Crock pot mac and cheese with cream cheese and velveeta

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This crock pot mac and cheese is creamy and cheesy and oh so delicious! The best part of a crockpot macaroni and cheese dish is that it’s an easy recipe that won’t heat up your house. If you love mac and cheese this recipe is for you!

I love slow cooker recipes, because the slow cooker does the cooking while you are getting other stuff done! It is the perfect kitchen helper. Did you know you can make baked potatoes in the slow cooker? I also have a favorite slow cooker lasagna recipe that is a big hit at pot lucks.

This rich and creamy crock pot macaroni and cheese won’t disappoint. I am always asked for the recipe! How do you make slow cooker macaroni and cheese creamy? This recipe calls for two kinds of milk, which I think makes it extra rich and yummy.

This recipe is great comfort food to take to a friend in need, or a special treat to fill the bellies of little ones – even those picky eaters!  It tastes like you spent hours cooking it, but with the crock pot doing all of the work (3-4 hours), it will only take you a few minutes of cooking. It really is a great recipe!

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

You will cook the pasta first, but make sure the elbow macaroni is very al dente. It doesn’t take long – just 3- 4 minutes will do. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy.

Remember most all Crock Pots heat differently, so don’t be afraid to adjust the cooking time, and be sure to stir frequently (at least every 1/2 hours).  I use at least a 4 quart slow cooker.

While the original recipe cooks in a crock pot, you could also make this and place in a casserole dish and bake. I would try baking at 350 degrees until bubbly, and I would check at 20 or 30 minutes – don’t overcook. I haven’t cooked it this way, so if you do please let us know how it goes.

Your friends and family will be so pleased with this crock pot mac cheese recipe! They will be asking for it again and again.

Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe

We don’t eat a lot of Velveeta at our house, but it really works in this recipe. It helps to makes a super creamy cheese sauce. If you want to try some other mac and cheese recipes without Velveeta, you might like my stovetop macaroni and cheese and this one pot macaroni and cheese which is made with shredded cheddar cheeses.

I will say when making macaroni and cheese, grate your own cheese when time permits. Pre-shredded cheeses have chemicals added to them to keep them from sticking together in the bag, and these will make your dish less smooth.

Macaroni and cheese seems to be a staple dish in any household with children.  It is also a dish that when it is homemade, is often loved by adults too.  So keeping some dry macaroni, Velveeta cheese, and evaporated milk in the pantry will almost always ensure that you can create a loved-by-all homemade dish at a moment’s notice.

I think that every cook should have a mac and cheese recipe that they and those they love will enjoy eating!   It should be a dish that creates warm memories for your kids so that they will someday grow up and declare…”It’s just like my mom used to make” as they bite into some fancy mac and cheese dish at a fancy over-priced restaurant.

Can I keep mac and cheese warm in a Crock Pot?

When we have big family get-togethers, I tend to use my slow cooker as a serving dish right there on the buffet. Crockpot macaroni and cheese is a staple dish at our barbecues or football game parties, so I keep it warm and ready to go in the crock pot.

Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. It also goes great with everything from ham and burgers to fried chicken. You really can’t go wrong bringing some slow cooker mac and cheese to a get together.

To keep cooked macaroni and cheese warm in a crockpot, be sure the slow cooker is on warm. Occasionally stir to keep the macaroni from sticking together. Don’t hesitate to add a couple of tablespoons of milk to keep it creamy.

Can you reheat mac and cheese in a crock pot?

Can you reheat a macaroni and cheese dish in a crockpot? Yes, you can, and it will come out creamy and perfect if you add a little bit of liquid back into your dish to keep the cheese smooth.

When reheating the macaroni and cheese from the refrigerator, I always pour in a couple of tablespoons on milk before heating. Heat a couple of minutes before stirring. Continue heating on medium heat and adding milk (if needed) to keep the mac and cheese smooth and creamy.

Finish with salt and pepper to taste. If you are a garlic lover, you can also add just a dash of garlic powder to heighten the cheesy flavor, but a little goes a long way!

Can you put uncooked pasta in a crockpot?

Yes, you can cook pasta directly in your crockpot or slow cooker! This recipe calls for cooking the macaroni noodles for a few minutes first, but you can add uncooked pasta noodles directly in with your sauce and let it soften right there in the pot.

The crockpot basically cooks the noodles with the liquid of your sauce, so that means you’ll need enough liquid for the pasta to absorb it. I haven’t tested this method using this recipe, but if you plan to experiment, let us know in the comments what you try!

A little extra milk may be needed during the cooking if you put the noodles in dry. I’d also recommend using thicker noodles. Ziti or penne noodles, for example, will hold their firmness and texture longer than some smaller macaroni or shell noodles.

How do you make mac and cheese moist in a crock pot?

This recipe will make a moist mac and cheese. The secret to this recipe is using both regular milk (whole milk or 2% is best) and a can of evaporated milk! The evaporated milk will make your sauce so deliciously moist and creamy, not clumpy.

The best way to keep your mac and cheese moist is to keep the lid on while you’re serving it. I like to serve this dish right out of my crockpot on the buffet table. Yet another benefit of slow cooker recipes? You can transport them right in the pot and plug it up to warm for a potluck!

Can I double Crock Pot mac and cheese?

Yes, doubling this recipe is possible. Make sure you have a large crockpot, and stir frequently to keep the mixture loose and creamy.

What are your favorite mac and cheese ingredients?  Do you add anything special?  I know some people stir in cream cheese, sour cream, or prefer American cheese. Southern style mac and cheese even uses egg! Feel free to leave your ideas in the comments below if you have some tips.

Don’t be too harsh about this crock pot mac and cheese Velveeta style before you give it a chance! Typically the only time I even consider buying a processed cheese loaf is when we make cheese dip. I think you will notice I don’t even cook with canned soups.

But if you give it a try, I think you will love this crock pot mac n cheese. Everything in moderation!

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Put ingredients in your slow cooker and forget it until dinner time when you will enjoy creamy macaroni and cheese! YUM!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 3 hours

Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes

Servings 8

Calories 220 kcal

• 1 8 ounce pkg of macaroni cooked and drained
• 1 Tablespoon oil
• 1 13 ounce can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups milk
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 pound Velveeta cheese cut into cubes
• 1/4 cup melted butter

1. Toss cooked macaroni in 1 tablespoon oil. Add all remaining ingredients. Pour into lightly greased crock-pot. Stir well. Cook covered on low for 3 – 4 hours. Stir occasionally.

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Nutrition Facts

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese

Amount Per Serving

Calories 220 Calories from Fat 135

% Daily Value*

Fat 15g23%

Saturated Fat 8g50%

Cholesterol 43mg14%

Sodium 1260mg55%

Potassium 256mg7%

Carbohydrates 8g3%

Sugar 7g8%

Protein 12g24%

Vitamin A 810IU16%

Calcium 379mg38%

Iron 0.1mg1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

More Crock Pot Meals

Try making baked potatoes in the crock pot with this easy recipe.

No need to think lasagna needs to be hard this Crock Pot Lasagna recipe will be a winner with your family!

An all-time favorite meal is my Traditional Style Slow Cooker Chili.

Here are some great ways to cook chicken in the slow cooker.

How do I make Velveeta mac and cheese better?

Do you put eggs in crock pot mac and cheese?

Why is my crock pot mac and cheese grainy?

Can you put uncooked pasta in slow cooker?