recipe!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Mac N Cheese

• Hands-Off Cooking: Pop everything in the crockpot, set it, and forget it! No need to stand over the stove stirring—this is a set-it-and-forget-it kind of recipe.
• Creamy & Cheesy: This mac n cheese is the definition of comfort food. The cheese sauce is rich, velvety, and perfectly seasoned. It’s like a cheesy hug in a bowl.
• Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this recipe can easily feed a crowd. You’ll have plenty to go around, and people will be asking for the recipe.
• Customizable: Love extra cheese or a little more spice? This recipe is easy to tweak to your personal taste. Add in some crispy bacon, a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, or any cheese you prefer!
• Convenient: Because you make it in the crockpot, it frees up your time to do other things. Just come back to a perfectly cooked dish that’s ready to serve.

Ingredients

Here’s the simple lineup for this cheesy, creamy mac n cheese:

Elbow Macaroni

The classic pasta choice for mac n cheese. Elbow macaroni holds the cheese sauce perfectly and is just the right size for each bite.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar is key here. It melts beautifully and brings that bold, comforting flavor we all know and love.

Cream Cheese

For extra creaminess, cream cheese is a must! It helps create that ultra-smooth and rich texture that makes this mac n cheese irresistible.

Milk

Milk helps thin out the cheese sauce just enough to coat the pasta without being too thick. It gives the sauce that luscious, creamy consistency.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream adds even more richness and a velvety texture to the sauce, making every bite feel luxurious.

Butter

Butter makes everything better, right? It adds flavor and richness to the cheese sauce, giving it that comforting, smooth finish.

Garlic Powder

A little garlic powder is just what this mac n cheese needs to boost the flavor without overpowering the cheese.

Ground Mustard

Mustard powder adds a subtle tanginess that balances out the richness of the cheese, creating a perfectly balanced sauce.

Salt & Pepper

For seasoning, salt and pepper are essential to bring all the flavors together and make the cheese sauce pop.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this mac n cheese going!

Prep the Pasta

Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Assemble in the Crockpot

Add the cooked pasta to your crockpot. Then, add the cheddar cheese, cream cheese, milk, heavy cream, butter, garlic powder, ground mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.

Cook on Low

Cover the crockpot and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through. The cheese should melt perfectly, and the sauce will thicken up nicely. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.

Adjust the Consistency

If the mac n cheese seems too thick, feel free to add a splash of milk or more cream, stirring until you reach your desired consistency.

Serve & Enjoy

Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth, give it a good stir and serve it up! This dish is great on its own, or paired with some crispy fried chicken, garlic bread, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 500

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes – 3 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve Crockpot Mac N Cheese

Crockpot Mac N Cheese is super versatile, and it pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Fried Chicken: The crispy crunch of fried chicken is the perfect pairing with creamy mac n cheese.
• BBQ Ribs: Smoky, tender BBQ ribs go hand in hand with the cheesy, comforting flavors of mac n cheese.
• Green Veggies: Serve this mac n cheese with a side of green beans, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a perfect accompaniment to scoop up all that delicious cheese sauce.

Additional Tips

• Customize Your Cheese: You can mix things up with different cheese blends, like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra flavor.
• Add Some Protein: You can make this a one-pot meal by adding cooked chicken, bacon, or even sausage to the mac n cheese. It’ll make it heartier and more filling.
• Make It Spicy: Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat in your mac n cheese. You can also stir in some hot sauce for an extra kick.
• Keep Warm in the Crockpot: If you’re serving this at a party or gathering, keep it warm in the crockpot on the “keep warm” setting so it stays creamy and perfect.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta shape like shells, penne, or rotini. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

Q2: Can I double this recipe?
A2: Yes! You can double the recipe, but make sure your crockpot is big enough to hold it. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Q3: Can I make this mac n cheese ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can make it the day before, then store it in the fridge. Reheat it on low in the crockpot or stovetop, adding a little milk to keep it creamy.

Q4: Can I freeze Crockpot Mac N Cheese?
A4: Yes, it freezes well! Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q5: Can I make this recipe without cream cheese?
A5: Yes, if you prefer, you can leave out the cream cheese. It will still be delicious but might not be quite as creamy. You can add more heavy cream or butter to compensate.

Q6: Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
A6: You can, but using whole milk or heavy cream gives the dip a richer, creamier texture. Skim milk will make the sauce a little thinner.

Q7: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A7: While you can use pre-shredded cheese, freshly grated cheese melts better and gives a smoother sauce. If you must use pre-shredded, make sure to use one that doesn’t have added anti-caking agents.

Q8: How do I avoid dry mac n cheese in the crockpot?
A8: Make sure you stir the mac n cheese halfway through cooking to prevent the pasta from sticking to the sides of the crockpot. If it seems dry, add more milk or cream.

Q9: Can I add vegetables to this mac n cheese?
A9: Absolutely! You can add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. Just steam or sauté them before adding them to the mac n cheese.

Q10: How do I reheat leftover mac n cheese?
A10: Reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen it up, or warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy.

Conclusion

Crockpot Mac N Cheese is a dream come true for cheese lovers. It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-delicious, all made with minimal effort. Whether it’s a family meal, a side dish for a big dinner, or a snack on a lazy day, this mac n cheese will always hit the spot. Plus, with the crockpot doing most of the work, you get all the flavor and none of the stress. Serve it up, dig in, and enjoy the cheesy goodness!

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