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The Magical Slow Cooker » Recipes » Pasta » Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

by Sarah Olson on March 25, 2019 | Updated September 29, 2022 88 Comments

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Images of mac and cheese with text overlay of what the ingredients are.
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This Easy Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese has tender pasta, cream cheese and sharp cheddar, a recipe you’ll want to make every week!

large elbow macaroni with cheese in an oval slow cooker.

As I am writing up this recipe for you I am dreaming about making it again this week! This mac and cheese is ultra creamy and a family favorite.

I use two types of cheese in this and cream cheese to thicken the sauce, no need for a flour and butter roux to make this.

Cooked macaroni noodles, cream cheese and cheddar cheese before cooked in a slow cooker.

Should I boil the noodles?

Yes! The slow cooker does not get hot enough, fast enough to properly cook noodles. You will be left with a chalky mess if you do not boil the noodles.

a  pot with food in it, with Slow cooker

How to make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese:

You will need these ingredients:

  • Dried elbow noodles (we will cook them in first step on the stove-top)
  • Cream cheese
  • Sharp cheddar
  • White sharp cheddar
  • Milk
  • Salt and pepper

That’s it! May not be the healthiest meal but at least it has real ingredients.

Mac and cheese cooked in a slow cooker with wooden spoon on the side.

Directions:

  • Start by boiling the noodles as directed on the package. Do not cook a minute longer. Get other ingredients ready while pasta cooks.
  • After draining pasta add it to the slow cooker while it’s still hot and add remaining ingredients. Stir.
serving mac and cheese cooked in a slow cooker with a wooden spoon.

How long to cook:

Add the lid and set the slow cooker to High. Cook for 2 hours. Stirring occasionally.

close up of cooked macaroni and cheese in a slow cooker with spoon in it.

What to serve this with:

  • Sliced garden tomatoes
  • Slow Cooker Ribs
  • Any type of grilled meat
  • Garden salad with dressing
  • Fresh fruit
  • Steamed veggies

I think your family will enjoy this recipe as much as mine does. Enjoy!

cooked mac and cheese in a slow cooker.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

4.79 from 90 votes
Ultra creamy mac and cheese made with cream cheese and sharp cheddar!
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 732kcal
Author: Sarah Olson

Equipment Needed:

  • Slow Cooker Size: 4 quart or larger

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried elbow noodles, large or small (see instructions on how to prepare)
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

For topping:

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheese (optional)
US Customary – Metric

Instructions:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions on the stove top and not any longer. Get other ingredients ready while pasta cooks
  • Drain the pasta immediately after done cooking and add to the slow cooker add remaining ingredients and stir.
  • Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours. Stir the pasta twice during this cooking time, once at the hour mark and then and the 1.5 hour mark. Be gentle when you stir.
  • When the cooking time is up add more cheese on top, add the lid and let melt for 5-10 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy!
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How to Video:

Recipe Notes:

Different types of cheese are fine to use in this recipe! Use what you like best. I prefer to use cheese that I grate by hand not pre-shredded for a very creamy sauce.
Nutritional Values are approximate. Please use your own calculations if you require a special diet. Recipe values are for 1/6 of the recipe.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 732kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 47g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Cholesterol: 148mg | Sodium: 1062mg | Potassium: 355mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1585IU | Calcium: 818mg | Iron: 1.4mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

Made this recipe?I want to see your photos! Tag me on Instagram @themagicalslowcooker

Do you love this recipe? Try another of my slow cooker recipes that have pasta:

  • Slow Cooker Pesto Mozzarella Chicken Pasta
  • Slow Cooker Chicken Penne
  • Slow Cooker Baked Spaghetti
  • Slow Cooker Jalapeno Mac and Cheese
  • Slow Cooker Cajun Chicken Fettuccine 

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    Filed Under: Pasta, Side Dishes

    Comments

    1. Summer Forrester says

      November 22, 2022 at 7:55 pm

      Hi! Not sure if my previous inquiry posted or not.. but I made this tonight to take to work day after tomorrow for a Thanksgiving potluck. Any tips on rewarding it?? Thanks!

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 22, 2022 at 8:20 pm

        I replied below.

        Reply
    2. Summer Forrester says

      November 22, 2022 at 4:33 pm

      I’m making this to take to work for all the nurses on Thanksgiving (day after tomorrow) so I need to make it ahead of time. How do you recommend I rewarm it without it burning?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 22, 2022 at 5:26 pm

        I think it would dry up being reheated in the slow cooker. Could everyone reheat individual servings in the microwave?

        Reply
    3. Brianna Tantimonaco says

      November 7, 2022 at 3:55 pm

      Can you freeze this?

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        November 7, 2022 at 9:35 pm

        I don’t see why not!

        Reply
    4. Stephanie Kondos says

      September 11, 2022 at 10:44 am

      I am unable to rate recipe as I have not tried it yet. My question; is milk safe to cook with in a crock pot? I read that it can separate and become a grainy mess. I have cooked with cream cheese in a crock pot and the jury is still out on that… With dairy, it just concerns me. We are doing a vacation but will be doing all the cooking ourselves (me). Lol. I don’t want to spend my vacation cooking, so I am looking for some easy crock pot meals/sides. This sounds good. I will rate once I have tried this. 🙂

      Reply
      • Sarah Olson says

        September 11, 2022 at 1:06 pm

        This has such a short cook time it doesn’t have time to seperate.

        Reply
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