Easy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
You’re going to love this easy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese recipe! It has just 5 ingredients yet the spiral noodles hang on to every bit of the delicious cheese sauce!
I am having a slow cooker moment lately. We have been under a heat warning most days this summer and the thought of turning of the oven has be running for take-out! Not only does that get expensive, but it isn’t the healthiest either.
Making dinner in the slow cooker is so easy on the hot days and this delicious macaroni and cheese recipe is no exception. This slow cooker sweet and sour steak is another recipe that is in regular rotation on our meal plan! I’ve also been making this no-bake baked bean salad on repeat!
Another thing I love about this Mac and cheese recipe is that it only takes a couple of hours to cook. I can get in the slow cooker by 3 or 4 o’clock and supper is still ready in time!
Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients
- spiral (curly) noodles
- milk
- sour cream
- butter
- cheddar cheese
How to Make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Be sure to check out the full printable instructions and ingredient list below
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and add to slow cooker with milk, sour cream and melted butter, stir to combine. Add shredded cheese and fold in until thoroughly mixed. Cover and cook on low for about 2 to 3 hours, until cheese is melted.
Stir well and sprinkle with extra cheddar and a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper to serve.
Tips for the Perfect Result
- use freshly graded cheddar cheese as the pre shredded kind has a coating that can affect the creaminess
- use a blend of cheeses for extra flavour, such as old cheddar, mild white cheddar or Gruyere cheese
- you can substitute different types of pasta such as penne or shell pasta, anything that will hold the sauce nicely
It is definitely hearty enough to have as a main dish, but would also make a great side dish in a smaller serving!
In fact, Tim loudly proclaimed “this is the best mac and cheese you have ever made”!! How is that for a review!
If you are looking for a slow cooker macaroni and cheese that has minimal ingredients, is easy to make and packed with cheesy goodness I think you’re going to want to try this one! An easy, hearty 5 ingredient meal for any season!
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Easy Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 stock pot
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 16 ounce package spiral pasta
- 2 ¼ cups milk (I use 1%, but any milk is fine)
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- ½ cup butter, melted
- 4 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Add to slow cooker along with milk, sour cream and melted butter. Stir well to combine.
- Add shredded cheese and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 hours, until cheese is melted. Stir well to create a cheesy creamy sauce.
- Serve topped with extra shredded cheese, a bit of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh ground pepper.
YUM! I had to giggle as I was eating my lunch of mac and cheese while reading your post 🙂 You take such beautiful pictures, what type of camera do you use?
Thanks Lori!! I use a Nikon D3100 which is an entry level DSLR camera using the kit lens. I do have a new 50 mm lens on my Christmas wish list that is awesome for shooting a lot of food!
Oh yum, I make mac and cheese in my instant pot quickly, but now I have to try it as a slow cooker option. Saved!!
What a great way to make mac n cheese! It looks so creamy and cheesy!