Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (2024)

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By Aunt Lou 28 Comments

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This Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac ‘n Cheese is incredibly easy to make and will have you reminiscing about the yummy mac ‘n cheese your grandma used to make. So good!

Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (1)

Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (2)

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Aunt Lou here.

In case you guys haven’t noticed, I like mac ‘n cheese A LOT. I love trying out new recipes or making up my own. Sometimes I am in the mood for a creamy mac ‘n cheese, other times I want a super cheesy one and other times I want one tastes like a baked mac ‘n cheese. So when I saw this Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac ‘n Cheese in Gooseberry Patch’s Everyday Slow Cooker, I knew it was going to be on the menu.

Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (3)
Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (4)

Table of Contents

Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac ‘n Cheese Notes:

  • If you are a beginner, you can totally cRock this recipe! It is super easy and a great one to try out your crock pot skills on. The one thing to always remember is to watch a recipe closely the first time you make it so that you will know how your particular slow cooker cooks a recipe. Doing this will keep you from over-cooking or under-cooking this recipe and others and will help boost your confidence so that you won’t be intimidated by any recipe!
  • I really like the sides to brown up, so I let my Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac ‘n Cheese stay in a little longer than it had to. If you don’t like the browned sides, you can take it out earlier.
  • For this yummy recipe, I used my newHamilton Beach Multi-Quart Slow Cookeron the 4-quart setting. If you don’t have one yet, you can use a 4-5 quart slow cooker.

Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (5)
Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (6)

Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (7)

Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese

This recipe is sure to please at the dinner table!

4.99 from 61 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes

Servings: 6 -8 servings

Author: Aunt Lou

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Put everything except your tomatoes in a large bowl and gently stir until well combined

  • Lightly spray your crock pot with cooking spray

  • Pour your mac 'n cheese mixture into your crock pot

  • Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours

  • If desired, sprinkle servings with your quartered grape tomatoes

Tried this recipe?Mention @RecipesthatCrock or tag #RecipesthatCrock!

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Aunt Lou

I'm wife to Michael (not Mikey 😉 ) and mom to Mr. Ryder and Miss Iyla. I'm just walking through this life step by step focusing on enjoying the little things in life. I am in awe of the many blessings big and small I receive daily from a pretty amazing God who calls me His own. Sometimes life is crazy and messy, but I am loving every minute of it.

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Comments

  1. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (10)Andrea G says

    Has anyone tried to double this recipe? If so, how did it turn out? Thanks in advance

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (11)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (12)
      I have not tried doubling the recipe, but if I did, I would use a 6-8 quart crock pot. As for the cooking time, I would start watching it around the 3-4 hour mark. With the larger crock pot size, I would assume the time should be about the same, but watch it closely the first time you make it to adjust the cooking time as needed for your specific slow cooker. If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out! Enjoy!

  2. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (13)Helen says

    Hey Lou! I was wondering if you and Cris could convert this and other recipes to using uncooked noodles? I love and other recipes you have, but lazy cook that I am I find myself skipping over them and heading to the ones that don’t have to be cooked. Thanks!

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (14)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (15)
      Hi Helen!

      Using uncooked noodles won’t work for every recipe, but we do have some. I’ll put links below. I hope you find one that you love!

      https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/mac-and-cheese/
      https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/crock-pot-beefy-mac-casserole/
      https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/easy-crock-pot-lasagna-recipe/
      https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/crock-pot-cheesy-lasagna/
      https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/slow-cooker-lasagna-soup/
      https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/the-best-instant-pot-creamy-mac-and-cheese/

  3. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (16)Lauri says

    Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (17)
    My family loves canned tomatoes in Mac and Cheese drained well. Do you think they would work in this recipe?

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (18)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (19)
      I haven’t tried that, but think it may work. If you give it a try, let me know how it goes!

  4. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (20)Kim says

    Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (21)
    I have to tell you that I first made this recipe 2 years ago for a graduation party and it was a hit! It’s my most-requested side dish.
    Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!
    Also- I have baked it in the oven- takes at least 1.5 – 2 hours at 350 and I always double the recipe because it goes so fast.
    I also add one cup of cubed Velveeta cheese to the recipe because We like that in our Mac n cheese

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (22)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (23)
      I’m so glad to hear it Kim! Your oven version sounds delicious!

  5. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (24)Rachel says

    Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (25)
    I have made this several times and this is my family’s favorite mac n cheese. The only thing I do differently is combine all the ingredients in large sauce pot and cook on medium until all the cheese melts and the milk products are hot and soupy, then I transfer to the crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours. Comes out perfect every time.

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (26)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (27)
      I’m so glad to hear this Rachel! Your alteration sounds yummy! Thank you for taking the time to let us know you like it! It always makes our day.

      Aunt Lou

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (28)Rose says

      Are your noodles cooked when you combine all the ingredients?

  6. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (29)Sara says

    When following the receipt the instructions are missing a key instruction. To cook the noodles first. I am a beginner and a step like this would be very helpful. I’m sure with the noodles cooked it’s going to taste great, but if you can go back and add that step the beginners would really appreciate it.

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (30)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (31)
      Hi Sara!

      If you look in the ingredient list, it has “cooked” after the amount of macaroni needed for the recipe. If something needs to be cooked first, diced, cubed, etc, we will put it in the notes with the ingredients. Hope that helps!

      ~Aunt Lou

  7. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (32)Gwen Dirks says

    Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (33)
    This was easy and TASTED good. However, it did not look good. The cheese sauce was not smooth. Not sure I would use this recipe again because of it.

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (34)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (35)
      I’m glad you liked the taste Gwen. Sorry the look was not what you wanted. You might try some of our creamy mac ‘n cheese recipes. They might be more to your fancy. You can find them here: https://www.recipesthatcrock.com/recipe-index/?fwp_search=creamy+mac+cheese

      Aunt Lou

  8. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (36)Danie says

    Do you cook the noodles first?

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (37)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (38)
      Yes Danie. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!

      Aunt Lou

  9. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (39)JENNIE NIELSEN says

    COULD THIS BE COOKED IN THE OVEN IN A PINCH?

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (40)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (41)
      Hi Jennie!

      I haven’t tried this in the oven yet, but will be soon. When I have the post up, I will put the link back here.

      Aunt Lou

  10. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (42)Elizabeth Shannon says

    Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (43)
    This is amazing mac and cheese! So easy to mix together! Everyone loved it at our holiday dinner!

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (44)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (45)
      I’m so happy to hear it Elizabeth! Thank you for taking the time to let us know. Kind comments like yours make my day!

      Aunt Lou

  11. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (46)Pam says

    I want to make this, but only 8 oz of elbow macaroni is used?

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (47)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (48)
      Hi Pam!

      Yes, only an 8 oz package or half of a 16 oz package. If you need more, you can double the recipe. However, I would use a 6-8 quart crock pot and watch it closely the first time you make it so you can know the exact timing for your unit.

      Enjoy!
      Aunt Lou

  12. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (49)Cindy says

    If I double this recipe how much longer does it need to cook?

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (50)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (51)
      Hi Cindy!

      I have not tried doubling the recipe, but if I did, I would use a 6-8 quart crock pot. As for the cooking time, I would start watching it around the 3-4 hour mark. With the larger crock pot size, I would assume the time should be about the same, but watch it closely just in case it does need different timing. Let me know how it turns out! Enjoy!

      Aunt Lou

  13. Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (52)Trudy McFall says

    Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (53)
    I made this for dinner last night to go with our chicken thighs. My hubby could not believe how good it was–and I loved it, too. Thank you for this simple mac and cheese recipe.

    Reply

    • Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (54)Aunt Lou says

      Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (55)
      Hi Trudy!

      Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback! We love hearing when people love the recipes we share! My hubby (as well as me!) was amazed at how good it was too! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Aunt Lou

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Old Fashioned Crock Pot Mac 'n Cheese - Recipes That Crock! (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep mac and cheese from drying out in a crock pot? ›

How do you keep mac and cheese from drying out? If you plan to hold slow cooker mac and cheese on warm, add extra milk as needed to keep the sauce nice and creamy.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

What are the best cheeses to use in macaroni and cheese? ›

7 Best Cheeses for Macaroni and Cheese
  • Cheddar. Cheddar is a staple for countless recipes. ...
  • Parmesan. Parmesan is a salty cheese with complex flavors. ...
  • Gruyere. Update your mac and cheese recipes to something more mature with Gruyere. ...
  • Brie. ...
  • Smoked Gouda. ...
  • Monterey Jack. ...
  • Fontina. ...
  • Sausage Mac and Cheese.

Can I put uncooked pasta in the crock pot? ›

Everything cooks in the crockpot, even the raw penne!

Why did my cheese curdle in the crockpot? ›

Why does slow cooker mac and cheese curdle? Well, a few different things cause this to happen. Eggs, pre-shredded cheese, and heat can all cause cheese to separate and result in a curdled texture.

What can I add to mac n cheese to make it better? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

Can I use sour cream instead of milk for mac and cheese? ›

Sour Cream

There are a couple of reasons this is such a good substitute. For one thing, since sour cream is thicker than regular milk, it doesn't thin out the cheese sauce as much. That means that you can add more sour cream and still get a creamy finish.

What does adding an egg to mac and cheese do? ›

But if you like a casserole texture, the eggs would help hold it together. I have before, yes. It gives it more of a baked casserole taste/texture, which I really like. Yes, I have used a recipe that called for eggs in the mac & cheese.

Why is spiral mac and cheese better? ›

They have more texture.

Unlike the original noodles, which can turn into a mushy mess once their cooked, shapes tend to hold their rigid structure. My guess is that because of the way they're made, the center of the pasta doesn't cook evenly with the outside, leaving you with a pleasant bite.

What's in Bob Evans mac and cheese? ›

Cooked Enriched Pasta (Water, Elbow Macaroni [Semolina (Wheat), Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk, Water, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (American Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Contains Less than 2% of ...

How do you cut the richness in mac and cheese? ›

I notice that when I share the recipe, folks seem unphased by the copious amounts of cheese I use but are a little taken aback by the mustard. I get it, it's a relatively assertive flavor that doesn't exactly seem to fit with melty cheese, but the acidity in the mustard helps cut through the richness.

What cheeses are not to use for mac and cheese? ›

Feta has a high moisture level and doesn't melt properly, so it would clump rather than give you a smooth sauce. This also goes for cheeses like queso fresco and paneer.

What kind of milk is best for mac and cheese? ›

Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk. Mustard and spices: A combination of Dijon mustard, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt makes this macaroni and cheese extra delicious. Cheese: I use white cheddar and parmesan or pecorino cheese.

Is there a difference between mac and cheese and macaroni cheese? ›

Macaroni and cheese (also known as mac and cheese in Canada and the United States and macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom) is a dish of macaroni and a cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce.

How to stop mac and cheese from drying out? ›

Break up any clumps of the leftovers in a mixing bowl and add one tablespoon of milk per cup of macaroni and cheese. Add a little bit of extra cheese, and then fill a casserole dish with the mixture.

Can you keep cooked mac and cheese warm in a crock pot? ›

Keep cooked macaroni and cheese warm in a crockpot for serving at a potluck or anytime you need the dish to stay warm for hours. Spraying the crockpot insert with nonstick cooking spray prevents the macaroni from sticking to the insert without adding extra calories and fat.

How do you keep things moist in a crock pot? ›

Don't lift the lid during cooking unless absolutely necessary. It increases the cooking time and lets precious moisture escape. Also, make sure you are putting enough liquid in the cooker to keep things moist. It doesn't need to be a lot, but a little will help your meal steam a bit, which prevents moisture loss.

How to keep cheese from burning in a crock pot? ›

FAQ. How do you keep queso from burning in the crockpot? The trick is to cook it low and slow, which makes the crockpot the perfect equipment for this homemade queso recipe. If the cheese dip isn't going to be eaten within the next hour or so, set the crockpot to warm to prevent the cheese from burning on the bottom.

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