This is a recipe I’ve played around with a bit because my kids love it. Especially Kaitlyn. It’s quite simple to make and then you get the full effect of a creamy, homemade mac and cheese to enjoy!
The only real hands-on part is shredding the cheese, which is easy with a food processor. Of course, you could buy pre-shredded but generally speaking freshly shredded is going to melt much better for you.
Other than that, it’s just a simple mix together process, combining butter, evaporated milk, parmesan, whole milk, cheddar cheese, sour cream, Dijon, salt and pepper, and the macaroni then setting it on low slow cook. A few hours later you’re ready to enjoy a creamy homemade slow cooker mac and cheese meal!
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 imnutes
- Cook Time: 2.5 hours
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: serves 8
Description
This homemade slow cooker mac ‘n cheese is as easy as mix and cook on low, then serve. It’s a creamy crowd pleaser your family is going to love.
Ingredients
16 ounces elbow macaroni
4 Tbsp butter, melted
16 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided (4 1/2 c and 1/2 c)
2 ounces grated Parmesan (1/2 c)
12 ounces evaporated milk
5 c whole milk
1/3 c sour cream
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 c water
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
In your slow cooker, mix together melted butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, sour cream, Dijon mustard, water, salt, and pepper. Whisk together.
Then add in 4 1/2 c of the shredded cheddar and the Parmesan. Stir to combine.
Finally, pour in the elbow macaroni and slowly mix well until thoroughly combined. Flatter out the top layer with the back of your spoon.
Set your slow cooker to low (roughly 190 degrees) for 2.5 hours.
After 2.5 hours, sprinkle with remaining 1/2 c of cheddar cheese and recover until melted. Serve warm and enjoy!
Rbl says
so do you boil the macaroni before adding to the crockpot?
Brittany Dixon says
No! Just pour in the dry macaroni and it will cook in the process.
Ruby says
macaroni pre cooked ?
Brittany Dixon says
Not pre-cooked; just straight from the box. It will cook in the milk and cheeses.
Jy says
How do you prevent it from sticking to the crock pot, a common problem of mine.
Brittany Dixon says
I’ve heard you can spray the inside of the slow cooker with a nonstick spray. I don’t have issues with it sticking to the side, but I’m not sure if that’s because of the enamel lined cast iron or maybe mixing all the liquids up first?
Megan says
Don’t be dumb like me and try to use your 3 quart slow cooker, it won’t fit and will spill out! I just transferred it to the stovetop with a lid since that’s my only crockpot, excited to see how it turns out.
Brittany Dixon says
Oh no! Way to find a quick fix. Hope it turns out for you 🙂