Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Introduction
Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food made simple. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for busy days when you want something warm and satisfying without too much fuss. Let your slow cooker do the work while you relax.
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
- 3 ½ tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the 2 cups of uncooked elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 ½ tablespoons of butter. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Step 3: Transfer the cheese mixture to your slow cooker. Add the sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, and cooked pasta. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Pour in the milk and add the salt, mustard powder, and paprika. Stir until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Step 5: Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 2 hours, stirring occasionally for a creamy texture.
- Step 6: Serve hot straight from the crockpot and enjoy your delicious, creamy mac and cheese.
Tips & Variations
- Cook pasta just until al dente; it will continue to soften in the crockpot.
- Stir the mac and cheese occasionally during cooking to keep the texture smooth and even.
- For a creamier dish, add extra milk as needed during slow cooking.
- Add cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow pasta with other short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or penne for a similar result.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
It’s best to cook and serve mac and cheese fresh, but you can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta separately, then combine and warm in the slow cooker when ready to serve.
PrintPaula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for easy meal prep. Featuring al dente elbow pasta simmered slowly in a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, cheese soup, sour cream, and spices, this slow cooker recipe promises a delectably smooth and indulgent mac and cheese with minimal effort.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 3 ½ tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 (10 ¾ oz) can cheddar cheese soup
- 1 ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the 2 cups of uncooked elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later use.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 ½ tablespoons of butter. Add 2 cups shredded cheddar and ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the melted cheese mixture to the slow cooker. Add ½ cup sour cream, 1 can cheddar cheese soup, and the cooked pasta. Stir to combine. Then add 1 ¼ cup milk, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika, stirring thoroughly.
- Cook in the Crockpot: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the mac and cheese for 2 hours, stirring occasionally to maintain an even, creamy texture.
- Serve and Enjoy: After 2 hours, serve the creamy, cheesy mac and cheese hot straight from the crockpot and enjoy your comforting meal.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be al dente before slowly cooking in the crockpot.
- Stir occasionally during slow cooking to ensure even cheese distribution and creaminess.
- Adjust consistency by adding more milk during cooking if a creamier texture is desired.
Keywords: crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, comfort food, Paula Deen recipe, cheesy pasta
