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Home » Recipes » Crockpot

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Oct 13, 2021 · 35 Comments

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Collage with a big bowl of slow cooker mac and cheese on top, a crock full of mac and cheese with a silicone spoonful on bottom, and the words

A simple slow cooker version of a comfort food classic, this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is creamy, buttery, and cheesy with tender macaroni noodles. It's hard not to love!

Big bowl full of Crock Pot Mac and Cheese topped with green onions and black pepper in front of a slow cooker

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is our family's favorite mac and cheese. When I tell the kids we're having macaroni for dinner, they say, "But is it the good kind?"

This simple slow cooker version of a family favorite really is hard not to love. A creamy, buttery, cheesy sauce smothers warm and tender macaroni noodles. Pretty much just comfort food in a bowl.

And the great news is that it's so easy to make too. You can just throw all the ingredients right in the slow cooker, for a dinner or side dish that's low-effort and the kids will love.

This slow cooker mac and cheese is also great for holiday side dishes or potlucks because it doesn't take up precious real estate on the stove or in the oven.

Crock Pot filled with mac and cheese with a wooden spoon stuck in the center

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Variations

This recipe is a simple, easy, classic. There are lots of ways to add a little variety to it if you're in the mood for a little something different.

  • Noodles - You can use different noodle shapes such as shells or cavatappi. You can also use gluten free noodles. Be aware that different size and shape noodles may alter cooking times slightly. Gluten free noodles typically take a little less time to cook. Shells will probably take about the same amount of time and macaroni elbows, but cavatappi will likely take a little longer as it's larger.
  • Cheese - Using different types of cheese is a quick and yummy way to change things up. Try white cheddar, smoked cheddar, gouda, gruyere, mozzarella, or Monterey.
  • Add-Ins - Stir in some cooked and crumbled bacon, sauteed onions and mushrooms, jalapenos, or red pepper flakes.

Can I Make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time?

Kind of. You can mix together the cheeses and milk ahead of time. Then add the pasta the last minute before cooking and dot the butter on top. The mac and cheese is best right after cooking for firmer noodles. When reheating, the noodles will get a little softer, since they will be cooking twice.

Overhead view of a big bowl full of slow cooker mac and cheese next to a fork with mac and cheese on it and in front of a Crock Pot and bunch of fresh parsley

More Macaroni Recipes You'll Love

  • Instant Pot Mac and Cheese - A super quick version of our favorite slow cooker recipe. Try this one if you're in a time crunch!
  • Swedish Meatball Mac and Cheese - adds the savory, creamy element of Swedish meatballs to classic mac and cheese for a cheesy, creamy, savory version!
  • Sloppy Joe Mac and Cheese - two kid favorites in one tasty recipe!
  • Stovetop Mac and Cheese - a super creamy, no flour recipe that is sure to please!
  • 68 Favorite, Unique Mac and Cheese Recipes - Check out this epic macaroni and cheese list for lots of new flavors and variations.
Macaroni and cheese in a big, deep bowl with a handle sitting in front of a Crock Pot, linen, and fresh bunch of parsley

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

A simple slow cooker version of a comfort food classic, this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is creamy, buttery, and cheesy with tender macaroni noodles. It's hard not to love!
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 700kcal
Author: Michelle

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 4 cups milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup butter sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Rinse the uncooked pasta well in cold water and drain.
  • Add uncooked pasta to crockpot along with milk, sour cream, and cheese. Stir to combine.
  • Dot the top with sliced butter.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour. Remove lid and stir. If macaroni is done and cooked through, season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve. If macaroni is not done, you may need to cook for an additional 1-2 hours.
  • Serve warm topped with MORE CHEESE.

Video

Notes

  • Cook time: Cook time will vary slightly depending on your specific slow cooker and its size. Smaller slow cookers will take a little longer. Also if you like your noodles more firm, your cook time will be shorter than if you like it very soft. Keep a close eye on it the first time you make it so that you figure out the perfect cook times for your slow cooker and taste buds. 
  • Cheese: As with all recipes where you're melting cheese, freshly grated cheese is best. Store bought is will work fine, but the texture will not be as creamy and smooth. Cheese is a fun thing to experiment with in mac and cheese. Try changing it up with different kinds, such as gouda, gruyere, or white cheddar. 
  • Serving size: 8 servings is if you're serving it as a main dish. If you'll be serving as a side, it will serve more like 12-16.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 700kcal | Carbohydrates: 51g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 43g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 574mg | Potassium: 428mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1424IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 622mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?I love seeing your creations. Snap a quick photo and mention @TheGraciousWife or tag #thegraciouswife on Instagram! Leave a STAR rating below!

UPDATE INFO: This recipe was originally published in January 2015. It was updated with new pictures, video, and tips and republished in October 2021.

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Casseroles, Crockpot, Dinner, Kid-Friendly Food, Pasta, Recipes, Side Dishes, Vegetarian Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe, Crockpot Recipe, Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe, Slow Cooker Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michelle (The Ribbon Retreat) says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:30 am

    Yummy! We love Macaroni and Cheese at our house, and my family is going to be thrilled to try this delicious recipe. Thank you for sharing! PINNED!

    Reply
  2. Kristina and Millie says

    January 12, 2015 at 8:49 am

    ohhhh that does sound like the cheesiest macaroni and cheese ever! I loooovvvvvveeeee the crunchy bits but I might be able to wait the 4 hours for it....we will have to see. This is being added to my must make list!! Thanks for sharing 🙂

    Reply
  3. Jenny @ Honey and Birch says

    January 18, 2015 at 11:11 am

    I've tried a couple times to make mac and cheese in the slow cooker with no success. Can't wait to try this recipe out and see if I have better luck.

    Reply
  4. Patty Taylor says

    October 03, 2015 at 8:25 pm

    i will definitely try this one for my church potluck

    Reply
  5. Emily Stanley says

    January 21, 2016 at 2:08 pm

    Do you cook the Mac and cheese before putting it in the crock pot?

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      January 21, 2016 at 2:46 pm

      Nope. Everything goes in the Crockpot raw and uncooked.

      Reply
  6. Audrey says

    February 18, 2016 at 5:07 pm

    I'm trying this for my son's bday party this weekend but am using the shell pasta. Would the cook time be the same? Also, I was going to try doubling this. I have a large crockpot. Do you think doubling it would work? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      February 18, 2016 at 5:58 pm

      Shells will work as long as the box is the right ounce weight. And I double it all the time, and it still turns out yummy!

      Reply
  7. Katie says

    June 21, 2016 at 12:15 pm

    If I am making this a side and not a main dish how any willit feed?

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      June 22, 2016 at 8:22 am

      A lot. I'd say 15-20, if I had to guess.

      Reply
  8. Charlotte says

    February 20, 2017 at 2:17 pm

    I've been looking for something to make for my book club next week and this just made it to the top of the list. Anything with the word' cheesiest' in the title just makes me so excited!

    Reply
  9. Shelley Austin says

    March 22, 2018 at 3:58 pm

    I make a crockpot mac and cheese recipe and just was looking at those posted on pinterest when I came upon yours but want you to know that the first recipe says 2 lbs elbow macaroni but when you click on "make it" it says 1 lb. My recipe calls for 1 and 1/2 lb so in yours which is correct? I don't have cream cheese in mine I'd like to try it. Mine has cheddar cheese soup.

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      March 22, 2018 at 5:30 pm

      Pinterest takes information off sites and puts it on theirs, so information from Pinterest can be inaccurate. The most accurate information is on the website where it was originally written. So for my recipe, 1 pound (16 ounces).

      Reply
  10. Joy says

    April 15, 2018 at 5:59 pm

    I made this at Easter for the first time and loved it. It's cooking right now for my night shift buddies while we work. I have doubled it both times. The only thing I did different this time is I stirred it at the 2 hour mark. Love it!!

    Reply
  11. Rhonda says

    October 05, 2018 at 5:44 pm

    Hello! What size crockpot do you use for the recipe as written?

    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      October 15, 2018 at 4:09 pm

      Just a standard 6 quart.

      Reply
  12. Heidi says

    March 01, 2019 at 4:52 pm

    Will it fit in 6 qt crockpot if I double the recipe?

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      March 04, 2019 at 1:29 pm

      It will fit but might require some skillful stirring so you don't spill. Lol

      Reply
  13. Sharon says

    November 24, 2020 at 3:59 pm

    Cheddar cheese is shredded, how do I incorporate the cream cheese in with the other ingredients?

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      November 24, 2020 at 4:05 pm

      I just throw it in on top and mix it in about half way through.

      Reply
  14. Sharon says

    November 24, 2020 at 4:01 pm

    Also, my crockpot is a 3 qt. Will your recipe work in a 3 quart?

    Reply
    • Michelle says

      November 24, 2020 at 4:06 pm

      Mine is a 6 quart, and I've never made it with a 3 quart. My initial thoughts are.... I'm not sure if it will fit. And if it does, the cooking time will likely be increased a little due to just the size difference.

      Reply
      • Sharon says

        November 25, 2020 at 1:16 pm

        I've decided to cut the recipe in half, to fit in my 3qr crockpot, and will moniter the time. Thank you for your reply. Happy Thanksgiving!

        Reply
        • Sharon says

          November 25, 2020 at 4:38 pm

          I halfed the recipe and it came out great! I ended up cutting the cream cheese in small cubes. The only thing I would add to your recipe would be to spray the crockpot with Pam before cooking.

          Reply
          • Michelle says

            November 26, 2020 at 10:28 am

            Yes, a liner works great too! I'm glad it worked for you!

  15. Kathryn says

    October 13, 2021 at 10:20 am

    Mac and Cheese in the crock pot is a game changer! Thanks for this delicious recipe!

    Reply
  16. Wanda says

    October 13, 2021 at 10:51 am

    This seriously sounds and looks delish! I know what I'm making this weekend!

    Reply
  17. Matt says

    October 13, 2021 at 11:19 am

    This recipe is so much easier than making it on the stove. It takes all the guess work out and it’s absolutely delicious! Thanks!

    Reply
  18. Toni says

    October 13, 2021 at 11:32 am

    I loved it! So easy to make in my crock pot! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Reply
  19. Angela says

    October 13, 2021 at 11:37 am

    Oh my! I made this for dinner last night and it turned out perfect! So creamy and easy to do... definitely my new recipe for homemade Mac and Cheese!

    Reply
    • Marrie says

      February 08, 2022 at 7:45 am

      Has anyone substituted the sour cream for Greek yogurt? I try not to buy sour cream and don’t currently have any in the fridge

      Reply
  20. Amanda Wren-Grimwood says

    October 13, 2021 at 12:12 pm

    I have never thought to use the crockpot but this sounds like a great idea, Just imagine the cheesy smell in the kitchen!

    Reply
  21. Sara Welch says

    October 13, 2021 at 1:28 pm

    Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it did not disappoint! Classic comfort food that is perfect for busy weeknights; easily, a new favorite dish!

    Reply
  22. Jess says

    October 13, 2021 at 1:33 pm

    Oh boy this is so creamy! I hate when mac and cheese is too dry but this recipe is far from it!

    Reply
  23. Jacqueline Debono says

    October 13, 2021 at 1:36 pm

    I've never tried making mac n cheese in my slow cooker but it sounds likes a delicious idea.

    Reply

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Hello! I'm Michelle!
I'm a comfort food lover and self-taught cook with five amazing kids and a firefighter husband, surviving mostly on coffee. I love to create easy and delicious family recipes, and share creative family tips I've learned along the way.
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