Hey y'all! If you're craving comfort food that's fuss-free yet irresistibly rich and cheesy, this Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe – Ultra Creamy is about to become your new go-to. It's the perfect dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or just a cozy night in. Each bite is velvety, buttery, and bursting with cheesy goodness—no oven or boiling required. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe – Ultra Creamy
- Set-it-and-forget-it convenience means no standing over a hot stove.
- Every bite is ultra creamy with a luscious, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Customizable with your favorite cheeses and add-ins for endless variety.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping ahead of time.
- Kid-approved and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Ingredients for Ultra Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- 16 oz (1 lb) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Crockpot Mac and Cheese – Ultra Creamy
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Cube the cream cheese and shred the cheddar if you haven't already. Coat the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick spray for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker
Add uncooked elbow macaroni, 3 cups of shredded cheddar, milk, evaporated milk, cubed cream cheese, melted butter, ground mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir gently to combine, making sure all the pasta is coated in the cheesy mixture.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Creamy Perfection
Cover and cook on low for 1 hour. After an hour, open the lid and gently stir. Continue cooking for an additional 1-1.5 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thick, creamy, and bubbly (total cook time: 2–2.5 hours).
Step 4: Add the Final Cheddar Boost
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar over the top, cover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes until it melts completely. Serve hot and creamy straight from the crockpot!
Notes for the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe – Ultra Creamy
- Shred your own cheese from a block for the creamiest results—pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
- It's best to use whole milk for the richest flavor and texture (learn more about cheese choices here).
- Keep an eye on the cook time, as overcooking can cause the pasta to become mushy. For more slow cooker pasta tips, check out Serious Eats.
Variations on Crockpot Mac and Cheese – Ultra Creamy
- Three Cheese Blend: Swap 1 cup of cheddar for mozzarella and 1 cup for Monterey Jack.
- Bacon Lover's: Stir in 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon during the last 30 minutes.
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.
Required Equipment for Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe – Ultra Creamy
- Large (4-6 quart) slow cooker or crockpot
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
Storage Instructions for Crockpot Mac and Cheese – Ultra Creamy
Let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
Suggested Pairings and Serving Recommendations
- Serve alongside barbecue ribs, fried chicken, or pulled pork for a classic Southern feast.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Top with toasted breadcrumbs or hot sauce for extra flavor and crunch.
Pro Tips for Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe – Ultra Creamy
- Don’t skip stirring: Stir every 30 minutes to prevent uneven cooking or sticking.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for maximum creaminess and melt-ability (Bon Appétit explains why).
- Add a splash of extra milk if reheating to keep the sauce velvety and smooth.
FAQ: Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe – Ultra Creamy
- Can I use different pasta shapes?
- Yes! Shells or cavatappi work well, but adjust cooking time as needed.
- Can I double the recipe?
- Absolutely—just use a larger crockpot and increase cook time by 30-60 minutes, stirring regularly.
- Can I use low-fat milk or cheese?
- You can, but the result won’t be as rich or creamy as with whole milk and full-fat cheese.
Prep & Total Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 2–2.5 hours on low
- Total time: 2 hours 15 minutes – 2 hours 40 minutes
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni, uncooked
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Spray the inside of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray.
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2Add uncooked elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and cream cheese to the crockpot.
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3Pour in whole milk, evaporated milk, and melted butter. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
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4Cover and cook on low for 2 hours, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking and creaminess.
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5Once the pasta is tender and the cheese sauce is creamy, stir well and serve hot.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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