Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy dish made easy by slow cooking elbow pasta with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sour cream, and cheddar cheese soup in a crockpot. This recipe delivers a rich, hearty mac and cheese perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 3 ½ tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Cheeses: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring frequently until fully melted and combined into a smooth mixture.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the melted butter and cheese mixture into the crockpot. Add the cheddar cheese soup and sour cream, stirring to blend all creamy ingredients evenly.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Add the cooked macaroni pasta to the crockpot. Pour in the milk, then sprinkle the salt, mustard powder, and paprika over the mixture. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine all components well.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 2 hours. Stir occasionally if possible, to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking. Once done, the mac and cheese should be creamy and thoroughly heated.
- Serve: After cooking, gently mix the mac and cheese one last time and serve hot, optionally garnished with a sprinkle of paprika or extra cheese.
Notes
- For best results, avoid overcooking the pasta to keep it from becoming mushy during slow cooking.
- You can substitute the cheddar cheese soup with homemade cheese sauce for a fresher flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, especially the salt and mustard powder, based on your preference.
- If desired, add cooked bacon bits or diced jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.
- Use full-fat dairy products for a richer and creamier texture.
Keywords: Paula Deen, crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, southern recipe
