10/03/2026
Slow Cooker Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients
· 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked just under al dente
· 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
· 1 ½ cups whole milk
· ½ cup heavy cream
· ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
· 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
· 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (or 4 oz cream cheese)
· 1 teaspoon salt
· ½ teaspoon black pepper
· ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (plus extra for garnish)
· ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
2. In the slow cooker, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, heavy cream, melted butter, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and dry mustard powder (if using).
3. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cubed Velveeta (or cream cheese) to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Add the cooked macaroni to the slow cooker and stir well until the pasta is fully coated in the milky mixture.
5. Cover and cook on LOW for 1 ½ to 2 hours, stirring every 20–30 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom and to ensure the cheese melts evenly.
6. Once the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is thick, creamy, and glossy, turn the slow cooker to the WARM setting.
7. Garnish with an extra dusting of smoked paprika and black pepper. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 2 hours 10 minutes
💡 Pro Tips:
· Avoid Mushy Pasta: Do not overcook the macaroni on the stove. Cooking it 2 minutes less than the package directions ensures it finishes cooking perfectly in the slow cooker without turning into mush.
· The Secret to Creaminess: Evaporated milk is the secret weapon for slow cooker macaroni and cheese. It withstands heat much better than regular milk and prevents the sauce from curdling or separating.
· Cheese Choices: For that perfect, glossy cheese pull shown in the photo, a combination of sharp cheddar for flavor and Velveeta (or cream cheese) for ultimate meltability is key. Avoid pre-shredded bagged cheese, as the anti-caking agents prevent smooth melting.
· Stirring is Key: Because slow cookers heat from the bottom, you must stir the macaroni every 20–30 minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking and burning on the bottom.