Turning this comfort food classic into a Cajun recipe is heaven on a plate. Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese takes perfectly cooked noodles, ooey-gooey cheesy sauce with some Louisiana flair.
I love making slow cooker recipes during the holidays as it frees up space in my oven and on my stove! Make this classic southern side dish with a Cajun twist for your next holiday dinner.
Jump to:
- What makes this recipe so yummy
- Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
- Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
- Recipe variations and substitute ideas
- Necessary gear: equipment
- More slow cooker recipes I think you'll love
- How to store leftovers
- Mel's kitchen notes
- Melanie Cagle
- Frequently asked questions: FAQs
- Perfect pairings: what to serve with this dish
- Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese
- 💬 Comments
What makes this recipe so yummy
- Using Gruyere cheese really takes this recipe up a notch. Gruyere adds a delicious creaminess as well as delicate nutty flavor.
- Get a good Andouille Sausage, it makes the world of difference.
- I use my homemade Cajun seasoning, which is next level. You could use your favorite store-bought blend though.
Groceries you'll need: Ingredients
See recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.
Recipe walkthrough: Instructions
This is an overview of the recipe steps. For more detailed instructions visit the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Step 1: Over medium-high heat, caramelize the diced andouille sausage.
- Step 2: Add the macaroni noodles to boiling water and cook until al dente.
- Step 3: Drain the noodles then add the cooked sausage and remaining ingredients to the pot. Stir until completely combined.
- Step 4: Empty the mac and cheese into a lightly grease crock pot.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
Hint: Don't skip caramelizing the sausage, that really brings out the spices. Pour the grease the sausage creates into the dish too.
Recipe variations and substitute ideas
Following is a list of variations and alternate ideas for substitutes that you could play with in this recipe:
- Chicken - add more protein and make this a one pot meal.
- Green Onions - sprinkle with chopped green onions at the end of cooking.
- Vegetarian - omit the sausage.
- Garlic Powder - add a teaspoon with the onion powder.
- Cayenne Pepper - for extra heat.
- Penne - in fact, you could use any noodle you like!
Sharing is Caring - Like Our Facebook Page
Necessary gear: equipment
The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Stone bakeware takes longer to heat up than metal pans, and also retain heat for longer, which could make the recipe more watery, or burnt on the outsides.
Tell your visitors what equipment you use and how to adjust the recipe if they use something different, and link to your affiliate link to purchase the equipment.
More slow cooker recipes I think you'll love
How to store leftovers
Transfer the Cajun Mac and Cheese to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
When reheating, sprinkle with a little whole milk first to avoid it drying out. Cover and cook in the microwave, just until warmed through.
Mel's kitchen notes
Turn this recipe into a one pot meal for your family as well as use up any meat leftovers you have in your refrigerator - add the chopped meat for a delicious family meal!
About The Author
Melanie Cagle
Melanie is a professional cook, food photographer and Cajun food connoisseur. Since 2020 she has been sharing rigorously tested recipes and tutorials right here on this blog.
Her work has been featured on Fox News channels, Yahoo news, Southern Living and more.
Frequently asked questions: FAQs
For this particular recipe, it's not recommended, as the noodles will need a lot more fluids to cook in this way.
You can. It won't taste as good though. The skillet frying really adds another flavor dimension. If you need to skip though for times sake - it's ok.
Perfect pairings: what to serve with this dish
Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese goes wonderfully next to these main course dishes;
If you’ve tried this Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese Recipe or any other great recipe on my site, let me know in the comment section below, how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers!
If you love this recipe please give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
You can also follow me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes!
Viral Recipe Alert!
Banana Bread
Due to the secret ingredient in this deliciously moist banana bread it has become one of my most sought after recipes!
Slow Cooker Cajun Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 4.5 Quart Pot
Ingredients
- 4 Cups Elbow Macaroni
- 1 (10.5 Ounce) Can Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 6 Cups Cheddar Cheese freshly grated
- 2 Cups Gruyere Cheese freshly grated
- 2 Cups Sour Cream
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 Link Andouille Sausage diced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to boil.
- Add the diced sausage to a large skillet and cook over medium-high heat until caramelized.1 Link Andouille Sausage
- Once the water is boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (about 7 minutes).4 Cups Elbow Macaroni
- Drain the noodles and add the sausage and remaining ingredients to the same pot and mix well.1 (10.5 Ounce) Can Cheddar Cheese Soup, 6 Cups Cheddar Cheese, 2 Cups Gruyere Cheese, 2 Cups Sour Cream, 2 teaspoons Onion Powder, 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning, 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Drop into a lightly greased large slow cooker. Cover, and cook on low for 3 hours.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Sign Up for my emails and never miss another recipe!
I'll never share your email, or send you spam. Pinkie Promise!
Comments
No Comments