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Close-up shot of creamy mac and cheese served in a white bowl.

Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This creamy slow cooker mac and cheese combines sharp cheddar, American cheese, and tender elbow macaroni for a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect as a main or a side.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 688 kcal

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Box grater
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Mixing spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16-ounce block sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 ounces American cheese
  • 1 1-pound box dried elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 2 12-ounce cans evaporated milk
  • 1 1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Cheese: Grate the cheddar and American cheeses. If using American cheese slices, cut them into thin strips.
    Close-up shot of sharp cheddar cheese being grated on a box grater, alongside thinly sliced American cheese, all on a wooden cutting board near a bowl of uncooked elbow macaroni on the white marble cooktop
  • Set Up the Slow Cooker: Spray the crock of a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Combine Ingredients: Add uncooked macaroni, melted butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, dry mustard, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
    Close-up shot of uncooked elbow macaroni being added to the slow cooker with melted butter, evaporated milk, whole milk, dry mustard, and salt. The mixture is being stirred together with a wooden spoon over the white marble cooktop
  • Add Cheese: Stir in the grated cheddar and American cheeses until evenly distributed.
    Close-up shot of grated sharp cheddar cheese and sliced American cheese being stirred into the slow cooker filled with elbow macaroni and milk mixture. The ingredients are evenly distributed on the white marble cooktop
  • Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 1 hour. Stir well, then cover and cook for 1 additional hour, or until the pasta is tender.
  • Adjust Consistency: Switch the slow cooker to warm. If the sauce thickens too much, gradually stir in warm milk to adjust the consistency.
    Close-up shot of creamy mac and cheese cooking in the slow cooker on the white marble cooktop. A wooden spoon is stirring the tender elbow macaroni in the rich, cheesy sauce. A pitcher of warm milk is nearby for adjusting the consistency.
  • Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper if desired, and serve immediately.
    Close-up shot of creamy mac and cheese served in a white bowl.