Crockpot mac and cheese is rich, creamy and almost hands off. The dry macaroni cooks right in a mix of milk, evaporated milk and cheese, so there is no draining and no flour sauce to babysit.
A full slow cooker feeds ten for about $9.52, roughly $0.95 a serving, which makes it one of the cheapest crowd pleasers you can bring to a holiday table or potluck.
Holiday mac and cheese without the boiling pot
- Evaporated milk keeps the sauce smooth and stops it from splitting.
- Uncooked pasta goes straight into the slow cooker.
- It holds on WARM for an hour, which makes it perfect for holidays and potlucks.
Tips for the best crockpot mac and cheese
- Cook on LOW only. HIGH heat makes the edges scorch before the pasta is tender.
- Slow cookers vary a lot, so start checking the pasta at 1 hour 45 minutes.
- If the sauce looks thick on WARM, stir in a splash of milk.
- Use an instant read thermometer and check the USDA safe minimum internal temperature chart to know exactly when meat is done.
Ingredients for crockpot mac and cheese and easy swaps
- Elbow macaroni: Regular dry elbows work best. Do not use pre-cooked pasta or it will turn mushy.
- Evaporated milk: It is the secret to a smooth, stable sauce that does not split or turn grainy.
- Sharp cheddar: Shred it yourself from a block if you can. Bagged cheese melts a little less smoothly.
- Dry mustard: You will not taste mustard, but it makes the cheese flavor stronger.
What crockpot mac and cheese costs to make
| Ingredient | Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 lb elbow macaroni | $1.60 |
| 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk | $1.20 |
| 3 cups milk | $1.20 |
| 4 tbsp butter | $0.70 |
| 1 tsp salt | $0.02 |
| 1 tsp dry mustard | $0.10 |
| ½ tsp garlic powder | $0.04 |
| ½ tsp black pepper | $0.03 |
| ¼ tsp paprika | $0.03 |
| 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar | $3.60 |
| 1 cup shredded mozzarella | $1.00 |
Prices are estimates based on average US grocery prices for the amount used. Your total will vary by store and region.
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Method
- Grease the inside of a 6 quart slow cooker well.
- Add the uncooked macaroni, evaporated milk, milk, butter, salt, mustard, garlic powder, pepper and paprika and stir.
- Stir in 2 cups of the cheddar and all of the mozzarella.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender. Start checking at 1 hour 45 minutes, since slow cookers vary.
- Stir in the last cup of cheddar, cover for 5 minutes until melted and serve, or hold on WARM for up to 1 hour with a splash of milk.
Notes
How to make crockpot mac and cheese step by step
Grease the slow cooker
Butter or spray the insert well so the pasta does not stick.
Add everything
Stir in the dry macaroni, milks, butter, seasonings and most of the cheese.
Cook and stir
Cook on LOW for 2 to 2½ hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
Finish with cheese
Stir in the last cup of cheddar and let it melt before serving.
Easy crockpot mac and cheese variations
- Baked style top: spoon into a baking dish, top with buttered breadcrumbs and broil for 2 minutes.
- Bacon mac: stir in 6 slices of crumbled cooked bacon at the end.
- Smoky: use half smoked Gouda in place of the mozzarella.
More cheap dinners like this
- Creamy Crockpot Chicken and Rice: A dump-and-go dinner of tender chicken and creamy rice that feeds four for about $1.60 a serving.
- Budget Slow Cooker Beef Stew: Chuck roast, potatoes and carrots simmer all day into a rich stew that costs about $2.40 a serving.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas: Juicy chicken and charred peppers roasted on one pan in 30 minutes, about $2.10 a serving.
Want more ideas? Browse all of our crockpot recipes.
What to serve with crockpot mac and cheese
- Slow cooker turkey breast
- Honey garlic chicken drumsticks
- A green salad or roasted broccoli
Storing and reheating crockpot mac and cheese
In the fridge
Refrigerate within 2 hours for 3 to 4 days.
In the freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months. The sauce gets a little thicker after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk, stirring often.
For more detail on safe storage times, see the USDA guidance on leftovers and food safety.
Frequently asked questions about crockpot mac and cheese
Do you have to boil the noodles first?
No. The dry macaroni cooks in the milk in the slow cooker. That is what makes it so easy.
Can I make crockpot mac and cheese on HIGH?
We do not recommend it. HIGH heat can scorch the cheese at the edges before the pasta is tender.
How far ahead can I make it?
It is best served within an hour of cooking. It holds on WARM for about 1 hour with an extra splash of milk.
Made it? Tell us how it went