Name: Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 120 min
Total time: 135 min
Ingredients: 1 pound elbow macaroni; 1 1/2 cups half and half; 1 cup sour cream; 8 ounces cream cheese (diced); 2 large eggs; 16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese; 8 ounces deli American cheese (cubed); 1 teaspoon dry mustard; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

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Set it and forget it: that's the beauty of our Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese. With just about 15 minutes of prep work you can then let your crockpot work its magic. The result? A lusciously creamy, perfectly cheesy mac and cheese that comes together without supervision. Great for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe ensures a no-fuss meal that will delight the entire family.

Overhead photo of slow cooker mac and cheese with cream cheese in a crockpot with a spoon pulling a serving out.

Whether you are looking for a dish for your summer potluck or an easy side for Thanksgiving and Christmas that doesn’t require oven space, homemade mac and cheese is always a good option.

This slow cooker mac and cheese with sour cream and cream cheese is and easy recipe that everyone loves. Serve it up with Honey BBQ Chicken Breast for an easy comfort-food dinner.

Milk, cream cheese, sour cream, eggs, cheddar, americna cheese, egg noodles, and seasonings in prep bowls.

Ingredient Notes

Elbow Macaroni: For a twist, substitute penne or rotini.
Half and Half: If you're out, use equal parts heavy cream and whole milk.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: We like sharp cheddar cheese, but you can opt for a blend of cheeses like Colby Jack for a milder taste. Gruyere can be used for part of the cheddar to ad a more sophisticated taste.
Deli American Cheese, Cubed: I like to get a good quality from the deli, but Velveeta cheese will work as well.
Cream Cheese: Use full fat cream cheese.
Dry Mustard: Craving more spice? Garlic powder and smoked paprika can be used in addition to the mustard..
Cayenne Pepper: This doesn't add too much heat, but feel free to omit if you have super heat adverse kids.

Tips and Tricks

Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Shredding your own cheese helps it melt more smoothly and avoids the anti-caking agents found in pre-shredded cheese..
Topping Options: If you like a crispy top, sprinkle breadcrumbs and cheese on top during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Storage: Leftovers should be stored in an sealed container in the fridge. They will last for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of milk to enhance the creamy texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Partially cooked elbow noodles in a strainer. — Boil the pasta for 5 minutes. Drain.

Partially cooked egg noodles and milk in a slow cooker. — Drain and transfer pasta to your slow cooker
Pour in half and half and sour cream, then stir

Partially cooked egg noodles in a slow cooker with cream cheese and sour cream. — Add the cream cheese.

Eggs being poured into partially cooked egg noodles, milk, cream cheese, and sour cream in a slow cooker. — Then pour in the eggs.

Egg noodles in a cream cheese sour cream sauce in a slow cooker. — Stir until everything is combined.

Slow cooker mac and cheese with cream cheese in a crockpot ready to cook. — Add cheddar, American, cream cheese, mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper, then stir well
Place the lid on your slow cooker and set to low heat for 2 hours

More Mac and Cheese Recipes to Try

Veggie Mac and Cheese: This delicious everyday version sneaks in plenty of veggies for a wholesome, family-friendly meal or hearty side dish.
Old Fashioned Baked Mac and Cheese: A no-fail classic that's rich and perfect for Sunday dinners.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese: Super-quick and flavor-packed, this recipe comes together in the time it would take you to run to the store for an easy dinner fix.
Gouda Mac and Cheese: A great way to make a welcome change, this recipe combines creamy Gouda with the traditional version we grew up with.

A crockpot with slow cooker mac and cheese with cream cheese in it.

Square photo of slow cooker mac and cheese with cream cheese in a crockpot.

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Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese

Prep Time15

Cook Time2

Total Time2 15

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 506kcal

Author: Wendy Polisi

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni
1 ½ cups half and half
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces cream cheese diced
2 large eggs
16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
8 ounces deli American cheese cubed
1 teaspoon dry mustard
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 5 minutes. Drain, and transfer the pasta to your slow cooker.
Pour in the half and half and sour cream and stir. Add the cream cheese cubes. Stir well to distrubute. Add the eggs and stir again. Add the cheddar, American, mustard, salt, and cayenne pepper. Stir well.
Cover, and cook over low heat for 2 hours.
Top with additional cheese if desired.

Nutrition

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Filed Under:

Christmas Recipes Easter Recipes Slow Cooker Recipes Thanksgiving Recipes Vegetarian Recipes