Hello there, foodies! Today, I’m here to talk about a dish that truly shines for its comforting simplicity: Paula Deen’s Crockpot mac and cheese. It works its magic by transforming humble ingredients into a rich, satisfying meal, making it the perfect choice for any occasion.
As a longtime admirer of Paula Deen, I can’t resist trying her recipes, and I’m excited to share this incredible mac and cheese with all of you. Picture enjoying a warm bowl of this creamy mac and cheese, which pairs wonderfully with everything from crispy fried chicken to fresh, vibrant salads.
Since discovering this recipe, it’s become a go-to for weeknight meals and family get-togethers. Now, I’m excited to pass along my tips for preparing this warm, comforting dish.
So, the next time you’re craving a comforting meal or a taste of Southern hospitality, Paula Deen’s mac and cheese is the perfect choice. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction, even amidst the hustle and bustle, offering a touch of indulgence.
Equipment Required
- Crock Pot: I suggest using a crockpot to gently boil the macaroni until it’s perfectly cooked.
- Mixing Bowl: Place your boiled macaroni in a medium-sized bowl to rest.
- Saucepan: This piece of equipment is often chosen for its convenience in tossing ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: I use these two tools to get the correct measurements for the ingredients.
- Spatula: A spatula is essential for a smoother mixing process, so be sure to use one.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Note: The quantities of the ingredients mentioned below are enough to make ten portions of Paula Deen Crockpot mac and cheese. You may adjust the quantities of the ingredients to serve more or fewer portions.
- 2 Cups Uncooked Elbow Macaroni: You can even try penne if you aren’t able to find elbow macaroni.
- 1 Cup Whole Milk: For a richer flavor, you can try using heavy cream instead of whole milk.
- 3 Beaten Eggs
- ½ Teaspoon Dry Mustard: Dijon mustard can also substitute dry mustard for a sharper flavor.
- ½ Teaspoon Salt: I always use a regular salt that has a high sodium concentration to fit my taste. You can also try using kosher salt as a milder option.
- 4 Tablespoons (½ stick) Butter (cut into pieces): You can try using margarine for a less creamy and richer flavor than butter.
- ½ Cup Sour Cream: Cream cheese can also work as a substitute. It will add richness and a bit of tang milder to sour cream.
- 1 (10 3/4 oz) Can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: You can also try bechamel sauce for rich and creamy flavor with a mild buttery taste.
- 2 ½ Cups (about 10 oz) Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese: As a similar option, try grated Monterey Jack cheese, with a little mild sharpness compared to cheddar cheese.
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper: You can also use white pepper for a mild, hot, and peppery taste.
Preparation And Cooking Time
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Minutes | 3 Hours 10 Minutes | 3 Hours |
How To Make Paula Deen Crockpot Mac And Cheese Recipe At Home
- Bring water to a boil in a crockpot and cook the macaroni until it reaches al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Now, melt the butter in a separate saucepan on medium heat, and add cheddar cheese to it, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts.
- Then, transfer the butter and cheese mixture into the crockpot. Along with that add the sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, salt, milk, dry mustard, and pepper. Stir the ingredients slowly until well combined.
- Afterward, stir the beaten eggs into the mixture.
- Lastly, toss in the drained macaroni into the cheese mixture and cook until tender and soft. You can set the slow cooker at a low heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.Â
- Here we go! The creamy and delicious Paula Deen Crockpot mac and cheese is ready to enjoy!
Expert Tips That I Recommend
- I like combining cheeses like sharp cheddar along with gruyere, parmesan, and fontina for a more complex, sharp, tangy and creamier texture.
- Enhance the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of cayenne pepper for heat, spicier, and umami flavor.
- If you want a more crunchier topping, toss in some regular or panko breadcrumbs while cooking the macaroni in the crockpot.
- If you want to experiment, opt for a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as cavatappi or shells.
- I also like adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute some milk with chicken or vegetable broth for added depth of soupy and savor flavor.
- As a personal choice, I also suggest adding some cooked chicken, ham, or even lobster to make it a more robust dish.
- A touch of hot sauce can enhance your mac and cheese and elevate the taste without being too strong.
- To balance the richness of this dish, I consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the cheese mixture. The acidity will tone down the heaviness of the mac and cheese.Â
- I recommend sauteing some onions and garlic in the butter before adding cheese for a deeper flavor.Â
- You can also drizzle some truffle oil on the mac and cheese before serving for an indulgent finish.
FAQs About Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Paula Deen’s Crockpot mac and cheese recipe is delicious but not very healthy. Due to its high fat and carbohydrate content, it is best to enjoy the dish in moderation.
I have listed the exact nutritional value of the Paula Deen Crockpot mac and cheese recipe for your reference:
| Calories | 316 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 23 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Fat | 19 g |
| Saturated Fat | 10 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 99 mg |
| Sodium | 371 mg |
| Potassium | 157 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Vitamin A | 606 IU |
| Vitamin C | 0.1 mg |
| Calcium | 257 mg |
| Iron | 1 mg |
This recipe is completely unsuitable for people following vegan, vegetarian, ketogenic, dairy-free, or gluten-free diets, so you need to alter some of the ingredients to suit your diet plan. People following a low-sugar diet can easily follow this recipe, but it’s also unsuitable for people on a low-fat diet.
Recipe Variations For Different Diets
- Ketogenic Diets: To make this recipe keto-friendly, I recommend altering macaroni to shirataki noodles and replacing whole milk with heavy cream
- Vegan or Vegetarian Diet: As an alternative to butter, whole milk, cheddar cheese, cheddar cheese soup, sour cream, and eggs, I recommend margarine, hemp milk, vegan cheese and vegan cheese soup, Greek yogurt, and silken tofu. Change these ingredients to make this dish suitable for vegans. Vegetarians can simply replace the eggs with some extra sour cream or cream cheese.
- Dairy-Free Diet: If you have dairy intolerance issues, I recommend changing butter to margarine and whole milk to oat milk or almond milk. I also recommend changing cheddar cheese to nutritional yeast, and you can use dairy-free canned soup instead of cheddar cheese soup.
- Gluten-Free Diet: To make this recipe suitable for people following a gluten free diet, I recommend altering macaroni to rice noodles or gluten-free pasta.
Storing And Reheating This Recipe
Storing
- In The Refrigerator: I typically keep my leftovers in the fridge. You can also choose to refrigerate yours by transferring the cheesy macaroni into an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.
- In The Freezer: Freezing isn’t my preferred method of storage, and I wouldn’t make it your go-to option. But if necessary, you can store your cheesy macaroni in an airtight container and place it in the freezer. It can last anywhere from 15 days to a month.
Reheating
- In The Oven: I recommend heating your oven to 350°F. Once preheated, place the macaroni in an oven-safe bowl, add a little butter and chicken broth, and cover with aluminum foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes.
- In The Microwave: I move the leftover macaroni onto a plate, add butter and chicken broth, and then microwave it for 30 seconds, stirring occasionally, until it’s heated through.
- Stovetop Method: I suggest transferring your leftover cheesy macaroni to a saucepan and stirring over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or until it’s fully heated. While stirring, add a bit of butter or oil, along with some chicken broth or heavy cream, to prevent the mac and cheese from drying out.
What To Serve With This Recipe
Paula Deen’s Crockpot mac and cheese is delicious on its own, but its versatility allows you to experiment with various dishes. For instance, it pairs wonderfully with Pan-Seared Tilapia, Italian-American Beef Braciole, or Sunday Chili, enhancing each with its rich, creamy flavor.Â
It also works beautifully alongside Enchilada Soup and Mushroom Soup, offering a delightful mix of cheesy, creamy, and tangy tastes. For an extra burst of flavor, try pairing this mac and cheese with Maple-Dijon Chicken Thighs, Zucchini Butter Spaghetti, or a Korean Beef Bulgogi recipe.
Additionally, it pairs beautifully with a hearty Vegetarian Tortilla Soup and Texas Twinkies or Eggplant Meatballs, creating a satisfying lunch or dinner. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to enjoy it solo or with your favorite side dishes.
Printable Version
Paula Deen Crockpot Mac And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Uncooked Elbow Macaroni
- 1 Cup Whole Milk
- 3 Beaten Eggs
- ½ Teaspoon Dry Mustard
- ½ Teaspoon Salt
- 4 Tablespoons ½ stick Butter (cut into pieces)
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- 1 10 3/4 oz Can Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 2 ½ Cups about 10 oz Grated Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- ½ Teaspoon Black Pepper
Equipment
- Crock pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Saucepan
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
- Spatula
Instructions
- Bring water to a boil in a crockpot and cook the macaroni until it reaches al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Now, melt the butter in a separate saucepan on medium heat, and add cheddar cheese to it, stirring occasionally until the cheese melts.
- Then, transfer the butter and cheese mixture into the crockpot. Along with that add the sour cream, cheddar cheese soup, salt, milk, dry mustard, and pepper. Stir the ingredients slowly until well combined.
- Afterward, stir the beaten eggs into the mixture.
- Lastly, toss in the drained macaroni into the cheese mixture and cook until tender and soft. You can set the slow cooker at a low heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Here we go! The creamy and delicious Paula Deen Crockpot mac and cheese is ready to enjoy!
Video
Notes
- I like combining cheeses like sharp cheddar along with gruyere, parmesan, and fontina for a more complex, sharp, tangy and creamier texture.
- Enhance the flavor with a pinch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or a touch of cayenne pepper for heat, spicier, and umami flavor.
- If you want a more crunchier topping, toss in some regular or panko breadcrumbs while cooking the macaroni in the crockpot.
- If you want to experiment, opt for a pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as cavatappi or shells.
- I also like adding cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions for added texture and flavor.
- Substitute some milk with chicken or vegetable broth for added depth of soupy and savor flavor.
- As a personal choice, I also suggest adding some cooked chicken, ham, or even lobster to make it a more robust dish.
- A touch of hot sauce can enhance your mac and cheese and elevate the taste without being too strong.
- To balance the richness of this dish, I consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the cheese mixture. The acidity will tone down the heaviness of the mac and cheese.Â
- I recommend sauteing some onions and garlic in the butter before adding cheese for a deeper flavor.Â
- You can also drizzle some truffle oil on the mac and cheese before serving for an indulgent finish.
Nutrition
Did You Make This Recipe ?Tag @thefoodxp on Instagram and Hashtag it #thefoodxp!More Paula Deen Recipes That You Can Try
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Crockpot mac and cheese embodies the true spirit of comfort food with every rich, cheesy bite. More than just a dish, it’s a loving tribute to Southern cooking, delivering a hearty dose of warmth and satisfaction to any table.
When you’re craving a dish that’s rich in flavor and steeped in tradition, Paula Deen’s Crockpot mac and cheese is the perfect choice. It’s a delicious reminder of how timeless recipes can lift your spirits and bring a sense of satisfaction wherever you are.
Go ahead and give this fantastic recipe a try. I’m confident it will please your family and friends. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you! Keep an eye out for more delicious recipes and happy cooking!
Let’s Connect
Follow Us On Our Social Media Platforms
You can subscribe to TheFoodXP to get weekly recipes in your inbox.
If you make this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and tag us in your photos on social media. We would love to share your pictures.
