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Ultra-Creamy Southern Crockpot Mac & Cheese

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 53 reviews
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This recipe combines al dente elbow pasta with a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, sour cream, and cheddar cheese soup, slow-cooked to perfection for a warm, satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 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 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Cook the 2 cups of uncooked elbow pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 ½ tablespoons of butter. Add the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese to the melted butter, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and smooth.
  3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the melted cheese mixture into the slow cooker pot. Add ½ cup sour cream, the can of cheddar cheese soup, and the cooked pasta. Stir together thoroughly. Then add 1 ¼ cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon mustard powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Mix everything until well combined.
  4. Cook in the Crockpot: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the mac and cheese for 2 hours. Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure an even, creamy texture and proper cheese distribution.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: After 2 hours, your mac and cheese will be creamy and cheesy. Serve hot straight from the crockpot and enjoy this comforting dish.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the pasta; it should be just al dente before adding to the crockpot as it will continue cooking and soften further.
  • Stir occasionally while cooking in the crockpot to maintain a smooth, creamy texture throughout.
  • If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese, add a little more milk during cooking.