The slow cooker, or what I call a personal chef because it cooks your food for you while you are at work, makes amazingly creamy and delicious mac and cheese. Simple mac and cheese can bring a smile to just about anyone, but I want you and your family to jump out of your seats with excitement so I made for you jalapeno popper mac and cheese. It’s actually inspired by the stuffing from my jalapeno popper burger that’s filled with tangy cream cheese, lots of sharp cheddar, and spicy jalapenos. It’s so easy, too!
You just drop uncooked pasta and all the ingredients into the slow cooker, mix it all up, turn it on, and that’s it! The best part is coming home to a hot satisfying meal just waiting to be eaten, and the smell that wafts through your house when you walk in is one of the most comforting ways to receive a “welcome home” after a long day at work. The most important thing to remember is to spray or smear oil or butter on the sides of the slow cooker so that the mac and cheese doesn’t stick and comes out easily. If you’re like me and put the slow cooker in the fridge for leftovers, greasing the sides will also make clean up that much easier. 
I like to add hot sauce (Tom’s suggestion because he likes it in everything) and top it with extra jalapenos, so feel free to garnish if you like.This is a great meal for your busy week, so grab your slow cooker, make this on Sunday, and have dinner all week! I’m so grateful to cook with you. I would love to hear from you so comment below!
Slow Cooker Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb small shell pasta (uncooked)
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can evaporated milk
- 2-1/2 cups milk
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 2 jalapeños (de-seeded and chopped)
- 5 scallions (chopped)
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 3-4 dashes hot sauce
- 3-4 sprays cooking spray
- 1 handful crushed "Cheez It" to top (optional)
Instructions
- First, spray the slow cooker with cooking spray so that the mac and cheese does not stick to the sides.
- Next, add the cream cheese, butter, milk, evaporated milk, black pepper, jalapeño, and scallions into the slow cooker. Mix all the ingredients to combine.
- Now, add the cheddar cheese, hot sauce, and mix well.
- Finally, add the dry pasta and mix really well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover and turn the slow cooker on low for 3 hours.
- When finished topped with more scallions. Also optional for crunchy texture add crushed "Cheez-It" on top.
Your Dash Of Gratitude:
ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? COMMENT BELOW 🙂
With a grateful heart and an amazing tummy – Jay
This recipe is absolute garbage and I wasted money trying to do it twice because of the good reviews. Do. Not. Make.
I would like to bring this to an office potluck & will need to make for 30 coworkers. If I make this the night before, will the pasta be mushy if I reheat in crockpot the next day?
Hi! No I think It will still be great! I would cook it in slow cooker and store in fridge overnight. Reheat on low in the slow cooker for 1 hour before serve and maybe add 1/4 cup of broth! Hope this helps!
What temperature do you cook this on??
Hi Ethan It goes on low on the slow cooker! Happy Cooking!
With Gratitude
Jason
Hey Jay, have you ever doubled this recipe? Should I increase the cook time, or will 3 hours still work? I want to make this for a larger group. Thanks!
Hi Carrie!!! You can definitely double the recipe but make sure you have a big slow cooker. The time definitely can stay the same. Excited to hear what you think!!! Happy Cooking! With Gratitude, Jason
Was a big hit! Definitely glad I doubled the recipe, we finished most of it. The 3 hour cook time was just right. Thanks for your quick response!
This is sooo amazing! You are the best! I am sooo happy you loved this recipe! Happy Cooking! With Gratitude Jason
I’ve made this twice in the last 2 weeks because it’s so good! One of the times was for a work potluck and everyone LOVED IT! Thanks for this awesome recipe that will definitely be staying in my arsenal!
Thank you soo much! You made my day! Happy Cooking! With Gratitude Jason
What size can of evaporated milk? And what size slow cooker did you use?
Hi Jasmin!! So excited for your question! 12 oz can of evoperated milk. My slow cooker is a 4 Quart size (I think)! But as long as all ingredients are a couple inches from top you will be ok if smaller. Hope this helps and Happy Cooking! With Gratitude Jay
So you put the pasta in completely uncooked?
Totally! Its so cool that it cooks in the slow cooker. Put the pasta uncooked and mix well with other ingredients!!! So excited for you to try it! With Gratitude Jay
Another great slow cooker recipe. I added in 1 tsp of cumin and a can of green chilis. I would love more slow cooker recipes.
Thank you sooo much Annette! This Saturday Slowcooker Kimchi Soup comes out and its soooo yummy! You are the best! With Gratitude Jay