Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

There’s nothing better than a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort, and this Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese delivers just that!

With its melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor, this dish is perfect for busy days when you want something that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Let your slow cooker work its magic and get ready to indulge in the ultimate cheesy goodness!

For Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese:

Elbow Macaroni – Use 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni. Make sure it’s very al dente for the perfect texture.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup – A 10.5 oz can will create a creamy base for the sauce.
Cheddar Cheese – 3 cups shredded. This cheese brings the classic mac and cheese flavor.
Gruyere Cheese – 1 cup shredded. If you don’t have this, you can substitute with more cheddar (4 cups total).
Mayonnaise – ½ cup to add creaminess and a slight tang.
Sour Cream – ½ cup for extra creaminess (regular or light works well).
Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon for a savory depth of flavor.
Dry Mustard Powder – ½ teaspoon adds a slight zing.
Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon to taste, bringing a touch of spice.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Looking for the ultimate comfort food? This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is a game-changer! With its irresistibly creamy texture and cheesy, melty goodness, it’s the perfect dish to satisfy your cravings with minimal effort.

Print Pin

Course: casserole, Main Course, Pasta, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 2

Total Time: 2 15

Servings: servings

Notes

Ingredients

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded gruyere cheese
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup sour cream (regular or light)
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, but stop when it’s very al dente. (Boil for 1-2 minutes less than directed, usually about 5 minutes).
Drain the macaroni and rinse with cold water to stop further cooking.
Add all ingredients into a 4-quart slow cooker.
Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 3 hours, stirring once or twice throughout the cooking process.
Once done, serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Pasta: Don't overcook the macaroni— it should remain firm. Rinsing the noodles helps prevent them from cooking further.
Cheese: Shred the cheese from a block, as pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well. If you don’t have gruyere, you can substitute with an extra cup of cheddar (for a total of 4 cups).
Slow Cooker Time: Cooking times may vary based on your slow cooker. Check the pasta a bit earlier to avoid overcooking.
Double Recipe: To make a larger batch, use a 6-quart crockpot. Cook on high for 2.5 hours, stirring after 1 hour and again after 2 hours. Stir quickly to retain heat inside the crockpot.
Make Ahead: You can prep the ingredients (except for the pasta) in advance. Cook the pasta beforehand, rinse, and cool it. When ready to cook, simply combine the pasta with the prepared sauce mixture in the slow cooker.
Oven Option: If you’re short on time, bake it instead! Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for 30 minutes covered, followed by 30 minutes uncovered.

Nutrition

Save

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just make sure you’re using a larger slow cooker (at least 6-quarts) and keep the cooking time the same. Stir every hour or so to ensure even cooking.

Should I cook the pasta before adding it to the slow cooker?

No need! Just make sure your pasta is very al dente before adding it. It will cook perfectly in the slow cooker and absorb all those creamy flavors.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While it’s convenient, freshly shredded cheese is better for a smoother, creamier texture. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that might affect the consistency of your sauce.

How do I avoid a gritty texture?

The key is using freshly shredded cheese. Avoid pre-shredded cheese, and give it time to melt fully in the slow cooker. If it feels a little gritty, let it sit for a bit to allow the cheese to fully blend into the sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare everything ahead of time except the pasta. Cook the pasta and mix it with the other ingredients right before you start the slow cooker. This ensures everything is perfectly fresh!