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!
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.
Email Me This Recipe!
Need to save time? Have this article emailed straight to your inbox + sign up for all the latest recipes!
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding extras like cooked bacon, sautéed vegetables, diced ham, or breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
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.
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.
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.
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
- 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 TBSP of butter, cover and cook on LOW for 2-3 hours.
- It really is the best crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe for any family gathering!
More Easy Recipes We Love
Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Email this recipe!
Get this recipe emailed straight to your inbox!
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
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.
Did You Make This Recipe?
Make sure to share it with me below!
I make this all the time, a fave in our house, but I was wondering if you have ever mixed up ahead of time and baked in oven instead. Please let me know.
5 STARS !!!!!I will make this for years to come ! Good for T Giving ! Soooo creamy good !
Thanks for sharing your recipe.. It is so good.. Nice an cheesy and creamy.. My son loves it.. Very easy to make. I also tagged you on Instagram with a pic of the finished product.
This is an awesome recipe. My whole family loves it even my pickiest daughter enjoyed it. That’s a win in my books. Quick, easy just throw it together and forget about it for a couple hours.
Do u cook it on high or low ? Also can u use shredded cheese or do u need to use block cheese And shredded yourself for best results ? Thank you in advance
Block cheese is the best. Sometimes the pre shredded cheeses do not melt well. You want to cook it on LOW.
This looks so good! Do you have to cook the noodles prior?
Bekka, that is the only way I have made this recipe. I always use cooked noodles.