You can bake it, pressure cook it, microwave it and prepare it on the stovetop. But did you know you can also make mac and cheese in a slow cooker? Slow-cooker mac and cheese is perfect when you need a recipe to do all the heavy lifting. This easy slow cooker recipe is a hands-off recipe that’s perfect when we don’t have time to cook for a crowd during the holidays or when we need an easy dish for a neighborhood potluck or weeknight dinner. It’s simple to prepare, always a crowd-pleaser and as cheesy as can be.
Like our other best mac and cheese recipes, this version is made with tender pasta, milk and plenty of melty, gooey cheddar cheese. What makes this recipe a bit different is the inclusion of evaporated milk, condensed soup and eggs. These additions aid in making an irresistibly rich and creamy cheese sauce to coat the tender pasta.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for any mac and cheese recipe, whether it’s slow-cooker mac or old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese. You can swap for another pasta shape, like cavatappi, medium shells, penne or rotini.
- Butter: Butter adds a rich taste to the mac and cheese sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Melty cheese recipes like mac and cheese taste fantastic with aged extra-sharp cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as Gouda, Fontina, Gruyere, Parmesan or Romano.
- Evaporated milk: This canned milk product can be used as a heavy cream substitute to add body and richness to creamy cheese sauces. (Wondering about the difference between evaporated milk and condensed milk? Condensed milk is sweetened with sugar.)
- Condensed cheddar cheese soup: This undiluted condensed soup is our trick to packing the most robust cheese flavor into every bite of this slow-cooker mac and cheese recipe.
- Milk: Milk thins the creamy sauce to the perfect consistency. We use 2% milk, but you can swap for any type of milk you keep stocked at home.
- Eggs: Eggs are the secret to creating a luscious, custard-like sauce. The eggs emulsify with the other sauce ingredients, similar to spaghetti carbonara.
- Paprika: This powered pepper adds a slightly smoky kick.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and transfer to a 5-quart slow cooker, then add the butter.
Editor’s Tip: Cook the macaroni until it’s al dente. Cooking it further can make the noodles taste mushy.
Step 2: Make the sauce
In a large bowl, mix the evaporated milk, condensed soup, 2% milk, eggs and 3 cups of the cheese. Pour the sauce over the macaroni mixture and stir to combine.
Step 3: Cook low and slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours or until an instant-read meat thermometer reads at least 160°F.
Step 4: Finish with cheese and paprika
Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Cook, covered, on low until cheese is melted, 15 to 20 minutes longer. Sprinkle with paprika before serving.
Recipe Variations
- Add veggies: Add cooked broccoli, zucchini or spinach to the slow cooker when adding the final cheese addition.
- Make it a meaty mac: Meat lovers will love the addition of cooked crumbled bacon, kielbasa, shredded chicken or ham (a la mac and cheese with ham). Like veggies, these additions can be stirred in with the cheese for the final 15 minutes.
- Herbs and spices: To add another layer of flavor, include herbs and spices like parsley, basil, oregano or cilantro.
How to Store Slow-Cooker Mac and Cheese
Store slow-cooker mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The leftovers will last for up to four days.
Can you make slow-cooker mac and cheese ahead of time?
To make slow-cooker mac and cheese ahead of time, cook the macaroni as directed. Toss it with a few tablespoons of olive oil to prevent sticking, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator overnight. The next day, add it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Alternatively, try Ina Garten’s overnight mac and cheese.
How do you reheat slow-cooker mac and cheese?
To reheat slow-cooker mac and cheese, warm it in the slow cooker on low until heated through. This may take several hours, so you may prefer to bake it in a covered, oven-safe baking dish in a 350°F oven. For individual portions, reheat the mac and cheese in the microwave in a covered dish until warmed through. Add a splash of milk as needed if the sauce looks dry.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese Tips
What cheese makes the best mac and cheese?
Cheddar is the most classic choice for mac and cheese, but other types of cheese also work. For best results, select a melting cheese like Gruyere, smoked Gouda or pepper jack. Cheeses that have been aged or smoked will bring the most flavor to the dish. We also recommend grating your own cheese from the block rather than buying shredded cheese because it melts with a smoother texture.
Can you put uncooked pasta in a slow cooker?
If you prefer firmer noodles, you can start this recipe by putting uncooked pasta in a slow cooker. However, you may need to increase the cooking time and add additional liquid for the noodles to cook properly.
Can you put cheese in a slow cooker?
You can put cheese in the slow cooker—it’s an essential ingredient in all of our cheesiest slow-cooker recipes! If you encounter issues with cheese separating, wait to add the cheese until the last 15 to 20 minutes of cooking.
What can you serve with Crockpot mac and cheese?
Enjoy this slow-cooker mac and cheese recipe as a standalone meal or alongside other mains and sides. For a hearty meal, serve it with crispy baked chicken or meat loaf. If you’re looking for quick and easy side dishes for mac and cheese, try steamed broccoli, fresh side salad recipes or a hunk of homemade crusty French bread.
