If you’re anything like me, you know the joy of a creamy, comforting mac and cheese but dread standing over the stove stirring a pot of cheese sauce. That’s exactly why I’m so excited to share this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe with you—it’s hands-off, super easy, and the cheese sauce comes out just perfect every single time. Trust me, once you try this crock pot method, you’ll wonder why you ever cooked mac and cheese any other way.

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Why This Recipe Works

Set It and Forget It: The crock pot does all the cooking for you, freeing up your time and energy.
Creamy & Cheesy Perfection: Using cream cheese, evaporated milk, and shredded cheddar gives a rich, velvety sauce without clumping.
Balanced Flavor: A hint of sriracha and ground mustard adds an unexpected depth without overpowering the classic taste.
No Stovetop Fuss: Unlike many recipes, you don’t have to watch it like a hawk or worry about burning the cheese sauce.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, easy crock pot recipes, cheesy comfort food, slow cooker mac and cheese, kid-friendly dinner ideas - A white oval dish filled with creamy macaroni and cheese, showing one main layer of small elbow pasta coated in a thick, smooth, bright orange cheese sauce. A silver spoon is partly submerged on the right side, lifting some macaroni, with the cheese sauce clinging softly to the pasta and spoon. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, and some chopped green herbs are blurred in a bowl in the top left corner, adding a fresh contrast. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe plays a part in creating that luscious, slow-cooked cheese sauce. I love how the evaporated milk adds creaminess without heaviness, and the chicken broth keeps the pasta perfectly hydrated while cooking in the crock pot.

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, easy crock pot recipes, cheesy comfort food, slow cooker mac and cheese, kid-friendly dinner ideas - Flat lay of uncooked white macaroni pasta scattered next to smooth blocks and small cubes of creamy white cream cheese and soft yellow butter pieces, a generous pile of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese showing its fine texture, a small puddle of rich red-orange sriracha sauce, a few dried mustard seeds and ground mustard powder with a warm yellow tone, and a couple of black peppercorns adding a dark contrast, all beautifully arranged with a glass jar of creamy off-white evaporated milk and a clear bottle of golden chicken broth in the background, placed on white marbled surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Macaroni: I prefer white macaroni with fiber because it holds up nicely in slow cooking without getting mushy.
Evaporated Milk: It adds creaminess and richness, and it’s thicker than regular milk, which helps achieve that silky sauce.
Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): This prevents the dish from getting too salty and balances the flavor beautifully.
Butter: Small pieces distributed throughout the crock pot melt into the pasta for a luxuriously smooth texture.
Salt: Essential for seasoning—but I recommend low sodium broth so you can adjust salt carefully.
Sriracha Sauce: Just a little kick of heat wakes up the dish without making it spicy.
Ground Mustard: This secret weapon adds a subtle tang that amplifies the cheese flavor.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked if you can—it adds freshness and a mild bite.
Cream Cheese: Cut into tiny pieces so it melts evenly, giving the sauce its signature smoothness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for that classic mac and cheese punch.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your taste or dietary needs. I’ve tried adding different cheeses and even sneaking in some veggies to keep things fresh and exciting.

Variation: I often swap half the cheddar for gouda or fontina to get a different depth of flavor—it’s surprisingly delicious and just as creamy.
Vegetarian: Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth works just as well and keeps it fully vegetarian.
Spicy Kick: If you love heat, bump up the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. I do this when serving for friends who like bold flavors.
Make it Gluten-Free: Just swap the macaroni for a gluten-free pasta that can handle slow cooking—just watch the timing as it may vary!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Combine All Ingredients

First, give your crock pot a good spray with nonstick spray—this step saves you so much cleanup later. Next, pour in all the dry macaroni, then add the evaporated milk, chicken broth, butter pieces, salt, sriracha, ground mustard, and black pepper. I like to stir everything thoroughly to combine, breaking up the butter chunks as much as I can. It looks a bit chunky at this stage, but don’t worry—that’s totally normal!

Step 2: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for exactly 1 hour. After that, it’s crucial to give it a really good stir to break up any clumps that have formed. You’ll notice the pasta is starting to come together but still quite firm. Pop the lid back on and cook for another 30 minutes until the pasta is al dente—soft but with a little bite left. This slow cooking prevents mushiness, which is my personal pet peeve with mac and cheese.

Step 3: Melt in Cream Cheese and Cheddar

Once the pasta is just right, cut your cream cheese into tiny pieces—this helps it melt evenly without clumping. Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar, stir gently to combine, then cover and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting period lets the cheese melt perfectly into the sauce creating that irresistible gooey texture.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

After a final stir, your Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is ready to go. I usually serve it straight from the crock pot—it keeps warm and creamy while everyone digs in. Pro tip: if you want, sprinkle a bit of extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving for a nice presentation touch.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip the Stir: Stirring halfway through cooking makes sure the pasta cooks evenly and stops clumps from forming.
Tiny Cheese Pieces: Cutting cream cheese small helps it melt smoothly instead of leaving little lumps.
Watch Your Liquid: Using evaporated milk plus broth keeps the sauce rich but balanced—not too thick or watery.
Choose Your Crock Pot Wisely: Smaller crock pots can dry things out; I find this recipe works best in 2.5 to 4-quart sizes for perfect texture.

How to Serve Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese, easy crock pot recipes, cheesy comfort food, slow cooker mac and cheese, kid-friendly dinner ideas - The image shows a white slow cooker filled with creamy macaroni and cheese. The dish has one layer of curved elbow pasta coated in a smooth, bright orange-yellow cheese sauce that looks thick and velvety. A silver spoon is partially submerged among the pasta, resting near the edge of the slow cooker. The background has a white marbled texture with some green herbs blurred in the upper corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives to brighten the rich, cheesy flavors. Sometimes I’ll add a dusting of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky touch. A crispy breadcrumb topping isn’t classic for crock pot styles, but it’s a fun way to add texture if you’re serving it at a party.

Side Dishes

Simple sides pair perfectly with this mac and cheese. My go-tos are roasted greens like broccoli or brussels sprouts, a fresh green salad with a zesty vinaigrette, or even some garlic bread to sop up every last cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or family gatherings, I like to serve this Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe in small ramekins straight from the crock pot—easy to portion and super cute! Another fun idea is to add cooked bacon bits or caramelized onions on top for an indulgent twist that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge and it keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The texture thickens a bit overnight, so a splash of milk or broth before reheating helps loosen it back up.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this dish too, especially if you want to meal prep or save leftovers long term. I divide it into portions, pop them in freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm the mac and cheese on the stove over low heat with a little milk or broth to keep it creamy. You can also microwave it in short bursts—just remember to stir in between to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this crock pot mac and cheese recipe?

Absolutely! While I prefer traditional macaroni for its texture, you can use other pasta shapes like shells or elbow pasta, just keep in mind cooking times might slightly vary. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair as they might turn mushy in slow cooking.
Do I need to stir the mac and cheese while it cooks in the crock pot?

Yes, stirring once halfway through cooking is really important. It prevents pasta from sticking to the sides and helps the butter and cheese distribute evenly for a smooth sauce.
Can I use skim milk instead of evaporated milk?

I’d recommend sticking to evaporated or whole milk because they give the sauce body and creaminess. Skim milk tends to make the sauce thin and less rich, which can affect the final texture.
What’s the best way to prevent the mac and cheese from drying out in the crock pot?

Using the right amount of liquid is key—this recipe balances evaporated milk and broth to keep it moist. Also, using a crock pot sized between 2.5 to 4 quarts helps maintain the right moisture levels without drying.
Can I add extra ingredients like bacon or veggies?

Definitely! Bacon bits added after cooking amp up the flavor. For veggies, steamed or sautéed additions like broccoli or peas mix in beautifully after cooking for a nutritious boost.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe has become such a comforting staple in my kitchen, especially on busy weeknights or when I need to feed a hungry crowd with minimal effort. The creamy texture and balanced flavors remind me of cozy family dinners, and it’s the kind of dish that just hits the spot every single time. I’m confident you’ll love how simple it is to make and how delicious it turns out—so go ahead, give it a try, and let me know how it becomes a new favorite in your house too!