When it comes to comfort food, we all know mac and cheese reigns supreme. But let me tell you, once you try Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac And Cheese, you’ll never want to make it any other way! This creamy, cheesy delight cooked low and slow in your crockpot is absolutely a game-changer.
It’s super simple, packed with flavor, and perfect for almost any occasion—whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner, meal prepping ahead of time, or bringing something amazing to a potluck.
Want to try your hand at slow-cook mac and cheese crock pots recipes today? Let’s dive into Paula’s recipe and why it’s the BEST homemade macaroni and cheese crockpot meal.
What Makes This Mac And Cheese So Special?
If I told you this was the creamiest slow cooker mac and cheese recipe ever, I wouldn’t be exaggerating. But what sets Paula Deen’s crock pot mac and cheese apart? It’s the perfect blend of cheddar cheese, mozzarella, sour cream, and Paula’s secret weapon: cheddar cheese soup! That combo makes this dish irresistibly rich and creamy—trust me, you’ll be scraping the crockpot clean after serving.
Here’s another huge bonus: making this takes so little effort! The slow cooker does all the work for you while you get to enjoy the aroma of cheesy goodness filling the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re like me and crave easy comfort dishes, this Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese absolutely delivers. It’s hands-free, delicious, and crazy versatile! Plus, it’s the perfect potluck recipe—your friends will thank you when you bring this to your next get-together.
Not only that, but this dish is kid-approved and an ideal way to simplify busy weeknight dinners. Who doesn’t want a meal that practically cooks itself?
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Let’s Talk Ingredients
Print This Recipe for Future Reference
You’ll only need a handful of simple household staples to make this Paula Deen crockpot recipe come to life:
- Elbow pasta (2 cups uncooked) – The best pasta shape for soaking all that cheesy sauce!
- Butter (3 ½ tablespoons)
- Shredded cheeses: 2 cups sharp cheddar + ½ cup mozzarella
- Sour cream (½ cup) – This gives it that magical creamy texture.
- Cheddar cheese soup – This is the star of crockpot mac and cheese with cheese soup and Paula’s game-changing ingredient!
- Milk (1 ¼ cup) – Helps bring it all together.
- Spices: Salt, mustard powder, and paprika for a little depth of flavor.
Pro tip: If you’re missing something, you can quickly grab the ingredients off Amazon. So convenient, right?
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Step-By-Step: How To Make Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac N Cheese
Here’s how simple and foolproof this homemade macaroni and cheese crockpot recipe is:
- Cook the Pasta
First things first, you’ll need to cook your elbow pasta to al dente. Be sure not to overcook it! Remember, the pasta will continue to cook while it simmers in the crockpot.
- Melt the Cheese Sauce
Over medium heat, melt your butter in a skillet. Slowly mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until everything melts into a rich, creamy sauce. Tip: Use a non-stick skillet like this one (Insert Amazon link) to save yourself some clean-up time later.
- Combine in the Crockpot
Now comes the easy part. Toss your cooked pasta into the slow cooker, pour over the cheese sauce, and stir it gently. Then, add sour cream, the magical cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir everything one last time.
- Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic
Set your crockpot to low and let it cook for 2 hours. Stir every 30 minutes or so to keep things extra creamy. Trust me, waiting is the hardest part!
- Serve and Enjoy
And voilà! Your creamy slow cooker mac and cheese is ready to serve. The final product is rich, cheesy, and so satisfying.
Watch the video tutorial here!
Recommended Tools for Making Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese
To achieve the best results when making Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese, here are some recommended tools that will make your cooking experience easier and more efficient:
1. Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Recommended Model: A standard 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- Purpose: Essential for cooking the mac and cheese slowly, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the cheese to become perfectly creamy.
2. Non-Stick Skillet
- Recommended Model: Any quality non-stick skillet.
- Purpose: Ideal for melting the butter and cheese sauce without sticking, making clean-up much easier.
3. Large Pot
- Recommended Model: A heavy-duty pot.
- Purpose: Used for boiling the elbow pasta until it reaches al dente.
4. Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Purpose: For accurately measuring all ingredients, ensuring consistent results for each batch.
5. Mixing Spoon or Spatula
- Purpose: Necessary for stirring the pasta and cheese mixture both in the pot and while transferring ingredients to the crockpot.
6. Serving Spoon
- Purpose: To serve the mac and cheese easily once it’s cooked to perfection.
7. Kitchen Timer
- Recommended Feature: A digital kitchen timer or timer on your phone.
- Purpose: To keep track of cooking time in the slow cooker and ensure everything is cooked just right.
8. Ladle (Optional)
- Purpose: Useful if you prefer to serve the mac and cheese in larger portions, making it easier to scoop out.
These tools can greatly enhance your cooking experience and help you create a delicious, creamy mac and cheese that everyone will enjoy!
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Tips for the Perfect Crockpot Mac and Cheese
From one cheesy mac n’ cheese addict to another, I’ve learned a few tricks for getting Paula’s recipe just right:
- Cook Pasta Just Enough: Remember to stop cooking your pasta at al dente—it’ll absorb more flavor and liquid in the slow cooker. Nobody wants dry mac and cheese!
- Stir Occasionally: Stirring the pot ensures every bite stays soft, creamy, and cheesy.
- Add Milk for Creaminess: If you feel the mac and cheese is thickening too much, add a splash of milk to keep the sauce silky smooth.
Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 1 Slow Cooker / Crockpot A standard-sized slow cooker works well for this recipe.
Ingredients
Elbow Pasta (uncooked): 2 cups
Butter: 3.5 tablespoons (melted)
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (shredded)
Mozzarella Cheese: 0.5 cup (shredded)
Sour Cream: 0.5 cup
Cheddar Cheese Soup: 1 can (essential for creaminess)
Milk: 1.25 cups
Salt: to taste
Mustard Powder: to taste
Paprika: to taste (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the elbow pasta in salted water until al dente. Be cautious not to overcook it, as the pasta will continue cooking in the slow cooker.
Melt the Cheese Sauce:
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Slowly mix in the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
Combine in the Crockpot:
- Add the cooked pasta to the slow cooker. Pour the melted cheese sauce over the pasta. Stir in the sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, milk, salt, mustard powder, and paprika. Mix everything well.
Cook in the Slow Cooker:
- Set the crockpot to low and cook for 2 hours. Stir the mixture every 30 minutes to ensure even creaminess.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked, serve your creamy mac and cheese warm and enjoy the delightful flavors!
Video
Notes
- Adjust seasonings according to personal preference.
- For extra creaminess, feel free to add more milk or cheese as desired.
- Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or as a comforting weeknight meal!
This Paula Deen Crockpot Mac n Cheese is, without question, a dish you’ll return to again and again. Easy to prepare, crazy delicious, and ready to serve at your family dinner or potluck—it’s everything you could want in a comfort food dish.
So grab your crockpot, some pasta, and get ready to enjoy the easiest and most delicious homemade mac and cheese crockpot recipe ever. And hey, don’t forget—if you try it, share your results with me in the comments or tag me on Pinterest. Let’s all enjoy this cheesy goodness together!
Oh, and before you go—if you need a trusty crockpot, check this one out on Amazon! It’s the perfect size for recipes like this one.
- Personalized Cooking: MyTime adjusts the cooking cycle so your meal is ready exactly when you want it
- Leak-proof Lid: Travel-proof locking lid provides a tight seal to prevent leaks and spills
- Large Capacity: Fitted with a 7-quart bowl that serves 7+ people – perfect for families or gatherings
Cooking should be as fun and easy as eating, and with Paula Deen Crockpot Recipes, it totally is. Let’s get cheesy, friends!
Don’t Forget to Pin This for Later!
If you’re ready to taste the magic of Paula Deen’s crockpot mac and cheese with cheese soup, make sure to save this recipe on Pinterest! One click, and you’ll always have it on hand when that mac and cheese craving hits.
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