So many mac and cheese recipes are filled with ingredients like Velveeta cheese, condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, and even mayonnaise. I wanted a recipe that was made with lots of REAL cheese but was still creamy and smooth. This recipe nails it!I love to make this up in the crockpot on a weeknight when I don’t feel like standing over a hot stove. Make the perfect crockpot mac and cheese with pantry staple ingredients, fresh ingredients that are whole and pure. Skip the stove top and add all the ingredients into the crockpot and let it do all the work!
Ingredients for the Perfect Mac and Cheese
Take your uncooked pasta and add it to the crockpot first, then pour two kinds of milk for creaminess, freshly shredded cheese, and all the spices to make this the perfect mac and cheese ever! No grocery store can make dinner this good. This mac and cheese recipe is so good you can serve it at Thanksgiving and Christmas!
Elbow Macaroni Noodles – To avoid soggy noodles, use a good brand of pasta. Thicker noodles or noodles with ridges will absorb the sauce without getting too soft. Whole Milk – Its gotta be whole milk. Nothing else will get you a creamy sauce. Evaporated Milk – Evaporated milk is a shelf-stable cow’s milk that has had most of the water evaporated from it. It helps to make the sauce smooth and creamy! DO NOT get it mixed up with sweetened condensed milk, it is NOT the same thing. Cheese – Use flavorful, meltable cheeses like cheddar, American, Gruyere, fontina, or Monterey for the best crockpot mac and cheese. Spices – These spices are optional, but I think they add so much flavor to the mac and cheese. I like to use salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard powder, and cayenne pepper. Butter – A little bit of butter on top just adds more flavor to the cheese sauce.
How to Make Mac and Cheese in the Crockpot
Slow cooker mac is the best way to make a creamy texture mac and cheese dish! It is a simple step-by-step recipe that gives you the creamiest crockpot mac and cheese ever! Add all the ingredients to the crockpot and let the crockpot do all the work!
Tips for the Creamiest Mac and Cheese
Mac n cheese is known to be kid friendly, easy to make, and a comforting food dish! Take your cheese to the next level with this easy crockpot mac and cheese recipe. Follow these helpful tips to create the best mac and cheese yet!
Shred your cheese – The most important tip for making creamy, smooth crockpot mac and cheese is to shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in an additive that will make your sauce gritty. The cheese will not melt as well. Purchase a block of high-quality cheese at the deli counter and shred it yourself. I promise you will thank me! Cook on low – Keep your crockpot on LOW. If you cook the mac and cheese on high, then the noodles will become mushy and the cheese won’t melt properly. Milk tip – Use whole milk. Skim milk and other non-dairy milks will not produce a creamy sauce. Serving – Serve immediately after cooking. If the sauce sits after cooking, it will become gritty. If it has to sit for a minute before you eat, you may need to loosen the sauce with a little milk.
Variations of the Best Mac and Cheese Recipe
Mac and Cheese make a great side dish for BBQs and potlucks. It also makes a delicious burger topping! If you want to make your crockpot mac and cheese into a full meal, then consider adding some toppings. Below is a list of our favorite meats, veggies, and sauces to serve with mac and cheese.
Meat – Bacon, diced ham, and smoked sausage are all great ways to add a little protein to the crockpot mac and cheese. Cheese – Modify the cheese to sharp cheddar cheese, American cheese, and Monterey jack cheese. Make sure the cheese is not too soft that it won’t melt properly. Veggies – Make it healthy with veggies! Peas, broccoli, chopped asparagus, or green onions add that extra crunchy texture to the dinner. This is a great way to get your kiddos to each their veggies too! Greens – Take it up a notch and add arugula or fresh parsley for a fancy crockpot mac and cheese dinner! Sauces – BBQ sauce, balsamic glaze, or even ketchup for different tastes and blends of mac and cheese. Spicy – Red Pepper Flakes or sriracha add just enough heat to still be tasty! Seasoning – Add in Paprika, onion powder, or everything bagel seasoning.
What to Serve with Easy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Make a complete meal with these simple family dinner ideas that have the crockpot mac and cheese as a side dish or main dish. These are quick and easy meals that can be cooked alongside the mac and cheese and ready at the same time. They are the perfect combination!
Pulled Pork – Make this a delicious dinner with your favorite pulled pork recipe. It is quick and easy to make with two flavorful dishes! BBQ Chicken – Turn your mac and cheese into a side dish with this BBQ chicken recipe. It is the perfect combination and the best way to be outside. Hot Dogs – A kid’s dream is mac and cheese with hot dogs! It is the best combination for kids and adults. Chicken tenders – You have to love a good chicken tender or nugget when you see one. This is a classic lunch or simple dinner that your family will be thanking you for plus, clean-up is a breeze!
Storing Leftovers and Reheating Ideas
I am going to be 100% honest, this mac and cheese is best eaten immediately after cooking. If it sits or if you put it in the fridge it will not keep well. The sauce will separate and become gritty. If you have to store leftovers, put them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop and add a little milk.
How to Make Crockpot Mac and Cheese
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