Name: Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese: The Easiest Way to Comfort Food
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-484266H48M16S
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Elbow macaroni (or any pasta): 2 cups (about 8 oz); Cheddar cheese (shredded): 2 cups (about 8 oz); Cream cheese (cubed): 4 oz (about half of an 8 oz block); Milk (whole milk recommended): 2 cups; Butter: 4 tablespoons (about 1/2 stick); Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste); Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)

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If you’ve ever wanted a creamy, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese that practically makes itself, then this Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is your new best friend. Trust me, it doesn’t get easier (or more delicious!) than this. With a handful of ingredients, your slow cooker does all the work, giving you velvety smooth, cheesy pasta that’s perfect for dinner or as a side dish. No need for boiling, stirring constantly, or fussing over the stovetop—just throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food made super easy. The slow cooker ensures that the cheese gets perfectly melted, and the noodles soak up all that rich, creamy goodness. The best part? You can set it and forget it while you go about your day! Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner, at a potluck, or even as a side to a big holiday meal, this mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. And, did I mention it’s customizable? You can add extras like crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or even a touch of garlic for a flavor boost.

Ingredients

Here’s a quick peek at the basics for this creamy dish. The full ingredient list can be found below!

Elbow macaroni (or any pasta you love)
Cheddar cheese (the more the merrier!)
Cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
Milk (whole milk is best, but you can use whatever you have)
Butter (for that extra richness)
Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

These ingredients come together to create a cheesy masterpiece with minimal effort!

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

The first thing you need to do is cook the macaroni. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the pasta just until it’s al dente. You don’t want it to be too soft because it will continue to cook in the slow cooker. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

Now, take your slow cooker and add the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cubed cream cheese, butter, and milk. Stir everything together to make sure the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese and butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The cream cheese will melt into the sauce, giving you that rich, velvety texture.

Step 3: Cook on Low

Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours. You don’t need to stir it constantly—just let the magic happen. Every once in a while, check on it to make sure the cheese is melting nicely and the sauce is thickening up. If it gets too thick, you can always add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Stir and Serve

Once the mac and cheese is all creamy and gooey, give it a good stir to combine the melted cheese and sauce. Taste for seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed. If you want a little crunch, top it with some crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or even some extra shredded cheese. Serve it warm, and enjoy the ultimate bowl of comfort.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Use good cheese: The key to a creamy mac and cheese is using high-quality cheese. A sharp cheddar will give the dish a more intense flavor. Feel free to mix in other cheeses like mozzarella or Gruyère for extra creaminess and flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the slow cooker, be sure to cook it just al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy.
Make it extra creamy: If you want a super creamy texture, add a little extra cream cheese or some sour cream for tangy richness.
Check the consistency: Slow cookers vary, so keep an eye on your mac and cheese. If it gets too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up, or if it’s too thin, cook it a little longer with the lid on to thicken.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add-ins: Want to make this mac and cheese extra special? Add crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or even some cooked chicken for a heartier meal. You can also stir in some sautéed onions or garlic for a burst of savory flavor.
Spicy mac and cheese: For a kick, add some diced jalapeños, chili powder, or hot sauce to the mix. A dash of smoked paprika also adds a nice depth of flavor.
Different cheeses: Experiment with a mix of cheeses like mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack. Each cheese will give a unique flavor and creaminess to the dish.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is rich and filling on its own, but you can pair it with a fresh salad to balance the richness. A simple side of roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans works wonders too. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside some crispy fried chicken or a juicy steak.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers? Oh yes, please! Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave it in a bowl, stirring every 30 seconds, or you can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency. You can also freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months—just be sure to stir in a little extra milk when reheating from frozen.

FAQs

Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Yes, you can, but freshly shredded cheese melts better and results in a creamier texture. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble everything in the slow cooker the night before and keep it in the fridge. In the morning, just set it to cook, and you’ll have mac and cheese ready for dinner.
Can I make this without cream cheese? If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute it with extra cheddar cheese or a bit of sour cream for creaminess.
Can I make this in a regular pot instead of a slow cooker? Yes! If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can make this on the stovetop. Just combine the ingredients in a pot over medium heat, stirring until everything is melted and creamy. You may need to adjust the heat to prevent the cheese from scorching.

Conclusion

This Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is a total game-changer. It’s simple, creamy, cheesy, and just the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a cozy meal to enjoy, this slow-cooker recipe is sure to become a favorite. You can’t go wrong with a dish this comforting and easy to make—give it a try, and I promise you won’t regret it!

Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese: The Easiest Way to Comfort Food

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours (on low)
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (Prep + Cook)
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Side Dish, Comfort Food
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is a dreamy, velvety dish that practically makes itself. With a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker, you’ll have a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness in just a few hours. No stovetop stirring, just pure convenience and flavor!

Ingredients

Elbow macaroni (or any pasta): 2 cups (about 8 oz)
Cheddar cheese (shredded): 2 cups (about 8 oz)
Cream cheese (cubed): 4 oz (about half of an 8 oz block)
Milk (whole milk recommended): 2 cups
Butter: 4 tablespoons (about 1/2 stick)
Salt: 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon (or to taste)

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Instructions

Prepare the Pasta: Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Place cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, cubed cream cheese, butter, and milk into the slow cooker. Stir to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook on Low: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 2–3 hours. Check occasionally to ensure the cheese is melting and the sauce is thickening. Add milk if needed to adjust consistency.
Stir and Serve: Once the mac and cheese is creamy, stir it well. Taste for seasoning and adjust. Optionally, add crispy bacon, breadcrumbs, or more cheese for extra flavor. Serve warm.