This mac and cheese crockpot dish features the velvety smoothness of cream cheese for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Prepare to up your mac and cheese game with this creamy and comforting recipe that’s both simple to make and irresistibly tasty.
Mac And Cheese Crock Pot With Cream Cheese
Time Required
Prep Time
5 minutes mins
Cook Time
2 hours 10minutes mins
Total Time
2 hours 15minutes mins
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Grater box
- Slow cooker liners
Ingredients
- 1 pound uncooked cellentani (corkscrew) pasta or other small pasta shape
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into tablespoon-sized chunks
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into 1 oz. cubes
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 3 quarts whole milk
- 1/2 quart thick cream
- 2 cups shredded fresh cheddar cheese
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, freshly shredded
Instructions
- Fill a 6-quart slow cooker halfway with uncooked pasta. Scatter the bits of butter and cream cheese over the pasta.
- Pour the milk and cream into the slow cooker and season with salt and cayenne pepper.
- Stir everything together and smooth the spaghetti into an even layer coated in sauce.
- Cook for 1 to 2 hours on low, or until the pasta is chewy (not crispy, but very al dente). If you use a different type of pasta or a different size crockpot, start with 1 hour and modify from there.
- Stir once halfway through the cooking time, making sure the pasta is all in one layer and well coated with the sauce.
- When the pasta is done, add the cheddar and pepper Jack cheeses and mix to blend. Cook for another 10 minutes, covered.
- The cheeses will melt into the sauce, resulting in the most opulent creamy cheese sauce.
- Before serving, give it a good stir. Enjoy!
Tips And Tricks
Cook to al dente
The cooking time will vary depending on the type of noodle used. If feasible, begin checking the noodles at 1 hour.
When the pasta is no longer crisp and has a tiny bite to it, it’s time to move on.
How to keep it creamy?
As it cools, the three cheese sauce thickens, making it a little dry and harder to scoop.
If you want to keep the crockpot mac and cheese warm, use the “warm” setting and whisk in a little extra milk before serving.
Prep Ahead Instructions
Except than grating the cheeses, there isn’t much to do ahead of time for this recipe.
We do, however, occasionally make 3 cheese mac and cheese to portion out for weekday lunches.
Storing And Reheating Cream Cheese Mac and Cheese
Once cool, store the leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days.
Use the same approach as described above to add extra milk, or simply add the liquid before reheating.
Alternatively, for individual servings, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until creamy and warm.
How To Serve?
Our Mac and Cheese Crock Pot with Cream Cheese is the ideal comfort dish! In your crock pot, add cooked pasta, a smooth blend of cheeses, and a creamy touch of cream cheese.
Allow the flavors to mingle over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the texture is lusciously thick and gooey.
The cream cheese provides a luscious richness to the basic macaroni and cheese. Serve it right from the crock pot for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s sure to please. Our Mac and Cheese Crock Pot is creamy, luscious, and easy to make.
Side Dishes For Mac And Cheese Crock Pot With Cream Cheese
Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic-infused breadsticks as a crunchy counterpoint to the creamy mac & cheese.
Roasted veggies: Combine roasted veggies including broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. The mild sear and caramelization give the meal a pleasing crunch.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad with tangy dressing and crispy croutons provides a refreshing counterpoint to the heaviness of the mac and cheese.
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus: Add a smoky and delicious touch to each bite with tasty bacon-wrapped asparagus.
Tomato Basil Soup: A bowl of warm tomato basil soup serves as a comfortable side dish, offering a wonderful contrast to the cheesy richness.
Grilled Chicken Skewers: Grilled chicken skewers seasoned in herbs and spices are a protein-rich alternative that goes well with the creamy mac & cheese.
Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw with a tangy dressing gives the dish a crisp crunch and brightness.
Avocado and Tomato Salsa: The fresh avocado and tomato salsa add a burst of freshness and a bit of acidity to the creaminess of the mac and cheese.
Sautéed Spinach: A simple yet nutritious side dish with a splash of color and earthy tastes, sautéed spinach with garlic.
Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries add a hint of sweetness and a delightful crunch to the meal, boosting the texture and diversity.
