Name: Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 150 min
Total time: 155 min
Ingredients: 16 ounces Macaroni Noodles; 12 ounces Evaporated Milk; 2 cups Whole Milk; 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded); 8 ounces Cream Cheese; 4 tbsp Butter; 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt; 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper

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This Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese is the comfort food shortcut you didn’t know you needed. It’s rich, ultra-creamy, and so easy, you barely have to lift a finger. Made with real cheese, elbow macaroni, and a touch of cream cheese for that silky, luscious finish, it’s the perfect side dish for holidays, potlucks, or lazy weekends.

Overhead image of Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese in a light pink bowl

Why You’ll Love This Crazy Comforting Side Dish

Dump-and-go. No need to babysit the stove. Just toss everything in the slow cooker.
Creamiest ever. Cream cheese melts into the sauce, giving it a smooth, dreamy texture.
No boiling pasta first! The noodles cook right in the sauce, soaking up all that cheesy goodness.
Great for feeding a crowd. This makes enough for a party, BBQ, or family dinner night.

Whether you’re making dinner on a busy weeknight or serving a side dish for your next holiday meal, this is the kind of recipe that always disappears fast.

Is Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese Good?

Think rich, buttery, creamy cheddar with a subtle tang from the cream cheese. It’s smooth and comforting, with tender pasta in every bite. Each spoonful delivers warm, cheesy bliss that rivals any stovetop or baked version.

Can You Put Cream Cheese In A Slow Cooker?

Yes, contrary to what you may have heard, you can absolutely put cream cheese in a slow cooker! In fact, it’s a common ingredient in many creamy slow cooker recipes. It melts down into a delightfully creamy addition to mac and cheese, buffalo chicken dip, and a variety of soups. Cream cheese melts down beautifully over low heat, creating a rich, velvety texture.

Ingredients To Grab

Ingredients needed to make Slow Cooker mac and Cheese

Elbow Macaroni– The classic pasta choice. Cooks perfectly in the slow cooker and holds onto the cheese sauce.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese– Brings bold, cheesy flavor and melts into a gooey base.
Cream Cheese– Adds extra creaminess and helps stabilize the sauce so it doesn’t get grainy.
Milk– Thins out the sauce just enough to let everything cook smoothly. Whole milk is best for richness.
Evaporated Milk– Helps create a thick, velvety texture without curdling.
Butter– Adds buttery depth and richness.
Salt & Pepper– Just enough seasoning to highlight all the cheesy flavor.

How To Make Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese With Cream Cheese

Ingredients for mac and cheese stirred together in a slow cooker

Add to the slow cooker. Pour the dry macaroni, shredded cheese, chunks of cream cheese, evaporated milk, milk, and butter into the slow cooker. Give everything a stir.

Crockpot with the cooking dial turned to LOW

Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 1½ to 2½ hours. Stir every 30-45 minutes to prevent sticking and help the cheeses melt evenly.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese in a Crockpot with a serving spoon

Check and stir. Once the noodles are tender and the cheese sauce is thick and creamy, give it a good final stir. If it seems too thick, add a splash of warm milk.

A bowl of mac and cheese next to a slow cooker full of it

Serve warm. Spoon straight from the slow cooker and enjoy that ooey-gooey goodness!

Tips And Tricks

Making mac and cheese in the crockpot couldn’t be easier, but these tips help ensure it comes out perfect every time:

Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy and clumpy. Shredding your own prevents this from happening.
Stir often. It helps prevent the noodles from clumping or sticking to the bottom. It also allows you to check doneness so you don’t overcook your pasta.
Don’t overcook. Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce is creamy, turn the slow cooker to warm. If you’re using this recipe for meal prep, take any you’re not eating immediately out and portion it so it doesn’t continue to cook.
Use full-fat dairy. This is comfort food. Don’t be afraid to use the good stuff.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Try one of these fun twists to keep this in your weekly rotation without it becoming boring:

Add protein. Stir in cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham for a heartier version.
Go spicy. Mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne.
Try different cheeses. Monterey Jack, Gouda, or white cheddar are all great options.
Breadcrumb topping. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs on top and pop under the broiler for a golden finish (make sure you transfer it to an oven-safe dish first).

What To Enjoy With Slow Cooker Mac And Cheese

Whether you’re serving this perfectly creamy pasta as a side at a holiday meal, potluck, or weeknight dinner, here are some delicious ideas to round out your plate:

BBQ Pulled Pork– The smoky, tangy flavor of pulled pork balances out the creaminess of the mac perfectly.
Fried Chicken– Crispy, golden fried chicken adds the perfect texture contrast.
Grilled or Roasted Veggies– Try roasted broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for a fresh and savory addition.
Meatloaf– A classic comfort pairing that never fails.

How Long Does It Last?

Slow cooker mac and cheese with cream cheese will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days when stored properly. Once cooled, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate.

To reheat your leftovers, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

Can You Freeze It?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can also freeze it for longer storage, though the texture may change slightly after thawing due to the dairy content. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 2 months for the best flavor and quality.

To reheat, defrost the mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat using the methods listed above.

More Of My Best Pasta Recipes

If you love this Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on social media so they can try it too! Don’t forget to save it so you can make it again next time you need the perfect side to bring to a potluck.