A deliciously creamy crockpot mac and cheese is like a hug from the inside and this slow cooker macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food.
Rather than pre-cooking the pasta (it'll be overcooked in the slow cooker), wash the dry macaroni in cold water. This will get rid of some of the starch.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese
Spray the bottom of the crockpot with oil so the mac and cheese doesn't stick during cooking.
Layer the macaroni on the bottom of the pan. Add the seasoning, then the cream and milk. Add the shredded cheese.
Mix until combined and the pasta is completely covered in the cheesy sauce. Add the cubes of butter.
Cook
Place the lid. Cook the mac and cheese on LOW for up to an hour, removing the lid every so often to stir the mixture.
Depending on how soft you want your pasta, you can adjust your cooking time. The pasta should be tender and the sauce thick and creamy.
Making ahead and reheating
To make ahead: Follow the mac and cheese recipe as usual, but slightly undercook the pasta. You may need to add a little milk to loosen the sauce and cook for a few extra minutes to get it piping hot. If you're planning to keep it for longer, consider freezing it and label with the date. Mac and cheese can be frozen for 2-3 months. To Reheat: Allow the frozen mac and cheese to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. If refrigerated, you can reheat directly. Heat in the microwave in 30-60 second bursts, stirring between, and add a splash of milk for creaminess, if needed. You can also reheat in the oven - transfer to a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and bake at a low temperature until cooked through. Alternatively, heat it slowly on the stovetop while stirring. Add some milk to maintain creaminess.
Notes
Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese might seem convenient, but often, you’re getting more than just 100% cheese. It can often make the mac and cheese taste gritty and change the texture of the dish. I recommend investing in a high-speed shredder or a normal grater and making your own at home. It’s cheaper to buy bigger blocks of cheese and you can experiment with more varieties.
Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on how you like your pasta, you can adjust the amount of time this spends cooking. For more al dente, you can stop before the 1hr mark, or, for softer pasta, you can keep it cooking for longer. Remember to taste test or use a fork to determine the softness of the pasta before serving.