Welcome to your new favorite kitchen shortcut! For years, I’ve dedicated myself to crafting and sharing recipes that empower busy individuals to create delicious, comforting meals without the fuss. This Crockpot Mac and Cheese stands as a testament to that philosophy—a true culinary gem that delivers unparalleled comfort with surprisingly minimal effort. Forget the stovetop drama and endless stirring; here, you simply combine all your ingredients in one pot, set it, and let your slow cooker work its magic. My own journey through the often-stressful landscape of weeknight dinners taught me the invaluable lesson of simplification without ever compromising on flavor. My mission is straightforward: to make your dinnertime routines not just easier, but profoundly more delicious.
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Table of Contents
Why This Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a Must-Try
This recipe isn’t just about making mac and cheese; it’s about reclaiming your time and simplifying your cooking without sacrificing that incredible, soul-satisfying taste. It’s the quintessential hands-off approach to a beloved Southern classic, delivering delectable results with surprising ease. Here’s why you absolutely need this recipe in your life:
- Unmatched Convenience and Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker is your best friend here. This method transforms the often-laborious process of making mac and cheese into a truly hands-off experience. Simply add all your ingredients, cover, set the timer, and walk away. Imagine tackling other tasks, relaxing, or spending time with family while your dinner cooks itself to creamy perfection. It’s perfect for those bustling weekdays or when you just need a break from constant kitchen duty.
- No Pre-Boiling Pasta Required: Yes, you read that right! One of the biggest time-savers and game-changers in this recipe is eliminating the need to boil pasta separately. The pasta cooks directly in the creamy sauce within the slow cooker, absorbing all those rich flavors as it softens. This not only cuts down on prep time and dishes but also ensures every noodle is infused with cheesy goodness from the inside out.
- Ideal for Feeding Crowds with Ease: Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, a family reunion, or just a large dinner, this Crockpot Mac and Cheese is your go-to. The slow cooker keeps the dish warm and ready for serving, allowing everyone to help themselves directly from the pot. It frees up valuable stove and oven space, making it an excellent potluck contribution or a hassle-free side dish for any large event.
- Perfectly Tender, Creamy Pasta Every Time: The slow and steady cooking process in the Crockpot allows the pasta to gently absorb the liquid, resulting in an exceptionally tender texture that’s never mushy. Each piece of pasta becomes a vessel for the rich, velvety cheese sauce, creating a deeply satisfying and consistently creamy dish that’s far superior to many quicker methods.
Essential Ingredients for the Ultimate Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Crafting a truly exceptional Crockpot Mac and Cheese starts with selecting the right ingredients. This recipe prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing the rich, creamy texture and comforting flavor we all crave. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need:
- Pasta: The foundation of any great mac and cheese! While classic elbow macaroni is always a popular choice for its ability to cradle the cheesy sauce, I often reach for cellentani pasta, also known as cavatappi. Its corkscrew shape is fantastic for capturing every drop of that creamy goodness. Other excellent alternatives include medium shells, penne, fusilli, or rotini, all of which have nooks and crannies perfect for holding sauce. The key is to choose a pasta shape that isn’t too delicate and can stand up to the slow cooking process without becoming mushy.
- Butter: A generous amount of unsalted butter is crucial for adding richness and a silky texture to the cheese sauce. It forms the base of flavor and helps create that luxurious mouthfeel that elevates homemade mac and cheese.
- Milk: For the creamiest results, I highly recommend using whole milk or at least 2% milk. The fat content in the milk contributes significantly to the sauce’s body and helps prevent it from becoming watery. Avoid skim milk, as it will lead to a thinner, less satisfying consistency.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: This is where the magic truly happens for an ultra-rich and decadent sauce. Heavy whipping cream provides unparalleled creaminess and makes the mac and cheese truly indulgent. While you can substitute with half-and-half or more milk, be aware that the final texture will be less thick and luxurious.
- Seasonings (Onion Powder, Salt, and Pepper): Simple yet powerful, these seasonings are vital for building a balanced flavor profile. Onion powder adds a subtle savory depth without the texture of actual onions. Salt is essential for enhancing all the other flavors, and fresh-cracked black pepper provides a hint of warmth and mild spice. Feel free to adjust these to your taste, adding a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of paprika if you desire.
Choosing the Perfect Cheese Blend
For this quick and easy slow cooker recipe, I’ve designed it to be as straightforward as possible, utilizing just two readily available cheeses: sharp cheddar and mozzarella. The sharp cheddar delivers that classic, robust mac and cheese flavor we all adore, while the mozzarella is included for its incredible meltability and its ability to create those satisfying, irresistible cheese pulls. Mozzarella truly is unbeatable for achieving that stretchy, gooey texture.
It’s important to note that while delicious for a weeknight, relying on only these two cheeses will result in a dish with a slightly less complex flavor profile compared to a more elaborate, baked mac and cheese that often incorporates multiple varieties. For instance, my traditional baked recipe features five different cheeses, each contributing a unique nuance to the overall depth of flavor. Mixing various cheeses creates a symphony of tastes that fuse together beautifully in one dish.
However, for a casual weeknight dinner, the simplicity of sharp cheddar and mozzarella is perfectly acceptable and still incredibly tasty! If you’re planning to make this for a special occasion, like the holidays, or for a larger crowd where you want to truly impress, I highly recommend elevating your cheese game. In addition to a couple of cups of cheddar, consider adding a cup or two of any of the following: Gruyère for nutty notes, Parmesan or Romano for a salty, umami kick, Muenster for extra meltiness and mild flavor, or Fontina for a rich, creamy texture and subtle earthiness. These additions will significantly enhance the depth and complexity of your slow cooker mac and cheese, making it truly unforgettable.
Step-by-Step Guide to No-Boil Crockpot Mac and Cheese
This “dump and go” method is incredibly simple, making it perfect for even the most novice cooks. The detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post, but here’s a comprehensive overview of how effortlessly this creamy, cheesy dish comes together:
- Combine Liquid and Pasta: Start by adding your dry pasta, heavy whipping cream, milk, unsalted butter, onion powder, salt, and pepper directly into the slow cooker. Give everything a good, thorough stir to ensure the pasta is fully coated and submerged in the liquid. This initial mix is crucial for the pasta to cook evenly and absorb all those fantastic flavors.
- Add the Cheese (Without Stirring, Initially!): Next, generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and liquid mixture. This is an important step where patience pays off: do not stir the cheese in yet! Allowing it to rest on top helps it melt into a beautiful, uniform sauce as the slow cooker heats up.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid tightly on your slow cooker. Set it to the LOW setting and let it cook undisturbed for approximately 1 hour. During this initial hour, the pasta will begin to soften, and the cheese will start to melt, creating the base of your creamy sauce.
- The Essential Mid-Cook Stir: After the first hour, carefully remove the lid. Now is the time to give everything a really good stir. This is a critical step to prevent the pasta from sticking together or forming stiff, uncooked areas. Stirring halfway through ensures that all the pasta gets evenly distributed in the melting cheese sauce, resulting in a uniformly tender and creamy dish.
- Continue Cooking Until Done: Replace the lid and continue cooking on LOW for an additional 30 to 60 minutes. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your specific slow cooker and desired pasta tenderness. Keep an eye on it during this final phase. You’re looking for the pasta to be perfectly soft (al dente, not mushy!), the cheese to be fully melted and incorporated into a smooth, thick sauce, and all ingredients to be well combined.
- Taste and Adjust: Throughout the cooking process, especially towards the end, don’t hesitate to taste and adjust the seasonings. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Customize it to your family’s preference!
- Rest and Serve: Once your mac and cheese is cooked to perfection, allow it to cool slightly before serving. This brief rest period helps the sauce thicken even further and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Remember, once the dish is finished cooking, avoid using the “Warm” setting for extended periods, as it can lead to overcooked, mushy pasta.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese (without evaporated milk) Recipe Card
Brandi Crawford
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy classic comfort food with minimal effort. Simply combine all ingredients in your slow cooker for a rich, creamy, and flavorful dish.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 2 hrs
Total Time: 2 hrs 15 mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Southern
Servings: 10 servings
Calories: 509 kcal
Equipment Needed
- Slow Cooker (7-quart recommended)
Ingredients List
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cellentani pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cups milk (Whole milk or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Detailed Instructions
- In a slow cooker (mine is 7-quart), combine the pasta, heavy whipping cream, milk, unsalted butter, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheese throughout the mixture. Do not stir the cheese in yet.
- Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on Low for 1 hour.
- After 1 hour, remove the lid and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. (This step is crucial to prevent stiff, uncooked pasta.)
- Replace the lid and cook for an additional 30-60 minutes on Low, or until the pasta is softened, the cheese is completely melted, and the dish is well combined and creamy. Taste and adjust spices as needed. Do not use the “Warm” setting once finished, as this can lead to mushy pasta.
- Cool slightly before serving.
Chef’s Notes and Pro Tips
- Feel free to adjust the amount of butter and cheese to your personal taste. You can use less butter if preferred, or add more cheese for an extra gooey dish! When making mac and cheese for my family, I often let the spirit guide me with cheese quantities – you should too!
- For the best texture, I do not recommend using plant-based milk, as it can alter the creaminess of the dish.
- If you don’t have heavy whipping cream, you can use milk or half-and-half, but be aware that the final texture will be less rich and creamy.
- Total cooking time will be approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Slow cookers vary greatly in temperature, so monitor your dish carefully, especially the first time you make it, to avoid overcooked, mushy pasta.
- This is not a recipe you can start in the morning and leave cooking all day. It requires a mid-cook stir. It’s perfect for starting once you’re home, maybe while you hop in the shower!
- Remember that different slow cooker brands and models can have varying heat levels. My three Crockpot brand slow cookers all cook slightly differently; one consistently runs hotter than the others.
- This recipe is designed for ultimate simplicity, using two common cheeses. For a more complex flavor profile, especially for special occasions, consider adding a cup or two of other cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, Romano, Parmesan, or Muenster alongside your cheddar and mozzarella.
Nutritional Information
Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 509kcal, Carbohydrates: 38g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 31g
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Frequently Asked Questions and Expert Tips for No-Boil Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Generally, this slow cooker mac and cheese recipe will need approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to cook on the LOW setting. However, it’s crucial to understand that every slow cooker is different; some run hotter or cooler than others. For your first attempt, I strongly advise monitoring the dish closely to achieve the perfect al dente pasta texture and avoid overcooking, which can lead to mushy results. This is not a recipe you can set in the morning and leave unattended while you’re at work. It’s best suited for times when you’re home and can check on it, perhaps after an hour, giving it a good stir. That mid-cook stir is essential because if you don’t incorporate the ingredients thoroughly halfway through, you might find some areas of pasta remaining stiff and hard, while others are perfectly tender.
While this slow cooker method delivers an incredibly creamy mac and cheese, it won’t naturally produce the crispy, browned top crust that’s characteristic of a traditional oven-baked Southern soul food version. For that iconic crunchy topping, you’ll need to briefly finish the dish under the broiler. If your slow cooker insert is oven-safe, you can simply transfer the cooked mac and cheese, still in its insert, to the oven. Broil on high for a few minutes, keeping a very close eye on it, until the cheese on top begins to bubble and brown to your liking. If your slow cooker insert isn’t oven-safe, you’ll need to transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish first before broiling. This extra step is well worth it for those who love a textural contrast!
If you’ve followed my recipes for a while, you know my firm stance on cheese: always opt for block cheese and grate it yourself. While pre-shredded cheese offers convenience, it comes with a trade-off. These bags are often coated with anti-caking agents like potato starch or cellulose to prevent the cheese from clumping together. Unfortunately, this coating can interfere with how smoothly the cheese melts, potentially resulting in a slightly grainy or less creamy sauce. Freshly grated cheese, on the other hand, melts beautifully and seamlessly, yielding that velvety, luxurious texture you desire in mac and cheese. Furthermore, pre-shredded cheese tends to dry out faster and can lose some of its vibrant flavor. For the best possible taste and texture, take the extra few minutes to grate your own cheese. I use the shredding blade on my food processor to make this process quick and easy.
You can certainly make this dish ahead of time, but I generally wouldn’t recommend it if you’re aiming for the absolute best texture and flavor. This slow cooker mac and cheese is so quick and easy to prepare—ready in under 2 hours—that it’s best enjoyed fresh. The texture and creaminess are at their peak right after cooking. If you do make it in advance, be prepared for a slight alteration in texture. For leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I also advise against prepping the ingredients, especially the cheese, too far in advance for later cooking. Once shredded cheese is exposed to air, it begins to stiffen and can impact its melting quality when cooked.
For the best possible texture when reheating, I highly recommend using an air fryer. Reheat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes, or until thoroughly warm and slightly crispy on top. The oven is also a great option; heat at the same temperature until warmed through. While the microwave is certainly convenient, it typically doesn’t yield the best texture, often resulting in a softer, less desirable consistency for mac and cheese. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring frequently.
I frequently freeze leftovers and enjoy reheating them. If you plan to freeze this mac and cheese, I suggest defrosting it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Be aware that dishes with dairy, especially after freezing and thawing, can sometimes experience some separation in texture. While it’s still perfectly delicious, if textural changes bother you, you might prefer not to freeze this particular recipe.
What to Serve with Your Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
This incredibly creamy and comforting Crockpot Mac and Cheese is versatile enough to be a standalone meal, but it truly shines when paired with other delicious dishes. Whether you’re planning a casual weeknight dinner or a festive holiday spread, here are some fantastic accompaniments that complement its rich flavors:
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Ribs: The tender, fall-off-the-bone ribs provide a savory, meaty contrast to the rich mac and cheese.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Wings: Whether spicy or sweet, chicken wings offer a fun, flavorful pairing that’s perfect for casual meals.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Candied Sweet Potatoes: The sweetness of candied sweet potatoes provides a wonderful balance to the savory mac and cheese, especially for holiday feasts.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Collard Greens: A classic Southern combination, the slightly bitter, earthy greens cut through the richness of the cheese beautifully.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Make Ahead Mashed Potatoes: Doubling down on comfort, these creamy potatoes are always a crowd-pleaser and can be made alongside your mac and cheese.
- Cajun Shrimp Boil: For a touch of spice and seafood delight, a Cajun shrimp boil offers a vibrant and exciting counterpoint.
- Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheesy Potatoes: If you’re a true cheese lover, pair your mac with these equally indulgent cheesy potatoes for an ultimate comfort food experience.
- Thanksgiving Chicken: A perfectly roasted or slow-cooked chicken is an ideal main course to serve with this hearty side dish, suitable for any family gathering.
Discover More Mac and Cheese Creations
If you’re a true mac and cheese enthusiast, the journey doesn’t have to end with this incredible Crockpot recipe. Explore more of my beloved variations, each offering a unique twist on this ultimate comfort food classic:
Southern Soul Food Baked Mac and Cheese
Seafood Mac and Cheese
Bacon Gouda Mac and Cheese
Lobster Mac and Cheese
Each of these recipes brings its own special flavor and texture profile, promising to satisfy your deepest cravings for cheesy goodness. Dive in and find your next favorite!
