I don't recommend making it ahead because it has a better texture when it is served right after cooking. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eI 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.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

4.43 from 70 votes

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By: Julie Evink64 Comments

Posted: 11/01/20

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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.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese being scooped out of slow cooker with wooden spoon

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!

Why I Love this Recipe

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

Crock pot macaroni and cheese is different from ones cooked in the oven, Instant Pot, or stovetop. In order for the sauce and pasta to cook properly, there are a few ingredients that you might not find in traditional mac and cheese but I can promise it’s just as good!

The sauce gets it creamy texture from sour cream, condensed cheddar cheese soup and milk.
Butter adds richness and shredded cheddar cheese adds the extra “cheesiness”.
There’s a small amount of ground mustard that adds just a hint of sharpness that balances out the richness of the sauce. It’s one of those ingredients that makes a big difference even though you can’t really tell it’s in there!

Steps to Prepare

The first thing you will want to do is par boil the pasta on the stove first. This gives it a little head start so it ends up perfectly tender when the mac and cheese is done.
To make the sauce, melt the butter with the shredded cheese on the stove. Doing this first, before you add them to the crock pot, stabilizing the shredded cheese so it’s creamy instead of stringy.
Once it’s melted, combine it with the sour cream, soup, salt, milk, dry mustard, and pepper in the slow cooker. Add the drained pasta and stir it all together.
Cook it on low for two to two and half hours or until it’s hot. 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!

Wooden spoon with cooked macaroni noodles on it over a saucepan.

Saucepan with a homemade cheese sauce in ti bubbling

Recipes FAQs!

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, 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 make it ahead?

I don’t recommend making it ahead 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.

Help! My pasta is mushy!

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. The pasta will get mushy if it’s overcooked.

Bowl full of creamy mac and cheese on a wooden background.

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!

Did you try this recipe and love it?! Be sure and comment below with a five-star rating so I get to hear what you think!!

Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats that way I’m sure to see your pictures!!

Meet Julie Evink

I'm here to help you win in the kitchen again! Life is Busy, Life is Crazy, but that doesn't mean you can't make your family dinner! Julie's goal is to provide you with easy, family, friendly recipes that use pantry staples. Dinnertime will be stress free again!