Crockpot Mac and Cheese: The Easiest & Creamiest Recipe

Crockpot Mac and Cheese: the ultimate comfort food, made incredibly easy! Imagine coming home after a long day to the warm, cheesy aroma of perfectly cooked macaroni, enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. No babysitting a pot on the stove, no constant stirring – just pure, unadulterated cheesy goodness waiting for you.

Mac and cheese, in its various forms, has been a beloved dish for centuries. While its exact origins are debated, many trace its roots back to medieval Europe, with early versions appearing in cookbooks as far back as the 14th century. It gained immense popularity in America thanks to Thomas Jefferson, who brought back a pasta machine from Europe and served a macaroni and cheese dish at a state dinner in 1802. Since then, it has evolved into a staple of American cuisine, a symbol of home-cooked comfort and family gatherings.

But let’s be honest, sometimes we crave that classic flavor without the fuss. That’s where this crockpot mac and cheese recipe shines. People adore mac and cheese for its satisfyingly creamy texture, its comforting cheesy flavor, and its versatility. It’s a dish that appeals to all ages, from picky toddlers to sophisticated adults. And when you make it in a crockpot, you get all that deliciousness with minimal effort. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a mac and cheese that is richer, creamier, and more flavorful than you ever thought possible. Get ready to experience mac and cheese bliss!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 6 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard
• 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese, divided
• Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping
• Optional: Paprika for garnish

Preparing the Cheese Sauce:

Okay, let’s get started! The key to amazing crockpot mac and cheese is a rich and creamy cheese sauce. We’re going to build that from scratch, right in the crockpot. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

1. Melt the Butter: First, take 4 tablespoons of your butter and place them directly into your crockpot. Turn the crockpot on to LOW. We want the butter to melt slowly and evenly. This usually takes about 5-10 minutes, depending on your crockpot. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
2. Create the Roux: Once the butter is completely melted, add the 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Now, this is important: whisk the flour and melted butter together immediately and constantly. You want to create a smooth paste, which is called a roux. This roux is what will thicken our cheese sauce and give it that luscious texture. Keep whisking for about 2-3 minutes. It should be smooth and slightly bubbly. Don’t let it brown too much!
3. Slowly Add the Milk: This is where patience comes in. Gradually pour in the 3 cups of milk, about 1/2 cup at a time. After each addition of milk, whisk continuously until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. This step is crucial to prevent a lumpy sauce. If you add the milk too quickly, you’ll end up with clumps of flour, and nobody wants that! This process should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Season the Sauce: Now that the milk is incorporated and the sauce is smooth, add the salt, pepper, and ground mustard. Whisk everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed. The ground mustard adds a subtle tang that really enhances the flavor of the cheese sauce.
5. Melt in the Cheese (Part 1): We’re going to add the cheese in stages to ensure it melts smoothly and evenly. Start by adding half of the cheddar cheese (2 cups), half of the Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup), and half of the Gruyere cheese (1/2 cup) to the crockpot. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This might take about 5-10 minutes, depending on how hot your crockpot is. Make sure to scrape the sides and bottom of the crockpot to prevent any cheese from sticking and burning.

Cooking the Macaroni:

While the cheese sauce is getting a head start in the crockpot, we need to cook the macaroni. It’s important to cook it al dente, as it will continue to cook in the crockpot.

1. Boil the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package directions, but reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes. You want the macaroni to be slightly undercooked, or al dente.
2. Drain the Macaroni: Once the macaroni is cooked al dente, drain it immediately in a colander. Do not rinse the macaroni! We want the starch to remain on the pasta, as it will help the cheese sauce cling to it.

Combining and Cooking in the Crockpot:

Now comes the fun part – putting everything together and letting the crockpot work its magic!

1. Add Macaroni to the Sauce: Carefully add the drained macaroni to the crockpot with the cheese sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure that all of the macaroni is coated in the sauce.
2. Add Remaining Cheese: Add the remaining cheddar cheese (2 cups), Monterey Jack cheese (1 cup), and Gruyere cheese (1/2 cup) to the crockpot. Stir again to incorporate the cheese.
3. Dot with Butter: Cut the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter into small pieces and dot them over the top of the macaroni and cheese. This will add extra richness and flavor.
4. Cook on Low: Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 1-2 hours, or until the macaroni and cheese is heated through and the cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The cooking time will vary depending on your crockpot, so keep an eye on it.

Optional Topping and Serving:

While the mac and cheese is delicious as is, a little topping can take it to the next level. This step is completely optional, but I highly recommend it!

1. Prepare the Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs (if using) with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add a little melted butter for extra flavor.
2. Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
3. Broil (Optional): If you want a crispy topping, you can broil the macaroni and cheese for a few minutes. Remove the crockpot lid and place the crockpot under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn!
4. Garnish and Serve: Remove the crockpot from the oven (if broiling) and let it cool slightly before serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese:

• Use High-Quality Cheese: The better the cheese, the better the mac and cheese! I recommend using freshly shredded cheese, as pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Don’t Overcook the Macaroni: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the macaroni al dente. Overcooked macaroni will become mushy in the crockpot.
• Stir Occasionally: Stirring the mac and cheese occasionally during cooking will prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the crockpot and ensure that the cheese melts evenly.
• Adjust Seasonings to Taste: Taste the mac and cheese before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or ground mustard to suit your preferences.
• Keep Warm: If you’re not serving the mac and cheese immediately, you can keep it warm in the crockpot on the WARM setting for up to 2 hours.

Variations:

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked bacon, ham, sausage, or shredded chicken to the mac and cheese.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in cooked broccoli, cauliflower, peas, or spinach for added nutrients.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gouda, Havarti, or Pepper Jack.
• Cream Cheese: Adding 4 ounces of cream cheese to the sauce will make it extra creamy.

Troubleshooting:

• Lumpy Sauce: If your sauce is lumpy, try whisking it vigorously or using an immersion blender to smooth it out.
• Dry Mac and Cheese: If the mac and cheese is too dry, add a little milk or cream to thin it out.
• Mac and Cheese is Sticking: Make sure to grease your crockpot well before adding the ingredients. Stirring occasionally will also help prevent sticking.

Conclusion:

This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s a creamy, dreamy, cheesy experience that practically cooks itself! Seriously, if you’re looking for comfort food that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor, then you absolutely have to give this a try. I know there are a million mac and cheese recipes out there, but trust me, the slow cooker method takes it to a whole new level of deliciousness. The low and slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a richness and depth that you just can’t achieve on the stovetop. Plus, it’s incredibly forgiving, so even if you’re a beginner cook, you’re practically guaranteed success. Think about it: you can prep everything in the morning, throw it in the crockpot, and come home to a warm, comforting meal that’s ready to devour. No more slaving over a hot stove after a long day! And the best part? It’s completely customizable. Want to kick things up a notch? Try adding some crispy bacon bits, diced ham, or even some shredded buffalo chicken for a spicy twist. For a vegetarian option, consider stirring in some roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top before serving adds a delightful textural contrast. You could even experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, Gouda, or even a sharp cheddar would all be fantastic additions. Serving suggestions are endless! This Crockpot Mac and Cheese is perfect as a main course, especially on a chilly evening. It also makes a fantastic side dish for barbecues, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. Pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal. And don’t forget the hot sauce! A few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can really elevate the flavor and add a welcome kick. I’m telling you, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you’re craving a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, so you can be sure that everyone will love it. I’m so confident that you’ll love this recipe that I’m practically begging you to try it! Seriously, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, dust off your crockpot, and get ready to experience the best mac and cheese of your life. Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What cheeses did you use? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! I’m always looking for new ideas and inspiration, and I can’t wait to see what you create. So go ahead, give this Crockpot Mac and Cheese a try – you won’t regret it! Happy cooking!

Print