🧀 Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese – Creamy Southern Comfort in Every Bite

If there’s one dish that defines Southern comfort, it’s macaroni and cheese—and Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese takes that comfort to the next level. Creamy, indulgent, and incredibly easy to make, this slow-cooked version is the ultimate fix-it-and-forget-it comfort food. With rich layers of cheddar, butter, sour cream, and tender macaroni, it’s everything you love about homemade mac and cheese—without the oven or the stress.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping a side dish for Thanksgiving, or just craving something cozy on a busy weeknight, this crockpot recipe delivers all the classic flavor you’d expect from a Paula Deen recipe—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly Southern.

🧂 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hands-free cooking: Let your crockpot do the work while you handle other dishes.
• Ultra-creamy texture: A blend of sharp cheddar, milk, butter, and sour cream creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite.
• Family favorite: This recipe feeds a crowd and stays warm in the crockpot—perfect for potlucks and family gatherings.
• Customizable: Add bacon, lobster, extra cheese, or spices to make it your own.
• Classic Southern flavor: Simple ingredients, cooked slowly to perfection, for that old-fashioned comfort-food taste.

🧈 Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (about 16 oz)
• ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 2½ cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 large eggs, beaten (optional for thicker texture)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 (10¾ oz) can condensed cheddar cheese soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Crockpot
   Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the macaroni from sticking.
2. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for about 6–7 minutes—just until al dente. It should still be slightly firm, as it will continue cooking in the crockpot. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Base
   In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the grated cheddar cheese and stir until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine the Sauce
   Transfer the melted cheese mixture to the crockpot. Add the sour cream, condensed cheddar soup, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
5. Add Eggs (Optional)
   If you prefer a slightly firmer, casserole-like mac and cheese, whisk the eggs and slowly stir them into the mixture. Skip this step for a looser, creamier texture.
6. Add the Pasta
   Stir in the cooked macaroni until every noodle is coated in the cheesy sauce.
7. Slow Cook
   Cover and cook on LOW for 2½ to 3 hours. Stir occasionally every 30–60 minutes to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the edges don’t overcook.
8. Serve and Garnish
   Once the sauce is thick, bubbly, and fully melted, switch the crockpot to WARM. Sprinkle with parsley or extra shredded cheese before serving.

Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese

A creamy, slow-cooked macaroni and cheese inspired by Paula Deen’s famous Southern comfort recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Dish, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni about 16 oz box
• 0.5 stick unsalted butter cut into pieces
• 2.5 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 eggs beaten, optional
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 1 can condensed cheddar cheese soup 10¾ oz
• 1 cup whole milk
• 0.5 teaspoon dry mustard
• 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Saucepan
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Colander

Method

 

1. Lightly grease crockpot with butter or non-stick spray.
2. Cook elbow macaroni until just al dente, drain and set aside.
3. In saucepan, melt butter and cheddar cheese until smooth.
4. Combine melted cheese, sour cream, condensed soup, milk, dry mustard, salt, and pepper in crockpot.
5. Add beaten eggs if desired for a firmer texture.
6. Add macaroni, stir until fully coated.
7. Cover and cook on LOW for 2½–3 hours, stirring occasionally.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

Use freshly grated cheese for best melt; omit eggs for creamier texture.

💡 Recipe Tips

• Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese will make your sauce luxuriously creamy.
• Avoid overcooking: Crockpots vary in heat—start checking at the 2-hour mark to avoid dryness.
• Use whole milk or even half-and-half: The richer the dairy, the creamier your sauce will be.
• Add eggs carefully: If using eggs, let the cheese mixture cool slightly before adding them to avoid curdling.
• For extra creaminess: Stir in an additional splash of milk before serving if the sauce thickens too much.

🧀 Flavor Variations

Paula Deen’s recipe is a fantastic base that you can easily customize:

• Bacon Mac: Stir in crispy chopped bacon before serving for a smoky twist.
• Three-Cheese Blend: Mix sharp cheddar with Gouda, Colby Jack, or mozzarella for deeper flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Southern Deluxe: Mix in diced ham or cooked chicken for a heartier meal.
• Veggie Boost: Add cooked broccoli, peas, or roasted peppers for color and texture.
• Crusty Finish (Optional): Transfer to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs and a little butter, and broil for 2–3 minutes until golden.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

This mac and cheese is versatile—it can play the starring role or be the perfect supporting act.

As a Main Dish:
Serve with a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or cornbread for a complete meal.

As a Side Dish:
Pair it with barbecued ribs, fried chicken, baked ham, or roasted turkey for a true Southern spread.

For Kids:
Skip the mustard and pepper for a milder, kid-friendly version—they’ll love every bite.

For Parties:
Keep it warm in the crockpot—it’s perfect for buffet tables and potlucks because it stays creamy for hours.

📚 Fun Facts About Mac and Cheese

• Macaroni and cheese originated from Europe but became a symbol of Southern comfort food in the U.S.
• Thomas Jefferson introduced macaroni to America after tasting it in Italy, but it was Southern cooks who perfected the rich, baked style we know today.
• Paula Deen popularized slow cooker mac and cheese, transforming a traditionally oven-baked dish into an easier, hands-free favorite.
• The crockpot version is often creamier and softer than baked versions, which tend to be crusty and dense.

🕰️ Storage and Reheating Tips

To store:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

To reheat:
Warm slowly over low heat on the stovetop or in the crockpot. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long—it can separate the sauce.

To freeze:
This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop with a little milk to loosen the sauce.

❤️ Why This Recipe Works

The secret to Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese lies in balance—the richness of cheddar, the tang of sour cream, and the silkiness of butter all come together to create a sauce that hugs every noodle. Slow cooking allows the ingredients to meld gently, ensuring even texture and maximum creaminess. It’s indulgent, but simple; classic, yet customizable.

This recipe isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about comfort made easy. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this crockpot mac and cheese guarantees a flawless result every time.

🧡 The Final Scoop

Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the definition of Southern-style comfort: rich, creamy, and unapologetically indulgent. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s a go-to dish for weeknights, holidays, and gatherings alike. Serve it once, and it’ll become a staple at your family table.

Creamy. Cheesy. Southern perfection—all from your slow cooker.