Crockpot Mac & Cheese Recipe

Crockpot Mac & Cheese is the ultimate comfort food experience, transforming simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, and entirely irresistible dish. With its rich blend of cheeses, velvety milk and cream, a hint of spice, and perfectly cooked cellentani pasta, this slow-cooked classic is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, you’ll fall in love with how easy and hands-off this recipe is—with no sacrificing on flavor or that luscious, melty texture everyone adores.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Crockpot Mac & Cheese recipe matters—together, they create that magical harmony of taste and texture. Don’t skimp on the fresh cheeses; each one lends its own flair to the dish, while the mix of dairy ensures the sauce is ultra-creamy.

• 1 pound cellentani pasta: The corkscrew shape is perfect for catching all the cheesy goodness in every bite.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into the sauce for richness and helps with that silky texture.
• 4 ounces cream cheese: Essential for creaminess and helps the cheese sauce stay ultra-smooth.
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Brightens all the flavors—don’t forget to taste and adjust as needed.
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds just the right whisper of heat without overwhelming the dish.
• 3 cups whole milk: Plenty of liquid for the pasta to soak up, making the sauce luxuriously smooth.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream: The secret to decadence—this is what takes the sauce over the top.
• 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that classic mac and cheese tang and color.
• 1 cup freshly shredded pepper jack cheese: For a little melty kick and extra depth of flavor.

How to Make Crockpot Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prep Your Crockpot

Give the inside of your slow cooker a good spray with nonstick cooking spray or a light rub of butter. This simple step will prevent the Crockpot Mac & Cheese from sticking and makes cleanup much easier later. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself!

Step 2: Add Pasta and Dairy

Pour the cellentani pasta into your Crockpot, then top it with the cubes of butter and cream cheese. Add the kosher salt and cayenne pepper for flavor, then slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream. Give everything a gentle stir—just enough to ensure the pasta is coated and nothing is sticking in clumps.

Step 3: Top with Cheese and Start Cooking

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and pepper jack cheeses evenly on top of the pasta mixture. Set your slow cooker to low, pop on the lid, and let the magic happen for about 1 hour. No need to stir just yet; the cheeses will start melting into the sauce as everything gently warms up together.

Step 4: Stir and Continue Cooking

After an hour, open the lid and give everything a thorough stir, ensuring you scoop up from the bottom so all of the cheese gets well combined. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash more milk. Continue cooking for another 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the pasta is perfectly tender and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Serve While Hot

Once everything is done, give your Crockpot Mac & Cheese a final stir and serve right away while it’s at its creamy best. The sauce thickens as it cools, so dig in while it’s still melt-in-your-mouth luscious!

How to Serve Crockpot Mac & Cheese

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives is a simple way to add freshness and a pop of color. If you love texture, try a scattering of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits right before serving—both are heavenly on Crockpot Mac & Cheese.

Side Dishes

Balance out the cheesy richness with something crunchy or tangy. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette, tangy coleslaw, or roasted broccoli make perfect companions to Crockpot Mac & Cheese. It’s also fantastic alongside pulled pork or rotisserie chicken for a cozy dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Serving Crockpot Mac & Cheese at a gathering? Spoon it into individual ramekins or mugs for a fun twist (kids love this!), or top with shredded barbecue chicken for an over-the-top main course. For parties, try a mac and cheese bar with assorted mix-ins and garnishes so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Crockpot Mac & Cheese to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but a splash of milk when reheating does wonders to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze Crockpot Mac & Cheese, but it’s best eaten fresh for the silkiest sauce. If you do freeze it, let it cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe zip-top bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently and don’t overcook, as cheese sauces can break if heated too rapidly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Cellentani is fantastic for its shape and bite, but elbow macaroni, small shells, or rotini work great too. Just aim for a pasta that’s sturdy enough not to turn mushy in the Crockpot Mac & Cheese.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

Cream cheese makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth, but you can swap in mascarpone or even an extra splash of heavy cream. The texture will change slightly, but your Crockpot Mac & Cheese will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook everything a day ahead and gently reheat before serving, just add a little extra milk to keep things creamy and stir well before dishing up your Crockpot Mac & Cheese.

How can I make it spicier?

Increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes. Or, swap out the pepper jack for an even spicier cheese. Crockpot Mac & Cheese is very flexible, so feel free to turn up the heat!

Should the pasta be pre-cooked?

No need! The pasta cooks right in the slow cooker, soaking up all the milky, cheesy goodness as it goes. Easy cleanup and maximum flavor in every forkful—that’s the beauty of Crockpot Mac & Cheese.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it comfort meal, Crockpot Mac & Cheese is the answer. It couldn’t be easier and the payoff is pure, creamy bliss. Don’t wait too long to try this one—everyone at your table will be begging for seconds!

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