Making mac and cheese in a slow cooker requires a different process than a "traditional" stovetop or baked recipe. In a traditional recipe, a creamy texture is achieved by starting with a bechamel sauce, which is simmered for a short time. Then, it's added to almost-cooked noodles, and baked for, again, a short time. However, slow cookers gently heat food for a longer time period, so we crafted this recipe to accommodate that method. It's a great way to save oven space if you're cooking for a crowd (hello, holidays!) or want to avoid heating up the kitchen on a hot day!