Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and hands-off — perfect for potlucks, picnics, or any night you want comfort food without the fuss.
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This mac and cheese is a go-to for potlucks, picnics, and complementing any BBQ spread. It's packed full of creamy deliciousness, super easy to make, and the crockpot does all the work. The smoked gouda adds a subtle smoky depth that takes it well beyond the box stuff.
3 hrs
Cook Time
Low
Crockpot Setting
No Stir
Hands-Off Cook
🧀 What You'll Need
- 12 oz elbow noodles, cooked al dente
- 1.5 cups milk
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1.5 tsp Killer Hogs AP seasoning
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided — 3 cups + 1 cup)
- 4 oz shredded smoked gouda
- 4 slices American cheese
How to Make It
- Set your crockpot to low.
- Cook the elbow macaroni just until they're starting to soften — al dente. They'll finish cooking in the crockpot.
- In a large bowl, combine the milk, evaporated milk, beaten eggs, 3 cups of shredded cheddar, smoked gouda, and AP seasoning. Mix until well combined.
- Add the partially cooked pasta to the crockpot, then pour the milk and cheese mixture over the top. Stir gently to combine.
- Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar and lay the slices of American cheese on top.
- Place the lid on and do not remove it and do not stir for 3 hours.
- After 3 hours, remove the lid, stir to combine everything, and serve immediately.
⚠️ Important: Do NOT lift the lid or stir during the 3-hour cook. The steam trapped inside is what creates the creamy texture — opening it lets that steam escape and changes the final result.
🔥 Big Daddy's Tips:
- Don't fully cook the pasta before adding to the crockpot — al dente only. Overcooked pasta going into a 3-hour crockpot will turn to mush.
- The smoked gouda is a game changer — don't skip it. It adds a subtle smokiness that pairs perfectly with BBQ.
- American cheese on top melts into a creamy layer that helps bind everything together — don't substitute.
- This travels incredibly well — make it at home and transport the whole crockpot to a potluck or tailgate. Keep it on the warm setting.
- Leftovers reheat well with a splash of milk stirred in to restore the creaminess.
GET YOU SOME! 🔥
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