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Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe – Easy, Creamy & Perfect for a Crowd

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This crockpot mac and cheese is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd with minimal effort. No boiling or babysitting required—just set it and forget it for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 oz (450g) elbow macaroni, uncooked
  • 4 cups (16 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups (8 oz) Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 12 oz can evaporated milk
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 cup (4 tbsp) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp ground mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Optional add-ins: crumbled cooked bacon, chopped green onions, hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Shred the cheddar and Monterey Jack (or mozzarella) cheeses and cube the cream cheese.
  2. Add the dry elbow macaroni to a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
  3. Add all shredded cheese, cubed cream cheese, melted butter, evaporated milk, and whole milk to the slow cooker.
  4. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, ground mustard, and paprika. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 2 hours. After 1 hour, open and stir gently to prevent clumping and ensure even cooking.
  6. At the 2-hour mark, check for doneness. If dry, add a splash of milk (2-4 tbsp) and stir. If too runny, cook uncovered for another 15-20 minutes.
  7. If the sauce looks oily or separated, stir vigorously and let sit uncovered for 5 minutes.
  8. Switch the slow cooker to ‘warm’ and serve hot, garnished as desired.

Notes

For best results, shred your own cheese for a smoother sauce. Stir halfway through cooking to prevent clumping or burning. If doubling the recipe, use an 8-quart slow cooker and add 30-45 minutes to the cook time. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and monitor texture. Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, easy mac and cheese, comfort food, potluck, crowd, kid-friendly, vegetarian

Find it online: https://blairrecipes.com/crockpot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-creamy-and-perfect-for-a-crowd/