Description
A creamy and comforting mac and cheese recipe from Paula Deen that is made effortlessly in a crockpot. This dish combines tender elbow pasta with a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, sour cream, and a touch of seasoning, slow-cooked to perfection for a warm and cheesy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
Cheese Mixture
- 3 ½ tablespoons butter
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other 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 Pasta: Cook the elbow pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Cheese and Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter along with the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses over medium heat, stirring occasionally until fully melted and combined.
- Combine Ingredients in Crockpot: Transfer the melted cheese and butter mixture, cheddar cheese soup, and sour cream into the crockpot.
- Add Pasta and Seasonings: Add the cooked macaroni pasta, milk, mustard powder, salt, and paprika to the crockpot. Stir everything until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 2 hours, stirring once halfway through if possible, until the mac and cheese is hot and creamy.
Notes
- Stir occasionally during the slow cooking process to prevent sticking or burning on the sides.
- You can add cooked bacon or diced jalapeños for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker mac and cheese, reduce the milk to 1 cup or cook longer uncovered to thicken.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a stronger flavor profile.
- leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Southern American
Keywords: Paula Deen mac and cheese, crockpot mac and cheese, slow cooker mac and cheese, cheesy pasta recipe, Southern comfort food
