Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese (or Crock Pot Mac and Cheese) is a creamy, cheesy and easy macaroni and cheese recipe.
CROCK POT MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe is my go-to Mac and cheese recipe when I don't have oven space and I want a recipe I know that everyone will love. This fits the bill every single time!
HOLIDAY MUST-HAVE SIDE DISH
The slow cooker is your friend during the holidays. This isn't really a "fix-it and forget-it" type slow cooker recipe but it does free up precious oven space and keeps you from having to stand guard the whole time and making sure things don't burn or over-cook. Also, if you need tips on FRYING A TURKEY, I got you covered!
WHAT MAKES IT THE BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE?
Using freshly grated cheese. Don't use the bag stuff. I don't mind using it for my NO-BOIL MACARONI AND CHEESE - but for this, you really need to freshly grate the cheese. It really makes all the difference here! Also the American cheese in this recipe helps to keep it so creamy. Don't skip it!
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (FULL RECIPE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE POST)
elbow macaroni
salted butter
evaporated milk
half & half
shredded cheddar cheese
white American cheese
salt
pepper
Cook's Notes: Just go to your grocery store's deli counter and ask for ¾ pound of white American cheese. Tell them you don't want it sliced, just a big block.
HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE:
Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (should still have a little 'bite' to it.)
Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
Place the cooked macaroni into the slow cooker. Add the butter and stir until coated.
Pour in evaporated milk & half & half. 
Then add 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese salt & pepper. Stir to blend.
Cover and cook on low for 1 ½ to 2 hours (gently stir occasionally as it cooks.)
During the last 15 minutes of cooking, top with remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and allow cheese to melt.
Once done, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. 
WANTING MORE? GIVE THESE RECIPES A TRY!
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INSTANT POT AMERICAN GOULASH
INSTANT POT SAUSAGE MAC & CHEESE
CROCK POT MACARONI AND CHEESE
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz) box elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp salted butter, cubed
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 ½ cups half & half
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided use
- ¾ lb block white American cheese, cubed
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente (should still have a little 'bite' to it.)
- Spray a 4-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place the cooked macaroni into the slow cooker.
- Add the butter and stir until coated.
- Pour in evaporated milk, half & half, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, cubed American cheese salt & pepper. Stir to blend.
- Cover and cook on low for 1 ½ to 2 hours (gently stir occasionally as it cooks.)
- During the last 15 minutes of cooking, top with remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Cover and allow cheese to melt.
- Once done, turn the slow cooker to the warm setting until ready to serve.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published: November 2016
Updated and republished: April 2019
10/10
can you use a crock pot liner for this recipe? Thinking about making this for Christmas dinner.
I used a crock pot liner in mine, but I mixed everything beforehand so I wouldn't tear the liner trying to mix it well and then dumped it into my lined crock pot.
I did a slight variation of this recipe. I made it in a double batch, grated the American cheese instead of cubing it, and used garlic salt instead of salt. To cut down on the mess, I mixed everything together in a huge bowl before transferring it to the crock pot. I was in a hurry and didn't have time for the butter to soften, so I cubed half a stick (for the double batch) and microwaved it for 30 seconds so it was about half melted, half solid and incorporated it into the noodles that way. It's cooking now, and so far, so good! I'll update with the cook time if it needs more time!