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Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Crockpot mac and cheese cooks in a 6-quart slow cooker for a creamy, smooth sauce around tender elbow macaroni. Cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and Monterey Jack make this comforting stovetop-free dinner rich and cheesy.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Standing time 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 665
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt divided
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt remaining amount, divided
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 4 qt water
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded

Equipment

  • 1 6-quart slow cooker

Method
 

  1. Add the evaporated milk, whole milk, cream cheese, butter, dry mustard, garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  2. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 hour or HIGH for 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through, until the cream cheese is very soft.
  3. Bring the water and remaining 1 tablespoon salt to a boil in a large pot.
  4. Add the macaroni, cook according to package directions until al dente, and drain.
  5. Whisk the slow-cooker mixture until smooth, then stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack.
  6. Cover and cook on LOW for 15–20 minutes or HIGH for 10–15 minutes, stirring once, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Stir the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce, cover, and cook on LOW for 10–15 minutes or HIGH for 5–10 minutes, stirring once, until hot and creamy.
  8. Let stand uncovered for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For the smoothest sauce, shred the cheeses fresh if possible. Refrigerate leftovers for 3–4 days; freezing is not recommended because the sauce may become grainy. For a lactose-free variation, use lactose-free milk and cheeses where available.