Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links · 158 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Paula Deen's Mac and Cheese recipe is one of my favorite recipes for mac and cheese. When you bite into the mac and cheese you get bites of melted gooey cheddar surrounding creamy cheesy noodles.

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (1)
Jump to:
  • Why You Will Love This Recipe
  • Ingredients List
  • How to Make
  • Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Tips
  • What can I serve with this recipe?
  • Recipe FAQs
  • Other Crock Pot Recipes
  • Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Why You Will Love This Recipe

For the beginning of this recipe there is a lot of stirring involved. Once you combine the cheese sauce with the noodles you could actually serve it right there. I think the crock pot is just used to keep the cheese sauce warm and or heat it up more.

This recipe can be made all year long. Not just for Holidays. I like to add some cut-up hot dogs to this or some cheddar wursts. Use your air fryer and cook them at 350 for 5 to 7 minutes. Then slice them up and throw it in there.

Air fry some breaded chicken patties and cut them up to add on top of the mac and cheese. Then drizzle some buffalo sauce over it. It's delicious. 🙂

Looking for more easy cheesy appetizer recipes? Try Crock Pot Potato Soup, Cheesy Hash Brown and Potato Casserole or Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.

Ingredients List

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (2)
  • Uncooked elbow macaroni - I also like using cavatappi noodles with this recipe.
  • Butter - always use unsalted butter to control the salt
  • Sharp cheddar cheese - If you really want to be spontaneous try a mix of different cheese like Asiago or White Cheddar
  • Large eggs - a lot of people have better results omitting the eggs in the recipe. Check out the comments below. If not made properly the eggs might scramble.
  • Sour cream - light sour cream or regular and be used
  • Condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • Salt - Kosher
  • Whole milk - 2% or skim milk also works
  • Dry mustard - grounded
  • Black pepper - grounded
  • See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

How to Make

Step 1: Boil the macaroni in water for six minutes. Drain and set aside in a crock pot.

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (3)

Step 2: In a medium saucepan over medium heat add the butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts. Slowly incorporate the sour cream, cheddar soup, milk, and spices. Remove from heat and let it cool down a bit. About 3 - 5 minutes.

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (4)

Step 3: Whisk the eggs together in a bowl and slowly start incorporating them into the cheese sauce.

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (5)

Step 4: In a slow cooker, combine the cheese mixture and noodles.

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (6)

Cook on low for 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally

Crock Pot Mac and Cheese Tips

If you watch the video on how to properly make this on Youtube (It's a video of her making it on her old show that she used to have on Food Network) it shows her combining all the cheese sauce ingredients into a crock pot that she places on one of her stove top burners. My mind was blown when she did that. 😉

Paula Deen adds in the whisked eggs when all the other ingredients are slowly starting to warm up so that the eggs don't scramble. You can however do all that in a sauce pan like step 2 says.

This is a very popular recipe that is made a lot for Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you're wondering what else to serve this with I have ideas below.

This is not a slow cooker recipe you can leave sitting in the pot for 6 hours. The whole entire recipe is made in less than 3 hours. Probably even 2 hours depending how hot your slow cooker gets. It's a great dish to make on the weekend and not during the weekday when you know you are home.

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (7)

What can I serve with this recipe?

People love to make this recipe as a side dish on Christmas or Thanksgiving.

For a protein, I would also make her Pepper Jelly Glazed Ham recipe which I also love or maybe serve it with Alton Brown's City Ham.

I'd make smoked asparagus, twice baked potatoes, or bacon-wrapped green beans for some vegetable options.

Recipe FAQs

Do I need to add in the eggs?

No you do not, if you are worried about the eggs scrambling in the crock pot or slow cooker leave them out.

Will dry pasta cook in a slow cooker?

This depends on how much liquid is in the crock pot that the recipe calls for. I think it is just easier to cook the noodles in a sauce pan prior to making this recipe.

Can you make this the day ahead?

Make ahead by prepping all the noodles and cheese sauce and let it cool down before adding it to a slow cooker. Cover and put in the refrigerator over night. Heat the macorani and cheese 1 to 2 hours in the slow cooker before ready to start serving.

Other Crock Pot Recipes

  • Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
  • Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar)
  • Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork
  • Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup

If you tried this Paula Deen's Crock Pot Mac and Cheese or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries

Print

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (12)

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese

★★★★★4.8 from 51 reviews
  • Author: Jenna
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 2 ½ hrs
  • Total Time: 29 minute
  • Yield: 8 1x
Print Recipe

Description

Paula Deen's Mac and Cheese recipe is one of my favorite recipes for mac and cheese. When you bite into the mac and cheese you get bites of melted gooey cheddar surrounding creamy cheesy noodles.

Scale

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 ½ cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 eggs (optional)
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 (10 ¾ ounce) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Boil the macaroni in water for six minutes. Drain.
  2. In a medium saucepan, mix butter and cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.
  3. In slow cooker, combine cheese mixture and add the eggs (I omitted the eggs), sour cream, soup, salt, milk, mustard and pepper. Add the drained macaroni and stir again.
  4. Cook on low for 2 ½ hours, stirring occasionally.

Notes

My WW Personal Points: 12 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)

If you are planning on serving this at a party plan on heating the crock pot up 1 to 2 hours before serving.

Adding the eggs isn't necessary but to stop them from scrambling in the crock pot you need to add them into the cheese mixture when its warm and not really hot.

  • Category: Medium
  • Method: Crock Pot
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 392
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 676mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 16g

Keywords: crock pot mac and cheese

More Slow Cooker | Instant Pot

  • Slow Cooker Beef Stew
  • Slow Cooker Cashew Chicken
  • Crock Pot Salsa Chicken (2 Ingredients)
  • Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kari says

    Love this recipe, so creamy and delicious!

    Could it be frozen and reheated for an easy meal for new mom? Would anything need to be done differently?

  2. Rebekah says

    Thanks Jenna! I kind of made this today, and it was amazing! Unfortunately I could not find cream of cheese soup at the store so I used cream of chicken, so I increased the shredded cheese a bit. I did use the three eggs, and tempered them first. (Honestly wanted the extra protein). I think the eggs make it more like restaurant style Mac and cheese and just help it stick together. The taste was perfect. I had to slow cook it in the oven since I don't have a slow cooker at the moment. I cooked it at 350 for the last half hour and it made an incredible crust that I would highly recommend. My picky daughter loved it and my husband was very impressed. I will make this again!!

  3. Terry says

    I have made this recipe for years. I never add the eggs. It is much creamier without them.
    I use 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and a half cup of Velveta. Adding a small amount of mozzarella will make it even creamier. My family always requests this Mac and Cheese!

  4. Mary says

    This is so good and creamy! I don't use the eggs and I think it's better that way. After the cheese and butter melt, I add everything into the saucepan, heat it all up together then pour over the noodles in the crockpot!

  5. Jenna says

    Yes, servings is listed in the recipe card.

  6. Rhonda Smith says

    Best mac & cheese ever I don’t use the skillet and I throw everything in the crockpot everything melts love this recipe.

  7. Karen says

    If you double the recipe do you also have to double the eggs?
    How many servings?

  8. Jenna says

    Cook time does not change. Just have to find a crock pot large enough to store it!

« Older Comments

Leave a Reply

Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese - Recipe Diaries (2024)

FAQs

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

What does adding an egg to mac and cheese do? ›

But if you like a casserole texture, the eggs would help hold it together. I have before, yes. It gives it more of a baked casserole taste/texture, which I really like. Yes, I have used a recipe that called for eggs in the mac & cheese.

Why is my mac and cheese not saucy enough? ›

Cut back on cream

A lot of heavy cream can create too thick of a sauce that doesn't contain enough water content to keep everything saucy. Make sure to use primarily whole milk for your cheese sauce, and if you do use cream, use it sparingly.

What do should I add to homemade mac and cheese for taste? ›

8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
  5. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
May 21, 2022

Why do you add flour to mac and cheese? ›

In our stovetop mac and cheese recipe, a bit of flour is add to the milk mixture to thicken the final dish.
  1. Learn how to make the best stovetop mac and cheese without a roux: How To Make the Best Macaroni and Cheese on the Stove.
  2. A great reason for grating cheese: How To Make Classic Baked Macaroni & Cheese.

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What's in Bob Evans mac and cheese? ›

Cooked Enriched Pasta (Water, Elbow Macaroni [Semolina (Wheat), Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk, Water, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (American Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Contains Less than 2% of ...

How do you cut the richness in mac and cheese? ›

I notice that when I share the recipe, folks seem unphased by the copious amounts of cheese I use but are a little taken aback by the mustard. I get it, it's a relatively assertive flavor that doesn't exactly seem to fit with melty cheese, but the acidity in the mustard helps cut through the richness.

How do you increase the flavor of cheese in mac and cheese? ›

Ways to add flavor to Home-Made Mac and Cheese;
  1. Add Different Types Of Chopped Pickles; Sweet, Dill Etc.
  2. Add Different Types Of Mustard; Honey, Reg. ...
  3. Add Different Types Of Ketchup; Sweet, Reg. ...
  4. Add Different Types Of Hot Sauce or Hot Peppers. ...
  5. Add Different Types Of Pasta Sauces, Tomato Sauces, Pesto.
Oct 25, 2010

What does sour cream do in mac and cheese? ›

Sour cream: Sour cream helps thicken the creamy sauce and lends a lovely, subtle tang that pairs beautifully with the cheese and mustard powder. Velveeta: Velveeta is our secret ingredient for a luscious and creamy mac and cheese sauce.

What thickens mac and cheese? ›

Butter and flour: This makes our roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy. I use whole milk or reduced-fat milk.

Why isn't my homemade mac and cheese creamy? ›

This is due to the pasta absorbing more liquid over time, and the sauce itself becoming more “solid” as it cools. So, to ensure a creamy mac and cheese, make the sauce just a little looser than you think it needs to be. (Add more milk, a tablespoon at a time to adjust the consistency).

Is evaporated milk better than whole milk for mac and cheese? ›

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Milk: The evaporated milk lends a really nice flavor and creaminess, it's the "secret" to this mac and cheese! It also thickens faster since it's not straight from the fridge and cold. If you'd prefer to not use evaporated milk, whole milk or 2% works (whole is best).

Why do you put milk in mac and cheese? ›

Key Ingredients

Butter and flour: This makes our roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. Milk: Keeps our cheese sauce super creamy.

Do you need milk or butter for mac and cheese? ›

One way to make boxed mac and cheese much richer is to ditch the milk and add extra butter. The box instructions will most likely call for both milk and butter, but, as it turns out, the milk is unnecessary — as long as you add enough butter, of course.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Lilliana Bartoletti

Last Updated:

Views: 5636

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (53 voted)

Reviews: 84% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Lilliana Bartoletti

Birthday: 1999-11-18

Address: 58866 Tricia Spurs, North Melvinberg, HI 91346-3774

Phone: +50616620367928

Job: Real-Estate Liaison

Hobby: Graffiti, Astronomy, Handball, Magic, Origami, Fashion, Foreign language learning

Introduction: My name is Lilliana Bartoletti, I am a adventurous, pleasant, shiny, beautiful, handsome, zealous, tasty person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.