Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is creamy and cheesy and just plain DELICIOUS. This comfort food comes together quickly and easily. It is a great dish for a holiday meal or for a busy week night. It’ll get devoured by adults and kids alike!
Original post: 2014. Updated: 2018.
The original recipe at the VERY BOTTOM OF THIS POST IN THE PHOTO (right above the recipe card).
You know those meals that can be made for nearly every holiday meal, no matter what time of the year it is? This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is that recipe for me. I make this for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Fourth of July and so many other occasions that fall in between. Why? Because I can dump everything into my slow cooker while saving oven and stove-top space for other recipes. I give the mac and cheese a few stirs throughout and before I know it, it’s ready to eat!
This recipe gets devoured every single time without fail, no matter the season. It requires such little attention, it is an easy recipe and it always turns out perfectly. Don’t limit making this recipe on just holidays. This is a great kid meal option any night of the week and also the perfect party food for a larger gathering.
WATCH THIS QUICK VIDEO TO SEE HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER MAC AND CHEESE!
WHY MAKE MAC AND CHEESE IN A SLOW COOKER?
Ahh great question and I’m so glad you asked! Any time your oven is being used (think busy holidays!) or when you don’t have an oven to use (think potlucks!) is a great opportunity to make a creamy dish in your crockpot.
HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT MAC AND CHEESE
Follow these super simple instructions to make the most delicious crock pot mac and cheese your lips will ever taste!
STEP 1
Throw only 5 ingredients (yep, five!) into your crock pot: elbow macaroni noodles (cooked the pasta 3 minutes shy of al dente, so approximately 5 minutes total), milk, Velveeta cheese, butter and Parmesan grated cheese.
STEP 2
Set the crock pot on Low heat and the cook time will be somewhere between 2-3 hours. Give it a stir a couple times throughout, if possible, and start checking on the pasta at the 2-hour mark. Depending on the crock pot, this dish will be done anywhere between 2 and 3 hours. My crock pot produces PERFECT results after 2.5 hours.
RECIPE TIPS
This recipe started out as a much different recipe (scroll way down to the bottom, below the recipe card), so try the original version if you’d like which involves evaporated milk and cream cheese.
If you choose to use uncooked pasta, please be sure to watch it carefully while it cooks. Nobody likes mushy noodles! When removing the lid to stir the noodles, do so quickly!
Cheddar, Parmesan and Velveeta are my absolute favorite combination of cheeses to use for Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. Feel free to replace them with equal amounts of American, mozzarella and/or sharp cheddar cheese. Monterey jack works great, too!
This makes a large batch of mac and cheese! It will easily feed 8 hungry people as a main dish or 12 people as a side dish or party food. This is a great dish for pot lucks!
Add cooked ham or bacon pieces to add flavor and when serving as a main dish.
Sprinkle with salt and pepper just before serving!
1 teaspoon of garlic powder would be a great addition to the cheese sauce!
Replace a portion of the milk with heavy cream for an even creamier end result.
CAN I MAKE MACARONI AND CHEESE IN MY INSTANT POT?
You can absolutely make mac and cheese in your Instant Pot! And it is the BEST! I’ve made the Instant Pot version a handful of times and I could rave about it forever. Head over to my Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe for the details!
WHAT GOES WITH MAC AND CHEESE?
Everything! My personal favorites are steamed veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower. Chopped, spinach or Ceasar salads, too. Or how about roasted tomatoes or sauteed mushrooms?! YUM!
HOW MANY CALORIES IN MAC AND CHEESE?
There are approximately 350 calories in 3/4 cup of mac and cheese.
CAN YOU FREEZE MAC AND CHEESE?
You can definitely freeze mac and cheese! Place in a freezer resealable bag or air-tight container and store in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. When defrosting it, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before heating.
HOW TO REHEAT MAC AND CHEESE
To reheat mac and cheese, pour it into a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and stir. Place the saucepan on a stove top over medium-low heat and stir until consistency is smooth and noodles are warmed through. If microwaving, heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring after each, until cheese has melted and the noodles are heated through.
MORE DELICIOUS MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPES
If you are on a roll with mac and cheese, you have to check out these variations, as well!
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese – Healthify this comfort food by adding cauliflower! Kids won’t suspect a thing and you’ll secretly be adding nutrition to a favorite comfort food.
Creamy Spiced Mac and Cheese can be as spicy as you want to make it, and it is deliciously creamy.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a dream come true! Let your pressure cooker create perfectly cooked and creamy pasta that both kids and adults will love. Done in 20 minutes, this side OR main dish cooks absolutely perfectly every single time!
Comforting and gooey, smooth and creamy, this Baked Mac and Cheese recipe cooks perfectly every time. Great as a holiday side or weekday main dish. Kids and adults alike with devour this creamy meal.
Add pumpkin to your next batch of mac and cheese to create the creamiest pot of comforting pasta you’ll ever make. This recipe is 100% kid friendly and done in 30 minutes! It’s fun to change up the basics once in a while!
This Chili Mac and Cheese is the marriage of two of the most comforting comfort foods of all time! It is a great dinner and a delicious way to use up leftover Chili in a one-pan recipe.
EASY SIDE DISH RECIPES TO MAKE FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY
Here are some other easy sides to serve at your next gathering!
Slow Cooker Hot Creamy Corn Dip – This Hot Corn Dip is ADDICTING! Bacon and green chiles gives this dish the kick is needs. Sprinkle some cilantro into the cheesy corn dish for a perfect party dish. Serve it with chips or crackers as an appetizer or solo as a creamy side dish. Either way, it’ll be the most popular dish at the table.
Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes – Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are creamy, smooth, delicious and easy to prepare. No boiling or saucepan-/stovetop-cleaning required with this side dish. The Instant Pot gets this easy recipe done in 15 minutes!
Tater Tot Hotdish – This classic Tater Tot Hotdish is perfect when you’re craving comfort food. Whether it’s the main dish or a side, everyone at the table will be happy. This midwestern staple goes far, easy to make and fills everyone up. Each creamy bite will be enjoyed!
EASY COMFORT FOODS TO WARM YOU UP AND FILL YOU UP
The Best Meatloaf – You need to make this classic meal. It is my mother’s delicious recipe with an added touch of delicious sauce. This dinner recipe will quickly become a favorite family meal!
Easy Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – Creamy vegetables and chicken baked into a buttery crispy crust that is comfort food perfection especially during the fall and winter months.
Homestyle Ground Beef Casserole – this dinner boasts flavor and creaminess over a bed of steaming egg noodles. This casserole is just like your mom’s recipe but so much more! This is a perfect hearty weeknight meal to put on the table.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole – This is a delicious combination of the tastiest flavors you will ever eat in a single bite. Bacon, chicken, creamy alfredo sauce and pasta all make dinner a hit in less than 30 minutes!
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CROCK POT MAC AND CHEESE
“Made this tonight for new years! This is definitely gonna be my go to mac and cheese recipe from now on! Soooooo good!!” ~Leah
“Hi, I made this Mac and cheese. My family loved it !! I cooked my noodles let them cool. Then I followed the old recipe with 4 cups of milk and cream cheese. I used American cheese instead of Velveeta. Next time I want to try pepper jack cheese. I put every thing in my crockpot and mixed it. I covered it and cooked for 30 minutes on high. Then turned down to low for 1 1/2 hours stirring in between. All times vary according to your crockpot. “ ~Connie
“I made the original recipe, doubled the recipe and put in one big crock pot. It was filled to the brim but it did fit. Everyone who ate it LOVED it. Now I get asked to make it for every upcoming occasion. Thanks for sharing this simple, quick and tasty recipe. “ ~Sally
“I made this for a potluck at work and everyone absolutely LOVED it. I never even got to have any because they ate it all. At the second potluck we had, everyone begged me to make it again. I’m not the biggest fan of velveeta so I did switch that out for mozzarella but it’s still a fantastic recipe and it is my go-to Mac n cheese recipe now. “ ~Katie
Your comments are cracking me up! We hate it, we love it, get rid of the recipe….wait, we want it back! Hopefully this will make everyone happy. Here to please, friends, here to please..
Here was my original recipe. Throw the following ingredients into your crockpot on Low. Start checking for doneness at 1.5 hours. (side note: boil the macaroni for a few minutes first for optimal results)
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbow macaroni
- 3 cups milk
- 8 oz. velveeta cut into chunks
- 1/4 cup salted butter cut into chunks
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
Instructions
- Cook pasta in boiling water 3 minutes short of being al dente.
- Place the cooked macaroni, milk, Velveeta, butter and cheddar cheese into a crockpot. Stir and top with Parmesan cheese. Set heat to Low and cook for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and check for doneness starting at the 2-hour mark.
I made the original recipe twice and my family loved it. I saved the recipe to my Pinterest so that I could always have it. Luckily, I noticed the difference in recipes. I’m going to try the updated recipe today and hopefully it’s a hit just like the original.
Hello Mac lover! I’m so glad you love the original recipe so much! Let me know what you think of the updated version once you make it. It is super delicious, too!
Megan
Hi! i just wanted to let you know that I featured this recipe on my post about Thanksgiving Recipes (mixandmake.com/2017/11/17/easy-thanksgiving-recipes/).
My grandmother used to make mac n cheese just like this and I always try to make it like this! Thanks so much for posting this recipe!
So cool! Thank you, Erin!
Megan
Hi, I want to try your recipe this year and wonder about putting it in the oven after crockpot cooking, with a panko topping. Just letting the panko get a little crispy and browned. Less crockpot time? and how long in the oven?
Thanks
Hi Andrea! I’d keep a very close eye on the mac and cheese in the crockpot and when you think it’s CLOSE to being done, throw it into a baking dish and top with panko. Pop in the oven (350-ish) for 15-20 minutes. YUM! Let me know how it turns out!
Megan
I made the original years ago and was scrumptious!! I am actually sad you felt to revise. This can be made so many ways. The only thing I remember is that i didn’t have to cook as long as recommended. Everyone at it all and Wanted recipe! Good job!
Oh good, Bridget! I’m so happy to hear this! Thanks so much for the comment.
Megan
Hi there! Do you prefer evaporated milk over regular in this recipe? Is there much of a difference? Thanks!
Hi Alicia! Evaporated milk will produce a sweeter pasta, so if that is something you prefer then you’ll love it. If you prefer a less sugary version, go for regular milk. I hope this helps!
Megan
I love this mac and cheese, Sometimes I add Gouda cheese as well. I am going to try it with some Jalepeno’s to spice it up. But it is a hit in my house.
Hi Candi! I LOVE gouda and I love jalapenos, as well. I might have to incorporate these two loves into this mac and cheese next time. Thanks for the inspiration!
Megan
I made this for a potluck at work and everyone absolutely LOVED it. I never even got to have any because they ate it all. At the second potluck we had, everyone begged me to make it again. I’m not the biggest fan of velveeta so I did switch that out for mozzarella but it’s still a fantastic recipe and it is my go-to Mac n cheese recipe now.
Yay, Katie! I love this! Food that quickly vanishes at potlucks is the BEST kind of food. Thanks for the comment!
Megan
Can you substitute cream cheese with sour cream?
Hi Lyndsay! I have never tried sour cream in place of the cream cheese, but I’m intrigued! I think I’d start by adding 4(ish) ounces of sour cream along with 4 ounces of cream cheese. If you give it a try, please let me know how it turns out!
Megan
Very yummy! Didn’t try the first recipe but this one was a big hit! I made it for my son’s birthday and everyone was asking me for the recipe! Huge bonus that it’s so easy too! Thank you for this!
Hey, if you win over the kids and the adults, it’s a keeper! Thank you for letting me know.
Would it work if i didnt cook the pasta first!?
You’d need to adjust the ingredients to have more liquids then. I haven’t tried that. Let me know if you do and how it turns out!
As a connoisseur of good mac and cheese, I have this cooking right now in the crock pot and I’ll probably pitch it and make the new recipe. This one has a grainy feel to the cheese and is definitely not cheesy enough – I think the cream cheese tones it down too much. Also, I’d suggest anyone trying this to grease the sides of your crock pot. Now, I’m going to make the Velveeta recipe, but will not do crock pot cooking. Even the macaroni does not have the right feel to it. I think its easier to cook the pasta, mix and melt all other ingredients, mix together and stick it in the oven for a few. Why make a super easy recipe difficult???
I am making the original recipe right now. I felt it was missing something so I added a pouch of Velveeta sauce mix that I had. It helped, along with some salt and pepper. I plan to try the new recipe next time but I am not disappointed in the original recipe at all.
Good improvising!
What size crockpot are you using? I am needing to double the recipe and trying to decide if I should split to 2 crockpot.
Yes, I would make the second batch in its own pot or crockpot. Enjoy!
Love this! I have even used gluten free pasta as some of the family can’t have gluten and it’s still great, I do add some salt and pepper and a few shakes of hot sauce.
That’s a great idea, changing out the pasta. I like the twists you added to it as well.
I’m wanting to make this recipe for our HS FOOTBALL team. Can you make this is a roaster? I don’t want to have to haul 8 crockpots. Thanks
You can prepare this and slow cook it in the oven in your roaster. I would check online for conversion rates of a slow cooker temperature equal to using the oven. That sounds like a lot of mouths to feed! Enjoy!
I made the original recipe, doubled it and put in one big crock pot. It was filled to the brim but it did fit. Everyone who ate it LOVED it. Now I get asked to make it for every upcoming occasion. Thanks for sharing this simple, quick and tasty recipe.
You are so welcome Sally! I’m really glad it was enjoyed and I appreciate you coming back to let me know!
Question??? Has anyone tried using 4oz velveeta and 4oz of cream cheese together? With the new version or the old version? I love both velveeta and cream cheese so I’d thought of adding both.
That doesn’t sound like it would be bad at all! I say try it and check back in to tell us your review!
Made this tonight, yum! But 2 hours was too long in my crockpot and the macaroni basically dissolved. Just posting to let others know that they made to check theirs a bit more often than I did! Will definitely be making again though! Thanks so much for the recipe! 🙂
Thanks for the feedback. It’s appreciated! I could see that – everyone’s crockpots heat differently and mushy noodles aren’t the best. I’m glad you liked it overall though!
I meant to say that people might want to check theirs more than I did.
Sorry for the bad grammar in my first post!
🙂
Hi, I made this Mac and cheese. My family loved it !! I cooked my noodles let them cool. Then I followed the old recipe with 4 cups of milk and cream cheese. I used American cheese instead of Velveeta. Next time I want to try pepper jack cheese. I put every thing in my crockpot and mixed it. I covered it and cooked for 30 minutes on high. Then turned down to low for 1 1/2 hours stirring in between. All times vary according to your crockpot.
Connie
Pepperjack is a great cheese to use. I like your changeups – thank you for sharing!
How much cream cheese did you use? I’m planning on making this for Thanksgiving, that seems like it would make even creamier!
Originally I used an 8oz block of cream cheese. I hope you love it!
3rd year of making this for my large family Thanksgiving dinner! I prefer the cream cheese method but also slightly boil the macaroni first and also add butter.
Sounds delicious! I’m glad it was a hit. Thanks for sharing your tweaks with all of us!
Could you cook on High for less time?
A bit disappointed. Made this for thanksgiving today and not sure what I did wrong but mine looks COMPLETELY different than the photo of the mac n cheese in the blue bowl. Mine has much more liquid and not nearly as dry or even the same yellow color 🙁
Oh, that is frustrating. I’m so sorry that it didn’t turn out. When you stirred it while it was cooking throughout the day, did the liquid seem to mix in and change throughout the day?
I am making this as a side dish for a Friendsgiving of about 17-20 people. Do you think one batch will be enough? & If i double it do I need to change anything?
That sounds like a full Friendsgiving table! What a great way to love on people. I would recommend making this recipe in two separate batches rather than doubling it in one big batch.
Made this tonight for new years! This is definitely gonna be my go to mac and cheese recipe from now on! Soooooo good!!
YES!! Love it!
I made this for Thanksgiving one year and now it’s become a staple- if I don’t make it, people get legitimately upset!
What a compliment! Thank you for sharing and I’m so glad it’s enjoyed and you found it worth making again. Have a great Thanksgiving!