If you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort, you’ll love this creamy, rich, and ultra-easy crockpot mac and cheese recipe. Just toss everything into your slow cooker, let it do the work, and enjoy a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings.
This recipe is popular and foolproof for home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Hands-off, set-and-forget cooking
Extra creamy and cheesy texture
No boiling pasta required
Perfect for feeding a crowd
Easy to customize with add-ins
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
2½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cups milk (whole milk works best)
1 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika or mustard powder
🔥 How to Make Crockpot Mac and Cheese (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Prep the Slow Cooker
Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot
Add uncooked macaroni directly into the pot
2️⃣ Add the Ingredients
Sprinkle all cheeses evenly over the pasta
Pour in milk and evaporated milk
Add melted butter and seasonings
Stir gently until everything is combined
3️⃣ Cook Low & Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours
Stir every 30–40 minutes to prevent sticking
Mac and cheese is ready when pasta is tender and sauce is creamy
4️⃣ Rest & Serve
Turn off heat and let sit uncovered for 10 minutes
Stir once more before serving
💡 Pro Tips for the Creamiest Results
Use freshly shredded cheese (pre-shredded melts poorly)
Stir gently and regularly
If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of warm milk
Keep warm on LOW for serving at parties
🧀 Delicious Add-In Ideas
Crispy bacon bits
Cooked chicken or ham
Jalapeños or green chilies
Steamed broccoli or peas
Extra cheese on top for ultra-rich flavor
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking on HIGH (can dry out the pasta)
Not stirring occasionally
Using low-fat milk (less creamy result)
Overcooking past tender stage
🫙 Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container
Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat gently with a splash of milk
🌟 Final Thoughts
You should absolutely try this crockpot mac and cheese recipe today if you want an easy, comforting meal with incredible flavor and hardly any prep. It’s creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.