Using only 5 ingredients, you can make yourself a delicious and creamy mac and cheese in your slow cooker with cream cheese, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, evaporated milk, and elbow macaroni.

To make Mac and Cheese in your slow cooker or crockpot, just toss all the ingredients except the macaroni into the cooker. Cook on high for an hour, then stir in the cooked macaroni and let it finish for another 45 minutes.

Isn’t it amazing how 5 basic ingredients can create such a fantastic dish? Try making this recipe and let us know what you think by commenting below! It’s simple, delicious, and perfect for any meal.

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5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Ingredients

• 8 oz (227g) cream cheese
• 2 1/2 cups (590 ml) milk
• 4 cups (1 lb or 454g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 12 oz (340g) can evaporated
• 1 lb (454g) elbow macaroni

How To Make 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by adding the cream cheese, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and evaporated milk into the crockpot. Ensure all ingredients are well distributed.
2. Cook to Combine Flavors: Set your slow cooker on high and let the cheese mixture cook for 1 hour. This allows the flavors to blend seamlessly.
3. Cook the Macaroni: While the cheese mix is cooking, prepare the elbow macaroni separately as per the package’s directions until al dente.
4. Combine Pasta and Cheese Mixture: After the cheese has melted and mixed for an hour, stir in the cooked macaroni. Continue cooking for another 45 minutes to let everything meld together.
5. Final Stir: Give the mixture one final stir to ensure it’s smooth and creamy. This helps achieve the perfect consistency for your mac and cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve up the creamy, cheesy goodness straight from the slow cooker. Enjoy it piping hot!

How can I prevent the macaroni from getting too soft?

The key to not ending up with mushy pasta is to cook your macaroni al dente before adding it to the slow cooker. It’s going to soak up flavor and soften up a bit more as it finishes cooking in the cheesy goodness.

Recipe Tips

• Boost the creaminess: To make your mac and cheese even creamier, consider adding a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
• Avoid overcooking: Keep an eye on your mac and cheese, especially during the last half hour; overcooking can lead the pasta to become mushy and the cheese to separate.
• Stir occasionally: Give the mac and cheese a gentle stir every now and then during cooking to ensure the cheese is evenly distributed and doesn’t stick to the bottom.
• Add a crunchy topping: Before serving, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter over the top for a delightful crunch that contrasts the creamy texture.

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy: Kick things up a notch by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture before cooking; it’ll give your dish a nice heat that sneaks up on you!
• Go gluten-free: Substitute the elbow macaroni with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold up in the slow cooker.
• Add some protein: Stir in some cooked, chopped bacon, grilled chicken, or even lobster chunks for a richer, more satisfying meal that can stand as a full dinner.
• Experiment with cheeses: Don’t hesitate to mix different types of cheese; try combinations like Gouda and Monterey Jack or add some blue cheese for a bold flavor twist.

What To Serve With Mac and Cheese

Serve your Mac and Cheese with roasted Brussels sprouts, caramelized onion focaccia, tangy apple coleslaw, spicy pickled carrots, and a fresh arugula salad.

You can also pair it with sautéed green beans and crispy bacon bits for extra flavor.

How To Store Leftover Mac and Cheese

In The Fridge:

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container to keep it fresh. Place it in the coldest part of your refrigerator. This method will maintain its quality for up to 3 days.

In The Freezer:

Mac and cheese can be stored in the freezer, but it’s best consumed fresh. If you choose to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume it within 2 months for the best quality.

How To Reheat Leftover Mac and Cheese

Reheat your leftover mac and cheese by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and covering it lightly. Heat it on high for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warmth.

Alternatively, you can reheat it in a saucepan over medium heat until thoroughly warmed.

Check out More Slow Cooker Recipes:

• Bored of Lunch Garlic Mac and Cheese Slow Cooker
• Slow Cooker 3 Ingredient Mac And Cheese
• Bored of Lunch’s Chilli Con Carne Macaroni Melt