There’s something so comforting about macaroni and cheese, isn’t there? But what if I told you that you could have a creamy, dreamy version without spending hours in the kitchen? This Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is all about convenience and deliciousness. It practically makes itself!

This dish is rich, cheesy, and super comforting—perfect for busy nights or any time you’re craving a cozy, indulgent meal. You can just throw everything in the slow cooker, set it, and let it work its magic. The best part? It’s packed with gooey, melty cheese in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off cooking: The slow cooker does all the hard work, leaving you with extra time to relax or do other things.
Creamy and cheesy: The sauce is super rich, thanks to a combination of cheeses and a little bit of cream.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, potluck, or side dish for a special meal, this macaroni and cheese is always a hit.
Kid-approved: The flavors are comforting and familiar, making it a perfect choice for families with little ones.

Ingredients

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a preview of what you’ll need:

Elbow macaroni (or your favorite pasta)
Butter
Milk and heavy cream
Cheddar cheese
Mozzarella cheese
Parmesan cheese
Garlic powder, salt, and pepper
Dijon mustard (for a little extra flavor depth)

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain it and set it aside. You don’t want to overcook it, as it will cook a little more in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix together your milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Then, stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Add a pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta into the slow cooker. Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta, making sure it’s all coated. Stir everything together, and add a little extra seasoning if you like.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Mac and Cheese

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for about 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted, and the sauce is thick and creamy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the macaroni and cheese is perfectly creamy, give it one last stir and serve it up! You can garnish it with a little extra Parmesan or some fresh herbs if you like.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta will cook more in the slow cooker, you want it just slightly al dente before adding it to the mix.
Stir halfway through: This helps prevent any pasta from sticking to the bottom and ensures an even cook.
Use a mix of cheeses: Combining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives this mac and cheese the perfect balance of flavors.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Add protein: Mix in cooked bacon, ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
Spicy mac: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a little hot sauce for a kick.
Vegan version: Use plant-based cheese and milk for a dairy-free version.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve this creamy mac and cheese as a side to your favorite main dishes like grilled chicken, pulled pork, or BBQ ribs. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

4 FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to swap elbow macaroni for any other pasta shape like penne or rotini.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the mac and cheese in the slow cooker the day before and refrigerate it overnight. Just cook it the next day.
How can I make this even cheesier?
Add extra cheese! You can always throw in a handful of extra shredded cheese when you stir it halfway through.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing. Reheat slowly on the stovetop or in the microwave with a little added milk to prevent it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese is hands down one of the easiest and most satisfying comfort foods you’ll ever make. The best part? It’s perfect for any occasion—whether you’re feeding your family on a busy night or bringing a dish to a party. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Creamy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

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This creamy slow cooker macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, combining a rich, melty cheese sauce with tender pasta. Hands-off cooking makes this dish easy to prepare, perfect for busy nights or cozy family meals.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2-3 hours (on low heat)
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Side Dish, Comfort Food
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a bowl, combine milk, heavy cream, and Dijon mustard. Stir in shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the pasta and stir to coat.
Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring halfway through. The mac and cheese is done when the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Serve: Stir one last time and serve. Optionally, garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs.

Notes

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since the pasta cooks further in the slow cooker, slightly undercooking it is ideal.
Stir halfway through to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
Use a mix of cheeses for a balanced, flavorful sauce.