• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • Shop Style
  • Contact
    • Subscribe

Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Everyday recipes for the whole family

Home » Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

By Megan | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen 54 Comments

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more!

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

It was an absolutely gorgeous weekend.  The sun was shining, the weather was in the 60’s and it had me wondering if Illinois spent the whole week drunk?  As I mentioned in my post yesterday, it snowed this past week. Then we spent yesterday out on our bikes, soaking up the sun for hours. Today, my kids are currently outside enjoying the weather again.  The temps are supposed to drop mid-week and then 60’s again next weekend.  I am not complaining, just wish Illinois would decide if it’s Winter or Spring.  I’ll take the latter.

When it’s so beautiful outside, the last thing I want to be doing is working inside.  I spent the morning cleaning the house, windows open and getting some work done.  I felt incredibly accomplished until I realized I hadn’t thought of dinner yet….

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

I was just realized introduced to a new food blogger who has been blogging for quite some time now.  Her name is Nicole and she started her blog, “4 the Love of Food” in 2011. I found her through #FoodBloggerLove.  There’s a group of us who are, “spreading the love” and creating a recipe inspired by a blogger we’ve been paired up with.  We were to let them know our likes, dislikes and a little bit about ourselves, but we have no idea who they are. I can’t wait to see what they cook up for me.  I let them know I despise peas, love Mexican and bleed coffee.

So as I’m thinking about what to make for dinner, I was also thinking about Nicole and how she has two little ones at home, Ava and Stella.  Nicole’s a busy mom, who loves Southern cooking and her slow cooker.  I’d been thinking of what I was going to make for Nicole for quite some time and bought all the ingredients but just hadn’t quite made it yet.  Then it dawned on me, Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese would be perfect tonight for dinner.

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Now, I have to be honest here.  My kids don’t love macaroni and cheese.  I know, who are they?  BUT, I also haven’t made homemade macaroni for them before either.  So my hope is that Nicole’s children like macaroni and cheese, she can say time by throwing it in the slow cooker and that it’s Southern enough to make her happy too!

HTML tutorial

I started by boiling the elbow noodles for 5 short minutes.  You don’t want them to get mushy in the slow cooker.  While they were boiling, I add some butter, condensed soup, greek yogurt and milk to the slow cooker and set it to low to melt a little bit.  When the noodles were done, into the slow cooker they went with extra sharp cheddar, pepper and dry mustard.  Set that baby to low and cook for 1 1/2 hours and DING, dinner is served.

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

WOAH!  You guys, I surprised myself.  I was so worried that this would be dry, curdled and inedible but it.was.amazing.  My husband wouldn’t stop digging into the slow cooker long enough so I could finish these pictures.  My kids quickly gobbled down a bowl and I’m already salivating for the leftovers.

It’s creamy, cheesy and has a delicious flavor thanks to the fiesta nacho condensed soup.  Most of you know, I don’t really like condensed soups, but it just works here to add incredible flavor, stability and creaminess.  The fiesta nacho cheese flavor was not spicy in the slightest so don’t worry about the littles.  You’ve got to make this for dinner tonight.  It’s a cinch, budget friendly and a new family favorite in our household.

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

 

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

10 votes

Print

Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese

Prep 5 mins

Cook 1 hour, 30 mins

Total 1 hour, 35 mins

Author Megan Marlowe-Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Yield 6 servings

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked to al dente and drained
  • 4 tablespoons butter, diced
  • 1 can (10.75oz) Fiesta Nacho cheese soup
  • ½ cup evaporated milk
  • ½ half and half, I used Fat free
  • 8 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Topping

  • ½ breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon fresh parsley, finely diced

Instructions

  1. Spray slow cooker with cooking spray. 
  2. Turn on to low and add butter, cheese soup and milks.  Stir to combine.
  3. Add in cooked pasta, cheese, black pepper and dry mustard.  Stir to combine
  4. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  5. 30 minutes before the macaroni and cheese is done, toast breadcrumbs in a medium skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  6. Place into a small bowl and add parmesan cheese and parsley.
  7. When the macaroni and cheese is finished cooking, place into bowls and top with toasted breadcrumbs.

Courses Dinner

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 6 servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 427

% Daily Value

Total Fat 20 g

31%

Saturated Fat 11 g

55%

Cholesterol 55 mg

18%

Sodium 783 mg

33%

Total Carbohydrates 42 g

14%

Dietary Fiber 2 g

8%

Sugars 8 g

Protein 20 g

40%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

Nicole, I hope that I have made a meal that your whole family will enjoy.  I am so happy to have found your wonderful blog through these amazing friends I call food bloggers.  We really are our own group always helping and inspiring one another.  I couldn’t be happier to be among some of the best internet foodie friends around.

Be sure to check out Nicole’s blog here.  It’s packed full of delicious food, desserts and cooking videos all with a little bit of Southern charm.

You can also find her on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and Instagram.

If you’d like, you can join our Facebook group, Food Blogger Love, and sign up to be a part of the #FoodBloggerLove round-up next year.

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

still hungry for more?

follow me on facebook, pinterest and instagram for more deliciousness!

pin this recipe on pinterest!

subscribe!  sign up for easy + delicious recipes delivered weekly-straight to your inbox!

The cheesiest, creamiest, easiest and very BEST Slow Cooker Macaroni and Cheese to have your family begging for more! | Strawberry Blondie Kitchen


 

An InLinkz Link-up


Filed Under: Crockpot Tagged With: cheese, crockpot, macaroni, pasta, slow cooker

old after entry

I'm Megan, the strawberry blondie behind this kitchen. I'm a self proclaimed foodie who loves to EAT! I have a passion for sweet + salty, caffeine and chocolate.
Previous Post: « Beef Ragu with Pappardelle
Next Post: Strawberry Moscow Mule Float »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says

    at

    Slow cooker mac and cheese is tasty! I remember the first time I tried making it back in the late 80s, I messed it up so badly even the dog wouldn’t go near it!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Lol, this is foolproof-promise! Give it a try!

      Reply
  2. Mark, CompassandFork says

    at

    I have just completed a road trip through the South and I could not believe how many eateries offered mac and cheese. But not sure I saw any cooked in a slow cooker. I love my slow cooker so will definitely be trying this one out.

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Yes, everyone loves a good, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese!

      Reply
  3. linda spiker says

    at

    That looks fantastic! There is truly nothing more yummy than homemade mac and cheese!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      I agree!

      Reply
  4. Laura says

    at

    Since moving to the states, Mac and Cheese has quickly become my favourite comfort food and this looks like absolute perfection!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      It’s the perfect comfort food! ??

      Reply
  5. sarah k @ the pajama chef says

    at

    i love all things mac & cheese! this looks great. perfect for #foodbloggerlove!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Thank you!

      Reply
  6. Nikki says

    at

    There’s nothing like the comfort of mac & cheese! I love to be able to make it in the crockpot it makes it easy and delicious.

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      I couldn’t agree more!

      Reply
  7. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says

    at

    OMG, my kiddos would go crazy for this. It looks so creamy and I love how easy it is to put together. I can see myself making this on Monday and having leftovers for quick meals during the week. Love how you are pairing up with other bloggers on this. What a great idea!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Yes, plenty of leftovers and perfect as a side dish too! Thanks so much, Karen!

      Reply
  8. Amanda says

    at

    This is so easy! It has been ages since I saw a recipe using the canned cheese soup, but it is perfect in a slow cooker recipe.

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      I’m not a huge canned soup fan but in here it just works!

      Reply
  9. Byron Thomas says

    at

    Looks delicious! I love mac and cheese and had no idea that you could cook it in a slow cooker. How great is that? I’ve read through your post twice, but I can’t find a list of ingredients. Did you forget to put them in there?

    Reply
  10. Marisa Franca @ All Our Way says

    at

    It seems like the slow cooker is the thing this year. Here I lost my old-fashioned slow cooker somewhere in our moves but I don’t think I could have adapted it to this recipe. I love mac and cheese – this recipe looks fantastic. Looks like I’d better start shopping for a slow-cooker.

    Reply
  11. melody says

    at

    hahaha! Megan!
    My boys are just the opposite of your kids — I slaved one day over a homemade baked mac & cheese with a fancy gourmet cheese,,, They asked how come we couldn’t afford the Kraft boxes any more! 😀

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      LOL! Kids crack me up! Just wait until they are grown ups and have to fend for themselves!

      Reply
  12. Tina Dawson | Love is in my Tummy says

    at

    I bet a few slices of black truffles will just elevate this dish! I can’t wait to make these tonight!

    Reply
  13. Sara @ Modern Little Victories says

    at

    Texas is doing the exact same thing weather wise. It was hot and sunny this weekend and today it’s rainy and cold. So this mac & cheese definitely would be great on a cold day like today. It looks amazing!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Yes, comfort food is all I crave when the weather is crummy!

      Reply
  14. Stephanie@ApplesforCj says

    at

    Mac and Cheese is probably one of my all time favorite comfort foods. Love how you made this in the slow cooker. Definitely makes planning dinner much easier.

    Reply
  15. Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says

    at

    I had no idea you could put pasta in a slow cooker! What a clever idea!

    Reply
  16. Pam Wattenbarger says

    at

    I love using my slow cooker, especially on busy weekdays when I will need to feed the whole family. I have never made macaroni and cheese in my slow cooker before though!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      It’s so fast and easy! You’ve gotta try it. You’ll be amazed!

      Reply
  17. Karen says

    at

    Megan that looks fantastic! What a great idea. There’s nothing wrong with condensed soup when it’s this tasty!

    Reply
  18. Veena Azmanov says

    at

    I just got myself a new slow cooker and this mac and cheese is now on my list of ‘must try’ This looks so absolutely delicious I must plan this soon. Thanks

    Reply
  19. Wendy Klik says

    at

    This sounds amazing. Creamy and comforting during these Midwest winters.

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Yes, I can use all the comfort I can get during our winters!

      Reply
  20. Sarah @ Champagne Tastes says

    at

    I’ve never made slow cooker mac and cheese before! I love how clever you can be with a slow cooker– this looks delicious!

    Reply
  21. Noel says

    at

    There’s nothing like mac and cheese! We have it weekly at my house. And you know it’s good when the husband can’t keep the spoon out of the dish – he’s refilling so often!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      LOL, yes indeed! I can always count on him to be my recipe tester! He’s pretty good at it!

      Reply
  22. Priya Srinivasan says

    at

    That looks droolicious!! My kids don’t enjoy mac and cheese as much as their noodles!! This recipe sounds pretty easy, just dump everything and dangg you have dinner in an hour or so!!!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Yes, it’s easy-peasy!

      Reply
  23. Hanady | Recipe Nomad says

    at

    Oh my goodness I think I’ve died and gone to heaven! Mac and cheese is my favorite- when I say I’m making it for the kids it’s really for me lol!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      LOL, I’m with you! Mac and cheese is awesome!

      Reply
  24. Adriana Lopez Martn says

    at

    What a great recipe, super easy to make and a crowd pleaser too. Amazing to serve this for a party at home. Must try your mac n cheese recipe soon my grandson is big fan of mac.

    Reply
  25. Sandhya Ramakrishnan says

    at

    There is no other comfort food than a bowl of warm Mac & Cheese. Slow cooker version sounds so delicious and simple to make and the texture of the mac n cheese looks great!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      I couldn’t agree more! Thank you!

      Reply
  26. Natalie | Natalie's Food & Health says

    at

    Glad to hear your weekend was great. You had the sun this weekend? I’m sooo jealous. Just kidding 😉 We still have Mordor-weather here. But I know what could cheer you up on a lousy weather… this delicious macaroni and cheese, right! Just look at this beautiful pots filled with deliciousness. Worth every single extra calorie, right! 😉 Sharing and pinning!

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Yes, we’re still in Winter so it’s comfort food all the way. I’ll change my tune when it’s warm out and the kids want to go to the pool, LOL!

      Reply
  27. Tina Marie says

    at

    You must be channeling my family, they asked for Mac and Cheese the other day! Great recipe. #FoodBloggerLove

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Thank you so much, Tina!

      Reply
  28. Julie | Bunsen Burner Bakery says

    at

    My toddler is also not a macaroni and cheese fan! I’ve spent the past year feeding him as many ethnic foods as I can to expand his palate and I guess I did too good of a job because he’ll eat any curry, no matter how spicy, all forms of sushi, Korean food, Greek food, everything – but not plain old macaroni and cheese. Even if it’s all handmade, down to the pasta. Oh well – more for me! 😉

    Reply
  29. Molly Kumar says

    at

    This seriously looks so delicious and I’m so ready to scrap even the last bit out of that slow-cooker. This would make such an easy=peasy dinner or a weekend menu and the best part, its so easy to make.

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Yes, super simple and super delicious!

      Reply
  30. Pa says

    at

    Oh my, that sure is a creamy and very delicious looking mac & cheese. My kids, I’m sure, will LOVE it.

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      I hope they do! Thank you so much!

      Reply
  31. Donna @ Modern on Monticello says

    at

    I have a slow cooker mac and cheese recipe I use from an old church cookbook but it seems to dry out very quickly. My family loves it though when it is first made. I think next time I will try your version and see how they like it. Thanks for sharing at #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      I would say the keep to keep it from drying out, is really watching your slow cooker. I know that sounds silly, but when I lifted the lid off mine to take a peek (i know you shouldn’t) I just knew it was finished. Any longer and it would have been dry and mushy!

      Reply
  32. Jae | Dreaming of Leaving says

    at

    Oh my goodness this looks absolutely scrumptious! What a fantastic recipe, definitely pinning 🙂 have a great day xo

    Reply
    • Megan Marlowe says

      at

      Thank you so much, Jae!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

I'm Megan, the strawberry blondie behind this kitchen. I'm a self proclaimed foodie who loves to EAT! I have a passion for sweet + salty, caffeine and chocolate.
Read More >>
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Available Now!

Subscribe to start receiving our (free!) emails with new and delicious recipes!

Your info will never be shared or sold to a 3rd party.

Footer

All Images and content are © Strawberry Blondie Kitchen. Please do not republish without prior consent. If you wish to share a recipe, please simply rewrite the directions, in your own words, with your own photos, and link back to the specific post to provide credit.
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
COPYRIGHT © 2015 • STRAWBERRY BLONDIE KITCHEN • Privacy/Disclosure Policy