Creamy Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese takes center stage in this mouthwatering southern-style slow cooker delight that promises comfort in every creamy bite.

Grandma’s secret recipes inspired this hearty dish packed with rich, melted goodness.

Cheese lovers will swoon over the luxurious blend of sharp cheddar and smooth monterey jack.

Southern kitchens know how to create magic with simple ingredients and patient cooking techniques.

Warm, gooey pasta nestles beneath a golden, crispy top that crackles with each serving.

Minimal effort delivers maximum flavor in this classic recipe that feels like a warm hug.

Let’s uncover the magic of slow-cooked mac & cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Sides to Serve with Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

• Sprinkle crispy bacon bits on top for a salty, crunchy contrast that elevates the creamy mac and cheese texture.
• Serve quick-pickled cucumber slices or dill pickles on the side to cut through the richness and provide a zesty flavor punch.
• Choose a robust red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that stands up to the cheesy, hearty dish with complementary depth.
• Chop fresh chives or parsley to sprinkle on top, adding a bright, green note that lightens the heavy comfort food.

Southern-Style Mac & Cheese Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese: Replace regular elbow macaroni with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate gluten sensitivities.

Vegan Comfort Version: Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives like cashew milk, nutritional yeast, vegan cheese shreds, and tofu instead of eggs for a dairy-free creamy texture.

Protein-Packed Option: Add diced cooked chicken, crispy bacon bits, or seasoned ground turkey to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.

Spicy Southern Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to give the mac and cheese a fiery southwestern-style flavor profile.

Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese FAQs

• Why use a slow cooker for mac and cheese?

Slow cookers create an incredibly creamy texture by gently heating ingredients, preventing cheese from burning or becoming grainy, and allowing flavors to meld together perfectly.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! While the recipe calls for a blend of cheeses, you can customize by using cheddar, gouda, monterey jack, or any melting cheese you prefer. Just maintain similar proportions.

• How do I prevent the eggs from scrambling?

Whisk the eggs thoroughly with other liquid ingredients before adding pasta, and maintain a consistent low temperature to ensure smooth, silky mac and cheese without egg chunks.

• Is it okay to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients and assemble in the slow cooker up to 8 hours in advance. Refrigerate and start cooking when ready, adding 30-45 minutes to the total cooking time.

Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese You’ll Crave

• This mac and cheese recipe delivers pure Southern-style satisfaction with minimal kitchen effort.
• Transform ordinary ingredients into a creamy, decadent dish without constant monitoring, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results with minimal hands-on time.
• Designed to feed a hungry group, this recipe scales easily and offers that irresistible cheesy goodness that appeals to both kids and adults at potlucks, family dinners, and casual gatherings.
• By using simple ingredients and a slow cooker, home chefs can create a rich, restaurant-quality side dish without complex cooking techniques or extensive kitchen skills.

Ingredients for Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Main Ingredients:

Pasta:- Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for mac and cheese, holds sauce well. Choose a high-quality brand for best texture.

Cheese Blend:- Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese: Provides rich, creamy flavor and smooth melting quality. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-packaged.

Dairy Components:

Milk Products:- Whole Milk, Evaporated Milk, Sour Cream: Creates luxurious, creamy base for the mac and cheese. Full-fat versions ensure maximum richness.

Butter:- Unsalted Butter: Adds depth of flavor and helps create smooth sauce. Let it melt completely for best integration.

Eggs:- Large Eggs: Helps bind ingredients and create custard-like texture. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly.

Seasoning Blend:

Spices and Seasonings:- Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Dry Mustard: Enhances overall flavor profile with subtle warmth and complexity. Use freshly ground spices for best taste.

How to Make Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

Step 1: Prepare Pasta

Cook elbow macaroni until just soft but not mushy. Drain the pasta completely and set aside in a separate bowl. The key is to keep the pasta slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare Slow Cooker

Generously grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps create a smooth, creamy texture for the mac and cheese.

Step 3: Create Creamy Base

• Whole milk
• Evaporated milk
• Sour cream
• Melted butter
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Paprika
• Dry mustard

Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until they create a smooth, well-blended mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Pasta

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded monterey jack cheese
• Cooked macaroni

Stir gently to ensure every pasta piece gets coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours. Stir the mac and cheese occasionally to prevent any sticking and ensure even heating.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Give the mac and cheese a final gentle stir before serving. The result will be a rich, velvety Southern-style comfort dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

Tips for Creamy Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese

• Perfectly Cook Pasta: Slightly undercook elbow macaroni by 1-2 minutes to prevent mushy texture when slow cooking, ensuring a delightful al dente bite.
• Prevent Cheese Separation: Gently stir ingredients and avoid high heat to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency without cheese breaking or becoming grainy.
• Customize Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles and richer taste.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni and verify all ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Flavor Boost: Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, caramelized onions, or fresh herbs on top just before serving to elevate the classic mac and cheese experience.

Reheating and Storing Southern-Style Mac & Cheese

• Transfer leftover mac and cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of milk over the cold mac and cheese, then microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through and creamy.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place mac and cheese in a baking dish, add a splash of milk, cover with foil, and warm for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly.
• This creamy dish doesn't freeze well due to potential separation of dairy ingredients, which can create a grainy texture when thawed.

Southern-Style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Creamy Southern-style Slow Cooker Mac & Cheese delivers pure comfort with its rich, cheesy goodness. Southern kitchens shine through this hearty dish, inviting you to savor classic flavors that warm both heart and soul.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cheeses:

• 2.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 0.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Dairy and Eggs:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
• 0.5 cups sour cream
• 0.5 cups unsalted butter, melted
• 2 large eggs, beaten

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni (uncooked)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard (optional, for extra flavor)

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Instructions

1. Cook elbow macaroni until just tender, approximately 4-5 minutes, ensuring a slightly firm texture. Carefully drain the pasta and set it aside, allowing excess water to drip away.
2. Prepare the slow cooker by thoroughly coating the interior with a thin layer of butter or applying a light nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
3. Create a smooth, rich base by whisking together whole milk, evaporated milk, sour cream, melted butter, eggs, and a carefully balanced blend of salt, pepper, paprika, and dry mustard directly inside the slow cooker.
4. Gently incorporate the pre-cooked macaroni into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated. Gradually fold in the shredded cheese varieties, stirring continuously to distribute them uniformly throughout the dish.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature to low. Allow the mac and cheese to simmer slowly, stirring at intervals to prevent cheese from sticking and to promote even melting and creamy consistency.
6. After 2-3 hours, verify the mac and cheese has reached a luxurious, velvety texture. Give a final gentle stir to blend any remaining unmelted cheese and ensure a consistent, decadent result before serving hot.

Notes

• Prevent pasta overcooking by boiling just until al dente, ensuring a perfect texture in the final dish.
• Use room temperature eggs to help them blend smoothly into the creamy milk mixture without scrambling.
• Experiment with cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or pepper jack for a personalized flavor profile.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular pasta with gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2-3 hours
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 17 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg