If you’ve ever been to Bojangles, you know that their Mac and Cheese isn’t just a side dish—it’s an experience. It’s famous for being incredibly creamy, perfectly cheesy, and having that distinct “slow-cooked” soul that pairs perfectly with a spicy chicken breast or a buttery biscuit. Try this Easy Bojangles Mac And Cheese Recipe today!
While the drive-thru is convenient, making Bojangles Mac and Cheese in the Crockpot is a total game changer.
By letting the pasta and cheese simmer slowly, you achieve that signature velvety texture that’s hard to get on the stovetop. This “set it and forget it” version brings the Southern comfort of the Carolinas right to your kitchen with almost zero effort.
If you love everything Bojangles, try my recipe for Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe, Bojangles Chicken Tenders, Easy Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe (The Ultimate Copycat!), Bojangles Bo Sauce, Bojangles Green Beans Recipe, Easy Bojangles Honey Mustard Recipe, or Bojangles French Fry Seasoning Recipe.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- True Copycat Flavor: We’ve cracked the code on the blend of cheeses to match that rich, yellow Bojangles glow and savory finish.
- Dump-and-Go Convenience: No boiling pasta separately! This recipe cooks entirely in the slow cooker, saving you time and extra dishes.
- Ultra-Creamy Texture: Using the Crockpot prevents the cheese from breaking, resulting in a smooth, silky sauce that coats every noodle.
- Perfect for Crowds: Whether it’s a potluck, a holiday, or Sunday dinner, this recipe scales easily and stays warm for hours.
- Family Favorite: Kids love the mild, cheesy flavor, while adults appreciate the authentic Southern comfort.
Bojangles Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: Use dry elbow macaroni for the best pasta texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold flavor.
- Processed American Cheese: Cubed American cheese creates the smoothest, creamiest cheese sauce.
- Whole Milk: Rich whole milk serves as the perfect creamy base.
- Heavy Cream: Velvety heavy cream adds an extra layer of decadence.
- Unsalted Butter: Sliced unsalted butter adds a rich and buttery finish.
- Garlic Powder: Savory garlic powder enhances the overall depth of flavor.
- Ground Mustard: Zesty ground mustard provides that signature Bojangles flavor tang.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple salt and pepper to taste balances the richness.
How To Make Easy Bojangles Mac And Cheese Recipe
Step One: Grease your slow cooker with non-stick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup. Pour in the uncooked macaroni, milk, heavy cream, garlic powder, ground mustard, and butter.
Step Two: Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and the cubed American cheese. The American cheese is essential for achieving that specific Bojangles creamy consistency!
Step Three: Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Every slow cooker is different, so start checking the pasta at the 2-hour mark to ensure it stays tender but not mushy. Stir once halfway through to distribute the melting cheese.
Step Four: Once the pasta is tender, give it one final, vigorous stir to emulsify the sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in a little extra warm milk until you reach your desired creaminess. Serve warm!
Easy Bojangles Mac And Cheese Recipe Tips
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese is coated in cellulose (an anti-caking agent) that prevents it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of sharp cheddar by hand ensures a velvety, restaurant-quality sauce.+1
- Don’t Skip the American Cheese: While it’s tempting to go all-natural, a small amount of processed American cheese (like Velveeta) acts as an emulsifier. This is the secret to that glossy, “liquid gold” Bojangles look.
- Avoid the “High” Setting: Slow cookers can vary in temperature. Cooking milk and cheese on “High” can cause the dairy to separate or curdle. Stick to the Low setting for a gentle, even melt.
- Mind the Pasta: Start checking your macaroni at the 2-hour mark. You want the noodles to be al dente (firm to the bite) because they will continue to soften slightly as they sit in the residual heat.
Storing and Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate: Allow the mac and cheese to cool to room temperature. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. However, be aware that dairy-based sauces can sometimes change texture when thawed. To minimize this, ensure it is sealed in a heavy-duty freezer bag with all the air pressed out.
Easy Bojangles Mac And Cheese Recipe Faqs
Do I need to boil the pasta before adding it to the Crockpot? No! That is the beauty of this “easy” version. The macaroni cooks directly in the milk and heavy cream mixture. This allows the starch from the pasta to thicken the sauce, creating that signature velvety Bojangles texture.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? While you can, we don’t recommend it. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in potato starch or cellulose to prevent clumping in the bag. This can make your cheese sauce grainy or “chalky.” For the smoothest results, shred a block of sharp cheddar at home.
What makes it taste like Bojangles? The “secret” is the combination of American cheese and ground mustard. The American cheese provides that iconic neon-yellow glow and creamy melt, while the ground mustard adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness of the dairy.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead? Yes. To convert this to the stovetop, boil the macaroni separately until al dente. In a different pot, whisk the milk, cream, and spices over medium heat until steaming, then stir in the cheeses until melted. Fold in the cooked noodles and serve immediately.
How do I prevent the cheese from curdling? Dairy can break or curdle if it gets too hot too fast. Always cook this recipe on the LOW setting of your slow cooker. If you notice the edges getting too dark, give it a quick stir to redistribute the heat.
Is this recipe gluten-free? As written, it is not. However, you can substitute the macaroni with your favorite sturdy gluten-free elbow pasta. Note that gluten-free pasta often cooks faster, so start checking for doneness at the 90-minute mark.
More Copycat Bojangles Recipes You’ll Love
Bojangles Fried Chicken Recipe {Copycat}
Air Fryer Copycat Bojangles Chicken Tenders
Bojangles French Fry Seasoning Recipe
Easy Bojangles Dirty Rice Recipe (The Ultimate Copycat!)
Easy Bojangles Honey Mustard Recipe
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Easy Bojangles Mac And Cheese Recipe
Description
Ingredients
- 16 oz Elbow Macaroni, uncooked
- 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Processed American Cheese, like Velveeta, cubed for maximum melt
- 4 cups Whole Milk
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, sliced
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Ground Mustard, the secret to that “tang”
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grease your slow cooker with non-stick spray or use a liner for easy cleanup. Pour in the uncooked 16 oz Elbow Macaroni, 4 cups Whole Milk, 1 cup Heavy Cream, 1 tsp Garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper to taste, 1/2 tsp Ground Mustard, and 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter
- Stir in the shredded 4 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese and the cubed 1 cup Processed American Cheese..
- Cover and cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours. Every slow cooker is different, so start checking the pasta at the 2-hour mark to ensure it stays tender but not mushy. Stir once halfway through to distribute the melting cheese.
- Once the pasta is tender, give it one final, vigorous stir to emulsify the sauce. If it looks too thick, splash in a little extra warm milk until you reach your desired creaminess. Serve warm!
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Ladle
Nutrition
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