Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BEST Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any time you need a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 (16 ounce) package shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup)
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
Directions:
- Prepare Macaroni:
- Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Ingredients:
- In a crockpot, combine the cooked macaroni, black pepper, butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, Velveeta cheese (cut into cubes), and cream cheese (cut into cubes).
- Cook in Crockpot:
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure all the cheeses melt evenly and the mixture is well combined.
- Add Reserved Cheese:
- Once the mac and cheese is creamy and fully cooked, sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar on top. Cover and let the cheese melt before serving.
Helpful Tips:
- Monitor Cooking Time: Crockpot temperatures can vary. Start checking at 2 hours to ensure the mac and cheese doesn’t overcook. Once everything is melted and well combined, switch to the warm setting to keep it ready for serving.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties for added flavor. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere can be great additions.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Pair with grilled or baked chicken for a hearty meal.
FAQs:
- Can I use other pasta shapes?
- Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like shells or penne. Just make sure to cook them al dente before adding to the crockpot.
- Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
- While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it in advance and reheat in the crockpot on the warm setting before serving.
- How can I make it lighter?
- Use reduced-fat cheeses and milk for a lighter version. However, the texture might be slightly different.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 550 kcal per serving
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 3-4 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings:
- Makes 8 servings
Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness of this BEST Crockpot Mac and Cheese, perfect for any occasion!
Recipe Card
BEST Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this BEST Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any time you need a deliciously satisfying meal with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- – 16 ounces elbow macaroni cooked al dente
- – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- – 6 tablespoons butter
- – 1 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- – 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- – 1 16 ounce package shredded sharp cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup)
- – 8 ounces Velveeta cheese
- – 8 ounces cream cheese
Instructions
Prepare Macaroni:
- – Cook the elbow macaroni al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Mix Ingredients:
- – In a crockpot, combine the cooked macaroni, black pepper, butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar, Velveeta cheese (cut into cubes), and cream cheese (cut into cubes).
Cook in Crockpot:
- – Set the crockpot to low and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure all the cheeses melt evenly and the mixture is well combined.
Add Reserved Cheese:
- – Once the mac and cheese is creamy and fully cooked, sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar on top. Cover and let the cheese melt before serving.