Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of effortlessly creating the ultimate comfort food, you are in for a treat with this Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe. Imagine velvety cheese melting into perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, all coming together in one pot while you go about your day. This recipe brings together a luscious blend of American, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses combined with creamy milk and just the right dash of seasonings to make every bite a cozy hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a simple night in, this dish delivers creamy, dreamy satisfaction every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role from creating the rich texture to layering flavors that are savory and irresistible. Here’s what you’ll need to make this classic comfort food a standout success in your slow cooker.

• 1/4 cup butter (melted): Essential for greasing the slow cooker and adding richness to the base of the dish.
• 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (9 ounces): The perfect pasta shape to hold onto creamy cheese sauce in every nook and cranny.
• 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk: No substitutions here; it adds concentrated creaminess without watering down the dish.
• 1 cup whole milk: Balances the rich evaporated milk with a fresh dairy touch.
• 1/2 cup cream: Boosts the lusciousness for that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds a subtle tang and extra silkiness to the sauce texture.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors naturally without overpowering them.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides mild warmth and depth to balance the richness.
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just a hint of flavor intrigue without bringing heat.
• 8 ounces yellow American cheese (chunks): The star ingredient for creamy melt and that classic mac and cheese flavor.
• 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Gives the dish a bold, tangy kick; fresh shredding is key for melting.
• 2 ounces Parmesan cheese (shredded): Adds a salty, nutty undertone that rounds out the cheese blend beautifully.
• Extra sliced cheese (optional): For those who want to double down on gooey cheesy goodness at serving time.

How to Make Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Slow Cooker

This step is crucial for an easy cleanup and a delicious crust. Pour the melted butter into your 4-quart slow cooker, then use a pastry brush to coat the bottom and sides evenly. This layer will help prevent sticking and lends a buttery base flavor.

Step 2: Add the Pasta

Once your slow cooker is well coated with butter, add the dry elbow macaroni. Stir the pasta in the melted butter until every piece is lightly coated for a richer, silkier texture once cooked.

Step 3: Mix in the Dairy and Seasonings

Combine the evaporated milk, whole milk, cream, mayonnaise, kosher salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in the slow cooker with the pasta. Give everything a good stir to blend these creamy, flavorful ingredients together and ensure even cooking.

Step 4: Add the American Cheese Chunks

Chop your yellow American cheese into chunks about an inch in size and add it to the slow cooker. This cheese is the backbone of the recipe, creating that quintessentially smooth and creamy texture mac lovers adore.

Step 5: Incorporate Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Freshly shred the sharp cheddar cheese from a block—this extra effort pays off because it melts smoothly and adds a punch of sharp flavor. Press it firmly into your measuring cup to get a packed 1 and 1/2 cups and mix it into the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese

Last but not least, add freshly shredded Parmesan cheese. Just like the cheddar, packing it into the measuring cup tightly ensures you have the right amount. This cheese gives your mac and cheese a lovely salty depth and a subtle crunch in the crust.

Step 7: Cook on Low and Stir

Give the entire mixture a thorough stir to combine all the goodies. Set your slow cooker to the LOW setting and place the lid on. After one hour, stir carefully, scraping the edges to incorporate any cheesy crust that forms, which adds a delightful texture contrast. Replace the lid and cook for another 30 to 60 minutes until the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce luxuriously creamy.

Step 8: Finish and Keep Warm

Once your mac and cheese reaches the ideal creamy consistency with perfectly al dente pasta, switch your slow cooker to the “WARM” setting. This keeps your dish at the perfect serving temperature for a couple of hours without sacrificing creaminess. Stir occasionally and add a splash of cream if it thickens too much.

Step 9: Extra Cheese Magic (Optional)

If you’re like me and love an extra cheesy experience, tuck slices of your favorite cheese into the center or on top of your mac and cheese before serving. As they melt, they create an irresistible cheese pull that will wow everyone at the table.

How to Serve Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like freshly chopped parsley or green onions add a pop of color and a fresh note that complements the rich, creamy cheese sauce beautifully. For some crunch, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits right on top before serving.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese recipe is a meal all on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with easy sides like roasted vegetables, crisp green salads, or grilled chicken. These sides bring balance and texture contrast, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve individual portions in small cast-iron skillets or ramekins straight from the slow cooker. You can also top with extra cheese and broil briefly for a golden, bubbly crust, adding another layer of texture to this decadent dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe stores beautifully in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and moisture. It’s perfect for enjoying as a quick leftover or meal prep option.

Freezing

If you want to stash some away, this mac and cheese freezes well in airtight containers. Make sure it cools completely before freezing to preserve texture. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently for the best texture. The microwave works well for single servings—just be ready for some cheese separation, which is perfectly normal. Adding a splash of cream and stirring often while warming in the slow cooker helps regain some creaminess too.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

While elbow macaroni is classic and ideal for holding the cheese sauce, you can experiment with small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi. Just keep cooking times in mind, as different shapes may require slight adjustments.

Why do you recommend using evaporated milk?

Evaporated milk is concentrated, which adds a velvety richness without watering down the creaminess like regular milk would. It is essential for that signature texture and depth of flavor in this slow cooker version.

Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Mayonnaise is key for adding silkiness and a slight tang that balances the cheese. Leaving it out will change the texture and flavor, but you could try substituting an equal part sour cream or Greek yogurt for a different but still creamy result.

Should I use pre-shredded cheese or block cheese?

Freshly shredding your cheddar and Parmesan cheese from blocks makes a huge difference. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent proper melting, which can lead to a grainy or less creamy sauce.

How do I prevent the mac and cheese from drying out in the slow cooker?

Stirring periodically and keeping the lid on tightly during cooking helps retain moisture. You can also add a little extra cream if it starts looking too thick. Using the warm setting after cooking maintains that perfect creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a game changer for anyone craving the comfort of homemade mac and cheese without the fuss of constant stovetop babysitting. It delivers rich, indulgent flavor with minimal effort, making it a forever favorite to keep in your recipe arsenal. I can’t wait for you to enjoy its creamy goodness and cheesy magic, just like I do!

Print