Crockpot Mac N Cheese

Who doesn’t love mac n’ cheese, right? But what if I told you that you could make the creamiest, cheesiest version with barely any effort? Enter Crockpot Mac N Cheese! This dish is the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself. It’s rich, velvety, and oh-so-satisfying—just like that homemade mac n’ cheese you crave, but without the fuss. You can set it and forget it while the magic happens in your Crockpot. Ready to dive into cheesy goodness? Let’s do it!

Why You’ll Love Crockpot Mac N Cheese

This recipe is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Versatile

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or even a laid-back movie night, this mac n’ cheese is always a hit. Plus, it pairs beautifully with pretty much anything—think BBQ, chicken, or even a simple side salad.

Budget-Friendly

With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll get a whole pot of creamy, cheesy perfection. No need to break the bank for a delicious, satisfying meal!

Easy-Peasy

The best part? The Crockpot does all the hard work! You can prep everything in the morning, and by dinner time, you’ll have the creamiest mac n’ cheese without having to constantly stir or babysit a pot on the stove.

Customizable

Want to take it up a notch? Feel free to add in extras like crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or a sprinkle of hot sauce to give it a personalized twist. This recipe is super flexible!

Crowd-Pleasing

It’s the ultimate comfort food, loved by kids and adults alike. The creamy, cheesy goodness will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Crockpot Mac N Cheese is made with simple, everyday ingredients, but the result is something special. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Elbow Macaroni: The classic pasta choice that holds the cheese perfectly.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! It melts into that creamy, cheesy goodness we all crave.
• Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: For extra meltiness and a smooth texture.
• Cream Cheese: This adds richness and helps create that velvety consistency.
• Milk: The liquid that brings everything together, creating the smooth, creamy sauce.
• Butter: For that rich, buttery flavor we love in mac n’ cheese.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning—don’t skip these!
• Garlic Powder: A little extra flavor to really kick it up.
• Mustard Powder: This tiny ingredient gives the dish just the right amount of tang and balance.

(Note: Exact measurements are in the recipe card below!)

Instructions

Making mac n’ cheese in the Crockpot is super easy—just follow these steps and let the magic happen!

Prepare the Pasta

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, but stop just a minute or two before it’s fully done. Drain it and set it aside. This helps prevent the pasta from getting mushy in the Crockpot later.

Combine All Ingredients in the Crockpot

In your Crockpot, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, milk, butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Mix everything together until the cheese starts to melt into the pasta. Don’t worry if it looks a little chunky at first—it’ll all come together as it cooks.

Cook on Low

Cover the Crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 2 to 3 hours. Stir every 30 minutes or so to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the sauce gets all nice and creamy.

Check the Consistency

After 2 to 3 hours, check the mac n’ cheese. If it looks too thick, just add a splash of milk and give it a good stir. The sauce should be smooth and creamy, coating each piece of pasta perfectly.

Serve and Enjoy!

Once it’s all melted and creamy, serve the mac n’ cheese hot and enjoy! It’s the ultimate comfort food that everyone will love.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 380
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 14g
Vitamin A: 15%
Vitamin C: 0%
Calcium: 30%
Iron: 6%

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

This Crockpot Mac N Cheese is super versatile and pairs well with so many dishes. Here are a few ideas to serve it up:

• With Grilled Chicken or BBQ Ribs: The creamy mac n’ cheese is the perfect side dish to complement savory meats like grilled chicken or smoky BBQ ribs.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the mac n’ cheese.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Pair it with roasted veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans to add some color and nutrition to your meal.
• As a Standalone Meal: Honestly, this mac n’ cheese is so filling and satisfying that it’s perfect just on its own.

Additional Tips

• Make Ahead: This mac n’ cheese can be made ahead of time. Just prep it, store it in the fridge, and then heat it up in the Crockpot when you’re ready to serve.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for some extra heat.
• Keep It Creamy: If your mac n’ cheese is too thick after cooking, add a little extra milk to bring it back to that creamy, velvety consistency.
• Add Mix-ins: Want to add a little something extra? Toss in crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or even some sautéed spinach for extra flavor and texture.
• Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little milk to keep it creamy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A1: Yes! You can swap the cheddar or mozzarella for any other cheese you like. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack would work wonderfully.

Q2: Can I make this mac n’ cheese ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! Prep it all and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just pop it in the Crockpot to heat through, adding a little milk if needed.

Q3: Can I freeze Crockpot mac n’ cheese?

A3: Yes! Once it’s cooked, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on low in the Crockpot.

Q4: Can I use gluten-free pasta?

A4: Of course! Just swap in gluten-free elbow macaroni or any pasta shape you prefer. Be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q5: Is this recipe vegetarian?

A5: Yes, this recipe is vegetarian. You can add meat like bacon or sausage if you want to make it more hearty.

Q6: Can I make this mac n’ cheese spicier?

A6: Absolutely! Add some cayenne pepper, jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Q7: How can I make this mac n’ cheese a little lighter?

A7: You can substitute the cream cheese and butter for lighter versions, and use low-fat milk. It’ll still be creamy and delicious!

Q8: How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

A8: Cook the pasta just a little underdone before adding it to the Crockpot. This way, it won’t overcook while soaking in all that creamy cheese sauce.

Q9: Can I double the recipe?

A9: Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just make sure your Crockpot is large enough to accommodate the extra ingredients.

Q10: Can I use different pasta shapes?

A10: Definitely! Feel free to use penne, rotini, or any other short pasta shape you prefer. The recipe will work with just about any pasta.

Conclusion

Crockpot Mac N Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made easy. With minimal effort, you can enjoy a rich, cheesy, and creamy dish that’s sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re serving it as a side or enjoying it on its own, this mac n’ cheese is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again. So, grab your Crockpot and get ready for cheesy perfection!

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