Creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible, this slow-cooker mac and cheese is so simple and easy to make.
With just a few pantry staples and a little hands-off cooking time, you’ll have a pot of cheesy goodness that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or any time you crave comfort food without the fuss.
Ingredients List
Grab these simple ingredients for a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 10 ½ ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream regular or light
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Tip: Prepare the ingredients in advance and simply toss them in the slow cooker when you’re ready to cook.
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How to Make Crock Pot Mac & Cheese
- Boil your macaroni noodles for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture. (Aim for 5 minutes of cooking time as a good starting point.)
- Drain the partially cooked noodles and give them a quick rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Toss all of your ingredients (including the rinsed noodles) into a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Cook your mac and cheese on high for 2 hours, or if you prefer a more leisurely approach, opt for low heat and let it simmer for 3 hours. Don’t forget to give it a gentle stir once or twice during cooking.
- When it’s all done, serve your crock pot mac and cheese hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Crock Pot Mac & Cheese Recipe Tips
Here are some tips to help you achieve crock pot mac and cheese perfection:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
- Choose Your Cheese: While cheddar and Gruyère are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
- Stir it Up: Give the mac and cheese a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to ensure the cheese melts evenly and prevents sticking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary, so check the mac and cheese about 30 minutes before the recommended cook time to ensure the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped broccoli, or roasted peppers.
- Top it Off: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
What to Serve with Your Crock Pot Mac & Cheese
Here are some delicious options for what to serve with your crock pot mac and cheese, offering different flavors and textures to complement the creamy, cheesy goodness:
Salads & Vegetables
- Green Salad: A crisp salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Roasted or Grilled Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or carrots add a touch of sweetness and earthiness.
- Steamed Green Beans or Broccoli: Simple yet satisfying, steamed vegetables offer a healthy and flavorful side dish.
- Coleslaw: The tangy crunch of coleslaw complements the creamy mac and cheese perfectly.
Proteins
- Grilled or Baked Chicken: A lean protein like chicken pairs well with the richness of mac and cheese.
- Pulled Pork or BBQ Ribs: For a heartier meal, serve your mac and cheese alongside smoky pulled pork or BBQ ribs.
- Hot Dogs or Sausages: A classic pairing that’s always a hit with kids and adults alike.
Bread & Sides
- Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky goodness of garlic bread is a perfect match for mac and cheese.
- Cornbread: Slightly sweet and crumbly, cornbread offers a delightful textural contrast.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad with berries, melon, and grapes provides a light and sweet ending to the meal.
So go ahead, dust off that slow cooker, and get ready to experience mac and cheese like never before.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, and effortless comfort food classic made in the slow cooker with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Equipment
- 1 Slow cooker
- 1 Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
- 10 ½ oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup gruyere cheese shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream regular or light
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dry mustard powder
- ½ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Boil your macaroni noodles for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to achieve that perfect al dente texture. (Aim for 5 minutes of cooking time as a good starting point.)
- Drain the partially cooked noodles and give them a quick rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process.
- Toss all of your ingredients (including the rinsed noodles) into a 4-quart slow cooker.
- Cook your mac and cheese on high for 2 hours, or if you prefer a more leisurely approach, opt for low heat and let it simmer for 3 hours. Don’t forget to give it a gentle stir once or twice during cooking.
- When it’s all done, serve your crock pot mac and cheese hot and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions to avoid mushy mac and cheese.
- Choose Your Cheese: While cheddar and Gruyère are classic choices, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like fontina, Gouda, or even a bit of blue cheese for a bolder flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for a touch of heat.
- Stir It Up: Give the mac and cheese a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to ensure the cheese melts evenly and prevents sticking.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Slow cookers can vary, so check the mac and cheese about 30 minutes before the recommended cook time to ensure the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted.
- Add-Ins: Feel free to get creative with mix-ins like cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped broccoli, or roasted peppers.
- Top It Off: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs, chopped fresh herbs, or a drizzle of truffle oil for extra flavor and texture.
- Leftovers: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Nutrition
Calories: 484kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 17gFat: 43gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 11gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 82mgSodium: 1004mgPotassium: 92mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 803IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 492mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Disclaimer: Some images in this content were created with the help of AI.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.