Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese

No joke folks. This here recipe is THE BEST Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese you will find around. We are talking about melt in your mouth good!

The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese - FamilyFreshMeals.com Family Favorite Recipe

How to cook Macaroni and Cheese in the slow cooker.

I just learned a wonderful word: hygge. It’s Danish, and it’s pronounced sort of like “hoo-gah.” But what it means is more like “hug” – or like the feeling of a hug. You know, all warm and cozy and friendly and welcoming.

Anyway, it turns out hygge is a trend that’s really catching on in the USA. People in the know are skipping the hot night clubs and staying home, snuggled up in front of a fire in their jammies. They’re reading books, playing board games with friends…and eating comfort food. Because a crucial part of hygge is meals that give you that same warm and cozy glow.

The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese fits the new trend perfectly. It’s a bowl full of warm, creamy comfort: soft, chewy noodles swimming in a rich, cheesy sauce loaded up with sour cream, butter, and just a hint of garlic and mustard for zing. It’s the closest thing there is to a hug that you can eat. Never mind about the fireplace and the jammies. So long as you have a bowl of this in front of you, you’ve got the warm and cozy vibe down pat.

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Can I use a different type of pasta for this Crockpot Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! While shell pasta is used in this recipe, feel free to substitute it with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni noodles, penne, or cavatappi. Just ensure to cook the pasta al dente according to the package instructions.

Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?

Yes, if you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese. Both will provide a creamy texture to the dish.

Is it necessary to use both white and sharp cheddar cheese?

No, it’s not necessary, but using a combination of cheeses adds depth to the flavor. Feel free to use your favorite cheeses or whatever you have on hand, keeping in mind that each cheese will bring a different flavor profile to the dish.

Can I add any extras to the Mac and Cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extras like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, diced ham, or breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.

How do I store leftovers?

Store any of this cheesy macaroni in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

Can I cook this dish on the HIGH setting to save time?

Yes, you can cook the Mac and Cheese on HIGH to reduce the cooking time. However, be sure to check it frequently to avoid overcooking, as cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the dish. For the best results, it’s recommended to shred the cheese yourself.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Macaroni n Cheese Gluten-free?

Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the cheddar cheese soup and any added extras are also gluten-free.

  • Sour Cream: The Sour cream contributes to the creaminess and richness of the mac and cheese.
  • Cheddar Cheese Soup: This is a canned, condensed soup that is flavored with cheddar cheese. It acts as a base for the sauce, adding flavor and creaminess to the dish.
  • Garlic Salt: This adds a savory garlic flavor to the mac and cheese, enhancing the overall taste of the dish. Not a fan of garlic? You could also use onion powder instead. If you need to reduce sodium, you could also use garlic powder instead of garlic salt.
  • Milk: I used whole milk for this recipe, but if you are looking to reduce calories, you can use low-fat or 2% milk instead.
  • Dry Mustard: It adds a subtle sharpness and depth of flavor to the cheese sauce, balancing the richness of the dairy ingredients.
  • Pepper: This adds a mild heat and pungency to the dish, enhancing its flavor profile.
  • Butter: It adds richness, flavor, and a velvety texture to the mac and cheese.
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Using a combination of different cheddars, such as white cheddar and sharp cheddar, can add depth to the flavor. I have also used Monterey jack cheese. Have fun with your favorite cheeses

The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese

  1. Cook pasta according to package for al dente style.  Place cooked pasta in a 5-6qt slow-cooker.The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese - cooked pasta in slow cooker
  2. Mix in sour cream, can of soup, milk, garlic salt dry mustard and pepper. Mix until well combined.The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese - cream soup, milk and seasoning added into slow cooker
  3. Next add in shredded cheeses and gently stir again.The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese - shredded cheeses add to noodle mixture
  4. Top with 6 TBSP of butter, cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours.The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese - butter tabs added to the top of shredded cheese
  5. It really is the best crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe for any family gathering!
The Best Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Family Favorite Recipes
4.97 from 64 votes

Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Author Corey Valley
No joke folks. This here recipe is THE BEST Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese you will find around. We are talking about melt in your mouth good!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients
 

  • 12 oz box of shell pasta
  • 1/3 cup sour cream
  • 1 10 oz can cheddar cheese soup
  • 1/2 tsp garlic salt
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 TB butter – cut into 6 tabs
  • 4 cups of shredded cheese – I used 2 cups of white and 2 cups of sharp cheddar

Instructions

  • Cook pasta according to package for al dente style.
  • Place cooked pasta in a 5-6qt slow-cooker
  • Mix in sour cream, can of soup, milk, garlic salt dry mustard and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Next add in shredded cheeses and gently stir again.
  • Top with 6 TB of butter, cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 400kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 44mg | Sodium: 794mg | Potassium: 362mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 650IU | Calcium: 303mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Nutritional Disclaimer: Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

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58 Comments

  1. Gustavo Woltmann says:

    It’s about time to buy myself a crockpot! I have no idea why I still don’t have one, when there are amazing crockpot recipes after recipes showing up everywhere lately!

  2. 4 stars
    I dont have a crock pot. But will try this in oven..delish!!!

  3. 4 stars
    This was a pretty good recipe! I tried it on a lazy day and it was so so easy. The texture was amazing. Pretty thick and creamy.

    1. So glad you loved it Anne!

      1. Can I double this recipe in the crockpot and cook it longer?

        1. You sure can. Just make sure you have a large enough crockpot. You will not need to cook any longer.

  4. Is there any substitute for the cheddar soup? I am gluten free and can sub out the pasta for a GF version, but the soup is tricky…

    1. Could this be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you are ready to cook it?

  5. This recipe looks like it would taste much better than the boxed Macaroni and Cheese.

    1. Genevieve says:

      5 stars
      ANY thing does! This one is really good – and you can add veggies, bacon ,or whatever your family might like.

  6. Can you use prepared mustard instead of dry mustard? I have prepared and mustard seed, thoughts??? And could I Cook in less time on high instead of low?

    1. Genevieve says:

      5 stars
      I really wouldn’t. You risk the cheese separating and being unpleasant to eat. BUT – this can be made up over a day off, and used during the week,or even frozen in portion sizes. And yes, try the prepared, adding and tasting as you go, but dry mustard is not expensive and you WILL find ways to use it!

  7. Jessica Orlouski says:

    Can I double this recipe in the crockpot?

    1. Yes. I would make sure to use at least a 6qt crockpot for a double batch.

  8. If you double it is it still the same amount of cooking time

    1. Yes Linda, same time on this one.

  9. So, cooking the noodles and then them being in the milk in the crockpot doesn’t make them soggy? That is my only concern!

    1. Nope! Just creamy awesomeness. If you do like your noodles a little more firm, just make sure to cook your noodle al dente.

  10. Can I use elbow macaroni instead? Would I use a 16 oz box? I’m planning to double the recipe so I want to make sure I have the correct ratio. Thanks

    1. Yes you can use elbow macaroni. I would stick with the 12 oz of noodles.

      1. Is the butter salted or unsalted?