Name: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 195 min
Total time: 210 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces dry elbow macaroni pasta; 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk; 1 ½ cups milk ((I used 2%)); ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon seasoned salt ((such as Lawry’s brand)); Dash of pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; 16 ounces (about 4 cups) grated cheddar cheese (mild or sharp is fine), divided; Optional garnish: paprika; chopped fresh parsley

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The easiest, most delicious Southern side dish recipe: Crock Pot Mac and Cheese! This simple combination of milk, cheese, butter, pasta and eggs pairs beautifully with just about any meal -- from a summer barbecue picnic to a Thanksgiving feast. Enjoy this comfort food all year long!

Close up front shot of crock pot macaroni and cheese recipe on a plate with a fork

Few dishes rival macaroni and cheese when it comes to popular sides. Whether you like it with elbow pasta or rotini, cheddar or Velveeta, this versatile and easy recipe is a crowd-pleasing option for any occasion!

Where did this simple Crock Pot Mac and Cheese recipe come from?

I had never really considered using my slow cooker for macaroni and cheese until my friend Jackie introduced me to this version. She originally found the recipe in one of those local self-published cookbooks that the high school students put together as a fundraiser.

I made Jackie's recipe from that little cookbook a couple of times, and ultimately decided that I needed to share it here. When I went to compare it to other slow cooker mac and cheese recipes online, I realized that it's almost identical to Trisha Yearwood's Crock Pot Mac and Cheese. As a result, I give full credit to Trisha Yearwood, and I assume that the high school cookbook simply adapted her original. Either way, I can assure you that this Southern treat is absolutely delicious!

Close up front shot of bowl of crock pot macaroni and cheese

How to make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese:

You only need a handful of basic ingredients for this easy mac and cheese recipe:

Elbow macaroni
Milk
Evaporated milk
Cheddar cheese
Eggs
Butter
Salt, pepper and seasoned salt

Ingredients for crock pot mac and cheese

First, boil the pasta just until it's al dente (or still slightly firm). I usually cook it about 1 minute less than the instructions on the box, since the macaroni will continue to cook in the Crock Pot later. Drain the pasta.

Cooked elbow macaroni draining in colander

While the pasta cooks, prepare the rest of the ingredients. I like to hand-grate a block of cheddar because I find that the block of cheese melts smoother than the pre-shredded bags of cheese that you can buy at the store.

Grating block of cheddar cheese on a cutting board

Then it's just a matter of stirring together all of the ingredients in the slow cooker, but remember to reserve ½ cup of cheese to sprinkle on top. So easy, right?!

The Crock Pot Mac and Cheese cooks on LOW for 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Front shot of macaroni and cheese in a Crock Pot

This macaroni and cheese sets up really well and can be sliced into squares or spooned into bowls. Garnish with paprika and fresh parsley, if desired!

Close up shot of bowl of Crock Pot Mac and Cheese with fork in it

What to serve with Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese:

This easy side dish pairs perfectly with a variety of meals. Try serving it alongside:

Grilled Steak
Root Beer Barbecue Chicken {Crock Pot or Instant Pot}
Slow Cooker Beef Barbecue
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork
Crispy Southern Fried Catfish
or include it in your Thanksgiving feast alongside all of your favorite sides and this Garlic & Herb Roast Turkey

Cook's Tips and Recipe Variations:

Can you cook Crock Pot Mac and Cheese on HIGH? Yes, you can cook this mac and cheese on the "HIGH" setting for about 90 minutes, but remember: all Crock Pots cook at slightly different temperatures. If you have a slow cooker that runs hotter than average, it may be done sooner. Similarly, a Crock Pot that cooks at a lower temperature may take a bit longer. Just keep your eye on it and be sure that you don't overcook the pasta.
Can I make Crock Pot Mac and Cheese the night before? To prep the mac and cheese in advance, I recommend boiling the pasta the night before (and rinse it under cold water after draining to remove some of the starch and prevent sticking). Keep the cooked macaroni in the refrigerator overnight, along with the grated cheese and other ingredients. When ready to start cooking the next day, add all of your prepared ingredients to the slow cooker insert as instructed below!
How to reheat Crock Pot Mac and Cheese: you can reheat the macaroni and cheese in the slow cooker on the "WARM" setting.
This recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but you can also use any combination of cheeses that you prefer. My boys love mild cheddar, but adding some sharp cheddar, pepper jack, gouda, white cheddar, gouda, fontina, gruyere or even Velveeta would also be delicious.
Try substituting rotini pasta for the elbow macaroni.

Piece of crock pot mac and cheese on a blue and white plate with a bite on a fork

More easy macaroni and cheese recipes that you might enjoy:

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