Go Back
A bowl of creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a dollop of butter and sprinkling of bread crumbs.

Expert-Approved Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Tasty, creamy, and comforting mac and cheese made easy in the slow cooker. #slowcookerrecipes #macandcheese #comfortfood #dinner #familyfriendly #easyrecipes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Cook Time 3 hrs
Total Time 3 hrs 30 mins
Course Soup
Cuisine American
Servings 8

Equipment

  • Slow cooker, large pot, colander, spoon, measuring cups and spoons, whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni
  • 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened.
  • Meanwhile, cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain and set aside.
  • Add the cream cheese, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to the sauce. Cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to combine. Transfer the mac and cheese to the slow cooker and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  • Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours, or until the cheese is melted and the mac and cheese is hot and bubbly.
  • Sprinkle with the bread crumbs and serve.