Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is rich, creamy, and so easy to make! This is a set it and forget it meal. Make it for a family favorite dinner, potluck, or a side for Thanksgiving when you're short on oven space. Just 5 ingredients (plus a few basic spices) and only a few minutes of prep time. Cooking the noodles in milk and evaporated milk makes this pasta extra rich and creamy.

You can't beat making a classic Mac and Cheese! But if you want to try a spicy version, check out this recipe for Jalapeño Bacon Mac and Cheese.

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• Ingredients You'll Need:
• Tips and Frequently Asked Questions:
• Recipe
• Reviews

Ingredients You'll Need:

• Elbow Macaroni Pasta - or another short shaped pasta.
• Butter - I prefer unsalted so I can control the salt, but you can use salted butter as well.
• Milk - This provides the bulk of the liquid that cooks the pasta. You can use whatever you have in your fridge! Whole fat, 2%, or nonfat skim.
• Evaporated Milk - Makes it extra rich.
• Sharp White Cheddar Cheese - you can substitute a different cheese as well - such as in this Gouda Mac and Cheese! I buy the blocks and grate it myself because it melts better than buying the pre-shedded bags.
• Paprika, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder - adding these simple spices adds just the right amount of flavor and elevates this recipe!
• Salt and Pepper

Tips and Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of pasta should I use?

I prefer to use regular, white pasta. My favorite is elbow macaroni but you could also use a different short noodle such as medium shells, mini penne, or farfalle.

What is evaporated milk? What does it do in this recipe?

Evaporated milk is an easy thing to keep in your pantry. Evaporated milk is essentially milk that has been heated so some of the water evaporates. The result is a dense, creamy, concentrated milk. Using it in this recipe results in a rich and creamy Mac & Cheese.

What size of crock pot should be used?

Pictured is a 4qt slow cooker and it fits perfectly. I recommend using a 4qt or larger.

Can this be made in the Instant Pot?

Yes! I actually have a separate Instant Pot Mac and Cheese post with instructions but it uses similar ingredients.

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