Name: Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe: Creamy and Hands-Off
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 180 min
Total time: 190 min
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni (uncooked); 6 cups shredded cheese; 1 can of evaporated milk; 2½ cups milk; ½ cup sour cream; 4 tbsp butter; Seasonings; Optional: Panko topping; Suggested Pairings: BBQ (veggies)

Introduction

Table of Contents

Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate creamy, hands-off comfort food, perfect for potlucks, holidays, or busy weeknights. This slow-cooker version delivers ultra-cheesy, velvety pasta with zero boiling required—just dump, stir, and walk away. Presented in a white ceramic serving dish, optionally garnished with parsley and extra cheddar, this Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese offers a warm, golden aesthetic that elevates any table. This recipe provides a simple set-it-and-forget-it method with pantry staples, adaptable for dietary preferences, ideal for home cooks seeking a go-to side that brings nostalgic, crowd-pleasing charm to any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese:

16 oz uncooked elbow macaroni (or cavatappi/small shells)
4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
2 cups shredded Colby Jack or mild cheddar
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
2½ cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, cubed
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp dry mustard powder
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

Optional Topping:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs + 2 tbsp melted butter
Extra shredded cheese

For Serving:

Optional: Fresh parsley, hot sauce
Suggested Accompaniments: BBQ ribs, roasted veggies
Suggested Pairings: Iced tea, light beer
Suggested Aesthetic: Serve in a white ceramic serving dish
Suggested Equipment: 6-quart slow cooker

Step-by-Step Process

Prep Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker with butter or cooking spray.
Dump Everything: Add uncooked macaroni, 3 cups sharp cheddar, 2 cups Colby Jack, evaporated milk, whole milk, sour cream, cubed butter, salt, pepper, mustard powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir gently to combine—pasta will be partially submerged.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours. Stir well at the 90-minute mark, then every 30 minutes after. Total time varies by slow cooker—start checking at 2 hours.
Check Doneness: Pasta is ready when tender and the sauce is creamy (not soupy). If too thick, add ¼ cup warm milk.
Finish with Cheese: Turn the cooker to WARM. Stir in the remaining 1 cup of sharp cheddar until melted and silky.
Optional Crispy Top: Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with buttered panko and extra cheese, then broil 2–4 minutes until golden.
Rest & Serve: Let rest 10 minutes—this thickens the sauce. Scoop into a white ceramic serving dish.

Tips for Perfect Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Do NOT cook on high—pasta gets mushy and sauce breaks
Stir halfway—prevents clumping
Use evaporated milk—prevents curdling
Shred your own cheese—pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that affect the melt.
Presented in a white ceramic serving dish to showcase the golden top
Make the night before—reheat on WARM with splashes of milk
Freeze cooked portions up to 2 months

Variations and Customization

Bacon Mac: Stir in ½ lb cooked crumbled bacon.
Buffalo Chicken: Add 2 cups shredded chicken + ⅓ cup buffalo sauce.
Truffle Mac: Drizzle truffle oil before serving.
Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta + GF flour thickener if needed.
Vegan: Use cashew cream, plant milk, and vegan cheese.
Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or cayenne.
Broccoli Mac: Stir in 2 cups steamed broccoli for the last 15 min.
One-Pot Chili Mac: Add browned beef + chili seasoning.

Storage and Serving Tips

Store in an airtight container in the fridge up to 5 days.
Reheat on WARM in a slow cooker or on the stovetop with milk to revive its creaminess.
Freeze portions up to 2 months; thaw overnight.
Serve warm for the best gooey texture.
Pair with iced tea or light beer to cut richness.
Present in a white ceramic serving dish with garnishes for cozy, elegant charm.

Nutritional Information

Based on 12 servings:

Calories: 460 kcal
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 680mg
Total Carbohydrates: 34g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 7g
Protein: 21g
Vitamin A: 20% Daily Value
Calcium: 50% Daily Value

Note: Values without topping (bacon or buffalo versions increase calories).

Conclusion

This Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese recipe delivers the creamiest, cheesiest comfort with zero fuss. It transforms pantry staples into the ultimate hands-off side dish. Its dump-and-go method and golden presentation make it a holiday staple. Every forkful of tender pasta and velvety cheese delights the soul. It’s sure to be a cherished recipe, loved for its effortless, crowd-pleasing charm.