Why You’ll Love this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
When you’re juggling a busy schedule, this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese might just become your new best friend.
It’s gloriously hands-off—just toss everything in, walk away, and return to creamy, cheesy perfection. No hovering over a pot stirring constantly.
I love how versatile it’s too. Add ground meat, sausage, or ham to make it heartier.
Feeling adventurous? Sprinkle in some cajun or taco seasoning. The sharp cheddar creates that perfect cheese pull we all secretly chase.
Best part? While it cooks, your home fills with that comforting aroma that says “dinner’s coming”—without you doing a thing.
What Ingredients are in Crock Pot Mac and Cheese?
This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese relies on simple pantry staples that come together to create something truly magical.
The combination of evaporated milk and regular milk creates that ultra-creamy texture that sets great mac and cheese apart from merely good versions. And can we talk about the cheese? The sharp cheddar brings that tangy, rich flavor that makes you close your eyes with each bite.
- 8 cups cooked and drained macaroni
- 1½ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
- 1 (13 ounce) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- 4 tablespoons minced onions
While the recipe calls for sharp cheddar, don’t be afraid to experiment with your cheese choices. Sometimes I mix in a bit of smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
The minced onions might seem like a small addition, but they add a subtle depth that takes this from basic to brilliant.
And remember, you can always adjust the consistency by adding a splash more milk if it looks too thick during cooking—the slow cooker has a way of thickening things up more than you might expect.
How to Make this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Making this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese couldn’t be simpler, and the results are utterly delicious. Start by cooking 8 cups of macaroni according to package directions until al dente, then drain well. This is where a little trick comes in—toss the hot pasta with 2 tablespoons of canola oil right after draining. This prevents the macaroni from sticking together during the slow cooking process, which would be a total texture disaster.
Now for the magic moment: add your coated macaroni to the slow cooker along with all remaining ingredients. In go the 1½ cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 13-ounce can of evaporated milk, ½ cup melted butter, and those 4 tablespoons of minced onions that add such wonderful depth. Give everything a good stir to combine, making sure the cheese is distributed throughout.
Cover and set your Crock Pot to LOW for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that homey, comforting dish we all crave.
Want to transform this into a heartier main dish? Feel free to add cooked ground beef, chicken, diced ham, or even sliced sausage before cooking. And don’t be afraid to play with seasonings—a sprinkle of cajun spice or taco seasoning can take this classic in delightfully different directions.
Just remember to give it a gentle stir about halfway through cooking, and maybe add a splash more milk if it’s looking too thick. The result? A creamy, cheesy pot of comfort that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Substitutions and Variations
While the classic version of this recipe is absolutely wonderful, I’ve discovered that this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese welcomes creativity with open arms. Want something heartier? Try adding ground beef, chicken, diced ham, or even spicy sausage—my kids go wild for the ham version.
You can also play with different cheese combinations. Sharp cheddar provides that classic tang, but mixing in some smoked gouda or pepper jack? Divine.
For seasoning adventures, taco or cajun spices transform this comfort food entirely. And pasta shapes matter too! Bow ties or curly noodles make dinnertime more fun, especially for picky eaters at my table.
What to Serve with Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Wondering what sides perfectly complement that creamy, cheesy goodness in your slow cooker? I’ve found that crisp, green vegetables create the ideal balance—steamed broccoli, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a simple garden salad with vinaigrette dressing all cut through the richness beautifully.
For heartier meals, I serve garlic bread or cornbread muffins for soaking up every bit of that cheese sauce. Sometimes I’ll add protein like grilled chicken or smoked sausage on the side, especially when the kids are extra hungry after soccer practice.
My personal favorite? A tangy coleslaw—the acidity works magic against the creaminess of the mac.
Final Thoughts
Now that we’ve covered serving suggestions, I want to share my final thoughts on this crock pot mac and cheese recipe.
This dish has been my go-to comfort food for years, and it never disappoints. I love how versatile it is—add some cajun spice when you’re feeling adventurous or toss in leftover ham for a heartier meal.
The slow cooking creates that perfect creamy texture that stovetop versions just can’t match.
