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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.