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Ooey Gooey Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

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If you’re looking for a mac and cheese recipe that’s guaranteed to be a hit at any potluck, this Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese is the answer. Made with Campbell’s® Cheddar Cheese Soup, it delivers a rich and creamy texture that’s hard to resist. Using the slow cooker means you can prepare this comfort food classic with minimal effort—perfect for busy family gatherings or holiday meals. Every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness, and it’s a dish the kids (and adults!) will keep coming back to. Simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

  • Super Simple Prep: With just a handful of ingredients, you can have this comfort food ready to cook in no time. No complicated steps or crazy prep involved.
  • Perfectly Creamy: The secret to the smooth, velvety texture? Campbell’s® Cheddar Cheese Soup. It creates that creamy richness we all crave in mac & cheese.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike can’t get enough of this cheesy goodness. It’s always a crowd-pleaser at family dinners and potlucks.
  • Hands-Off Cooking: Just set it and forget it! The slow cooker makes it so easy—no need to stir or check constantly. Just let it do its thing.
  • Great for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead of time, and it keeps well, so you can serve it later or enjoy leftovers for the next day.

Ingredients Needed To Make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe. 

  • Elbow macaroni
  • Cheddar cheese soup
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper
  • Mustard powder
  • Sour cream

Substitutions + Alternatives

Can I use regular pasta?

Yes. I use gluten-free macaroni pasta, but you can use regular if you like.

Can I use regular dairy?

Feel free to make this recipe your own. I use dairy-free products, but feel welcome to choose your preferred dairy option without any recipe adjustments. Unless specified otherwise, you have the flexibility to use the dairy products of your choice for the recipe.

How To Make Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

  1. Cook the macaroni and drain it.
  2. Set up the slow cooker and turn it on.
  3. Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and mix them together.
  4. Stir in the cooked pasta, making sure it’s well-coated.
  5. Let the mixture cook for a couple of hours, stirring halfway if you can.
  6. Once it’s hot and creamy, serve and enjoy!

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I make this slow cooker mac and cheese ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prepare this dish in advance. If you’re planning to serve it later, just cook the mac and cheese as usual, let it cool slightly, and store it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk or cheese if needed to restore its creamy texture.

How long does slow cooker mac and cheese keep in the fridge?

This mac and cheese should last about 3-4 days in the fridge. Be sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. If it lasts longer, the texture may change, but it should still be safe to eat.

Can I freeze leftover slow cooker mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze leftover mac and cheese, but the texture might be a little different once thawed. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight, and reheat in the microwave or slow cooker, adding some extra milk to bring back its creamy consistency.

How do I reheat slow cooker mac and cheese?

To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan or slow cooker over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly. You may need to add a bit of milk or cheese to help restore the creamy texture. If you’re using the microwave, heat it in short intervals, stirring between, and add some milk to loosen it up.

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

While the recipe calls for cheddar cheese, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Monterey Jack or mozzarella can create a different texture and flavor, though they may not be as sharp. Just keep in mind that the taste and consistency might change based on the cheese you choose.

Is there a way to make this recipe creamier?

For an extra creamy texture, you can add more sour cream or even a bit of cream cheese to the mixture. This will make the dish even richer and smoother! Just adjust to your preference for creaminess.

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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese

This slow cooker mac and cheese is the ultimate potluck dish! Perfect for busy days or family gatherings, this easy recipe is one that everyone will love, and it's even easier to transport and serve!
3 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 260 kcal

Equipment

  • Large pot (for cooking pasta)
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients
 
 

  • 12 oz elbow macaroni
  • 10.5 oz cheddar cheese soup
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • 1 ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp mustard powder
  • 1 ½ cups sour cream
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Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Prep the Slow Cooker: Turn the slow cooker to high.
  • Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the cheddar cheese soup, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Stir to combine.
  • Add the Pasta: Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and mix well to coat.
  • Cook: Cover and cook for 2 hours on high, stirring halfway through if possible.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Once creamy and heated through, serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • Tip: You can make it ahead and keep it warm in the slow cooker on low for a few extra hours if needed.
  • Nutrition: These values are approximate and may vary depending on the exact brand of ingredients used. You can adjust based on your preferences or ingredient substitutions.
  • Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free/gluten-free version, omit the cheddar cheese soup and substitute it with 1 cup of dairy-free milk.

Nutrition

Calories: 260kcalCarbohydrates: 33gProtein: 7gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 2gSodium: 770mgPotassium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @TheSaltyCooker or tag #thesaltycooker!

This slow cooker mac and cheese is one of those dishes that just never gets old. It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfect for feeding a crowd—or just having leftovers for days! I love how easy it is to toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do all the work. It’s the kind of recipe that’s always a hit, whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or taking it to a potluck.

2 Comments

    1. Instructions

      Cook the Pasta: Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
      Prep the Slow Cooker: Turn the slow cooker to high.
      Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the cheddar cheese soup, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, and mustard powder. Stir to combine.
      Add the Pasta: Stir in the cooked elbow macaroni and mix well to coat.
      Cook: Cover and cook for 2 hours on high, stirring halfway through if possible.
      Serve and Enjoy: Once creamy and heated through, serve and enjoy!

3 from 1 vote

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