Ultra Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

The ultimate hands-off comfort food

Ultra Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese is the definition of comfort food made easy. With minimal prep, no stovetop monitoring, and unbelievably rich results, this slow cooker version delivers everything people crave about classic macaroni and cheese—smooth texture, bold cheese flavor, and indulgent creaminess—without the stress of constant stirring or baking.

Unlike baked mac and cheese recipes that rely on roux-based sauces or oven timing, crock pot mac and cheese is forgiving, flexible, and perfect for gatherings, holidays, and busy family dinners. The slow cooker gently melts the cheeses into a cohesive, luxurious sauce while the pasta absorbs flavor without becoming mushy.

This recipe focuses on maximum creaminess. A blend of cheeses, evaporated milk, and whole milk creates a sauce that stays smooth for hours, making it ideal for potlucks and buffet-style serving. Cream cheese plays a key role here, stabilizing the sauce and preventing separation—one of the most common problems with slow cooker macaroni and cheese.

Why Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Works So Well

The slow cooker provides low, even heat, which is perfect for melting cheese gradually. High heat can cause cheese to break, resulting in a grainy texture. By cooking gently, the crock pot ensures a consistently silky sauce.

Another major benefit is timing flexibility. This recipe can hold on the warm setting without drying out, making it excellent for holidays, game days, and large gatherings where food needs to stay ready for serving over extended periods.

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked just to al dente
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta
    Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Slow Cooker
    Lightly grease the inside of the crock pot with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. Combine Base Ingredients
    Add cooked macaroni to the slow cooker. Pour in melted butter, whole milk, evaporated milk, and heavy cream.
  4. Add Cheeses
    Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Mix gently until evenly distributed.
  5. Season
    Add salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Stir again.
  6. Slow Cook
    Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes to ensure even melting.
  7. Final Stir and Serve
    Once cheeses are fully melted and sauce is thick and creamy, stir well and serve hot.

Tips for Ultra Creamy Results

  • Shred cheese fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
  • Don’t overcook pasta: Slightly undercooked macaroni finishes perfectly in the slow cooker.
  • Stir occasionally: This prevents sticking and keeps the sauce smooth.
  • Use low heat only: High heat can cause the sauce to break.

Cheese Customization Options

  • Extra Sharp Flavor: Swap half the cheddar for sharp white cheddar.
  • Ultra Melty Texture: Add Monterey Jack or Colby cheese.
  • Smoky Twist: Use smoked cheddar or add smoked paprika.
  • Gourmet Version: Stir in a small amount of Gruyère or Fontina.

Add-In Ideas

  • Crispy bacon crumbles
  • Caramelized onions
  • Cooked lobster or crab
  • Jalapeños for heat
  • Breadcrumb topping added just before serving

Serving Suggestions

Ultra Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese pairs perfectly with:

  • BBQ chicken or pulled pork
  • Holiday ham or turkey
  • Fried chicken
  • Roasted vegetables
  • Simple green salad

Storage and Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

Why This Recipe Is a Crowd Favorite

This recipe consistently delivers because it balances fat, moisture, and cheese correctly. The evaporated milk stabilizes the sauce, the cream cheese prevents separation, and the slow cooker maintains ideal heat. The result is mac and cheese that stays creamy—not greasy, grainy, or dry.

It’s reliable, scalable, and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple recipe worth keeping.

Ultra Creamy Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Rich, smooth, and indulgent slow cooker mac and cheese made with multiple cheeses for maximum creaminess.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Mac and Cheese
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni cooked al dente
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 12 oz evaporated milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese shredded

Equipment

  • Slow cooker
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook macaroni until al dente and drain.
  2. Grease slow cooker lightly.
  3. Add macaroni, butter, milks, and cream to slow cooker.
  4. Stir in cheeses and seasonings.
  5. Cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
  6. Serve once creamy and fully melted.

Notes

Keep on warm setting for serving to maintain creaminess.

Leave a Reply