BEST crockpot Mac and cheese!

1. Cook the Pasta (Optional)
   You can cook the pasta before adding it to the crockpot, but one of the best things about this recipe is that you can cook the pasta directly in the slow cooker! This saves you time and makes clean-up easier.

If you prefer to cook the pasta separately:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions, until al dente.
Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce in the crockpot.
If you’re cooking the pasta in the crockpot (the method we recommend for simplicity):

Add 1 ½ cups of water to the bottom of your crockpot along with the uncooked elbow macaroni. This will help the pasta cook as it slow-cooks.

2. Assemble the Ingredients
   In your slow cooker, add the uncooked pasta (if you’re cooking it directly in the crockpot), the evaporated milk, whole milk, and sour cream. Mix everything together so that the pasta is coated with the milk mixture.

Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Follow this with the cubed butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and give everything a gentle stir to combine.

3. Slow Cook the Mac and Cheese
   Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook the mac and cheese on low for 2 to 3 hours. Check the mac and cheese after about 1.5 hours to make sure the pasta is cooking properly, especially if you’re cooking the pasta directly in the crockpot. Stir the mixture occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the cheese is melting evenly.

If you notice that the mixture is getting too thick or drying out, feel free to add a little extra milk (a few tablespoons at a time) to achieve the desired consistency.

4. Add Extra Cheese and Stir
   Once the mac and cheese is fully cooked and creamy, stir everything to make sure the cheese is fully melted and evenly distributed. If you like your mac and cheese extra cheesy, add a bit more shredded cheddar cheese at this point and stir it in. Let the cheese melt into the casserole for about 5 minutes before serving.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Once your mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with flavor, it’s ready to serve! You can top it with a little extra cheese for some meltiness, or add some extra seasonings like a sprinkle of paprika or a dash of hot sauce if you like a bit of heat. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for added color.

Tips for the Best Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the creamiest mac and cheese, be sure to use full-fat dairy, including whole milk, sour cream, and the butter. Evaporated milk adds richness that regular milk can’t quite match.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of your mac and cheese. For the smoothest, creamiest sauce, shred your own cheese.
Monitor Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the mac and cheese as it cooks. Depending on your slow cooker, it may cook a little faster or slower. Start checking at 2 hours to make sure it’s not drying out. If it looks a bit thick, add a splash of milk and stir.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: If you’re cooking the pasta directly in the crockpot, be careful not to overcook it. You want it to be tender but not mushy. Stir it occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Customize Your Mac and Cheese: This recipe is a great base, but feel free to get creative! Add in some cooked bacon bits, sautéed onions, garlic, or even some fresh spinach for extra flavor and texture.
Make Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese the night before by assembling everything in the crockpot, then refrigerating it overnight. When you’re ready to cook it, just set the crockpot on low and let it cook for 2 to 3 hours.
Variations to Try
Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the recipe for a bit of heat. You could even throw in some diced jalapeños for an extra spicy kick!
Bacon Mac and Cheese: Crispy bacon adds a smoky, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. Simply cook the bacon, crumble it, and stir it into the mac and cheese before serving.
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add shredded rotisserie chicken and buffalo sauce for a spicy, hearty twist on your mac and cheese.
Vegetable Mac and Cheese: Stir in some steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted cauliflower to add some veggies to the mix without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the perfect comfort food that requires minimal effort and delivers maximum satisfaction. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a weeknight meal, this creamy, cheesy dish is sure to be a favorite. The best part? It’s completely customizable, so you can tailor it to your personal taste with add-ins and seasonings.

So, grab your crockpot, assemble the ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the creamiest, most delicious mac and cheese you’ve ever had. Perfect for any occasion and sure to become a family favorite!