Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Looking for an easy and delicious mac and cheese recipe? Try Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese! This creamy and flavorful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings. With simple ingredients like elbow pasta, cheddar cheese, and sour cream, it’s a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Plus, it cooks right in your slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked elbow pasta
• 3 ½ tablespoons butter
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 can (10 ¾ oz) cheddar cheese soup
• 1 ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon mustard powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the elbow pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted and combined into a smooth mixture.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Transfer the melted cheese mixture to the pot of the slow cooker. Add the cheddar cheese soup and sour cream, stirring until well combined.
4. Add Remaining Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the cooked macaroni pasta, milk, mustard powder, salt, and paprika. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
5. Cook in the Crockpot: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the mac and cheese for 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the dish to become creamy and bubbly.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Once the mac and cheese is done cooking, serve it hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
   Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to customize the flavor of your mac and cheese.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook in the crockpot.
3. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
   Yes, you can easily double or even triple the ingredients to feed a larger group of people.
4. Can I add additional ingredients like bacon or vegetables?
   Yes, you can customize this recipe by adding your favorite ingredients like crispy bacon, diced vegetables, or even cooked chicken for extra protein.
5. Can I cook this recipe on high heat instead of low?
   While it’s recommended to cook the mac and cheese on low heat for optimal creaminess, you can cook it on high heat for a shorter amount of time if needed.