When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a creamy, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese. Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese takes this beloved classic to new heights with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This slow cooker version delivers the rich, velvety texture and bold cheese flavor that Southern cooking is famous for, all while requiring just a few simple ingredients and virtually no hands-on cooking time. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, bringing a dish to a potluck, or simply craving ultimate comfort food, this recipe delivers every single time.

The beauty of making mac and cheese in a crockpot lies in its simplicity and consistency. Unlike stovetop versions that require constant stirring and careful temperature monitoring, this slow cooker method allows the pasta to cook gently in a bath of creamy cheese sauce, resulting in perfectly tender noodles coated in rich, gooey goodness. The low and slow cooking process helps the flavors meld together beautifully while preventing the cheese from separating or becoming grainy—a common problem with rushed stovetop preparations. This recipe embodies everything that makes Paula Deen’s cooking style so beloved: straightforward instructions, accessible ingredients, and guaranteed delicious results that taste like they came straight from a Southern grandmother’s kitchen.

What Makes This Crockpot Mac and Cheese Special

Paula Deen’s approach to mac and cheese emphasizes maximum creaminess and cheese flavor without any unnecessary complications. This recipe uses a combination of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses to create a perfectly balanced flavor profile—the sharp cheddar provides that classic tangy bite while the mild cheddar contributes smooth, mellow richness. The addition of evaporated milk creates an incredibly silky texture that coats every pasta piece with luxurious cheese sauce. Unlike some recipes that rely on heavy cream or complex cheese sauces made with flour and butter, this version keeps things simple while still delivering restaurant-quality results.

The crockpot cooking method also makes this recipe incredibly forgiving and perfect for busy households. You can prepare everything in the morning, let it cook while you’re at work or running errands, and come home to a house filled with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and perfectly cooked pasta. The slow cooker maintains the ideal temperature throughout the cooking process, ensuring that the cheese melts smoothly without scorching and the pasta cooks evenly without becoming mushy. This hands-off approach means you can focus on other tasks while your dinner practically makes itself, making it an ideal choice for hectic weeknights, holiday gatherings, or any occasion when you need a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This crockpot mac and cheese works beautifully as either a main dish or a hearty side. Serve it alongside grilled chicken, barbecued ribs, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal, or let it shine as the star attraction for a simple, satisfying dinner. The recipe scales easily, making it perfect for feeding large crowds at potlucks, church suppers, or family reunions. Kids absolutely love the creamy, cheesy goodness, while adults appreciate the rich flavor and nostalgic comfort it provides. It’s also an excellent make-ahead option for holiday meals, freeing up valuable oven space while still delivering a dish that everyone will request again and again.

The versatility of this recipe also makes it easy to customize according to your preferences or dietary needs. Add cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or pulled pork to transform it into a heartier main course. Stir in some steamed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, or sautéed mushrooms to sneak in extra vegetables. For a crispy topping, transfer the finished mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, and broil for a few minutes until golden and crunchy. The basic recipe provides a perfect canvas for countless variations while remaining delicious in its simple, classic form.

Tips for Perfect Results Every Time

To ensure your crockpot mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time, start with quality ingredients—especially the cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly, so whenever possible, buy block cheese and shred it yourself for the creamiest results. Make sure your crockpot is the right size for the recipe; too large and the pasta might dry out, too small and it could overflow. A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe, providing enough space for everything to cook evenly without crowding.

Avoid opening the lid unnecessarily during cooking, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time. The pasta cooks perfectly in the sealed environment of the slow cooker, absorbing the creamy cheese sauce while becoming tender. If you notice the edges getting too brown or crusty, simply stir the mixture gently to redistribute the pasta and sauce. Some people prefer this slightly crispy edge—it adds textural contrast to the creamy interior—but if you prefer everything uniformly smooth, occasional stirring prevents this from developing.

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1½ cups whole milk
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just barely tender, then drain well and transfer to the prepared crockpot.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mild cheddar cheese to the hot pasta, stirring gently to begin melting the cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs until well combined and smooth.
Pour the milk mixture over the pasta and cheese in the crockpot, stirring everything together until evenly distributed.
Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring again to ensure the seasonings are incorporated throughout.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally if desired, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Once finished cooking, stir the mac and cheese gently to redistribute the sauce and ensure everything is evenly coated before serving hot.

Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Ultra-creamy slow cooker macaroni and cheese with sharp and mild cheddar, requiring minimal effort for maximum comfort food satisfaction.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 2 30

Total Time 2 45

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Southern

Calories: 485

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

1 pound elbow macaroni pasta
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1.5 cups whole milk
0.5 cup unsalted butter melted
3 eggs beaten
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper
0.5 tsp garlic powder

Equipment

4-6 quart crockpot
Large pot for boiling pasta
Mixing bowl
Whisk
Colander

Method

Lightly grease the inside of your crockpot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions until just barely tender, then drain well and transfer to the prepared crockpot.
Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and mild cheddar cheese to the hot pasta, stirring gently to begin melting the cheese.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the evaporated milk, whole milk, melted butter, and beaten eggs until well combined and smooth.
Pour the milk mixture over the pasta and cheese in the crockpot, stirring everything together until evenly distributed.
Add the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, stirring again to ensure the seasonings are incorporated throughout.
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally if desired, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is hot and bubbly.
Once finished cooking, stir the mac and cheese gently to redistribute the sauce and ensure everything is evenly coated before serving hot.

Notes

For best results, shred cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent edges from drying out. Add a splash of milk when reheating leftovers to restore creamy consistency.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftover crockpot mac and cheese stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The cheese sauce may appear slightly separated or thicker after refrigeration, but this is completely normal. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and stir well to restore the original creamy consistency. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring every 30 seconds until heated through, or warm larger quantities on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.

For longer storage, this mac and cheese freezes reasonably well, though the texture may be slightly different after thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to two months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Add extra milk when reheating frozen mac and cheese to help restore its creamy texture. While freshly made always tastes best, having homemade mac and cheese in the freezer provides a convenient comfort food option for busy days when you need something satisfying and quick.

Why This Recipe Works Every Time

The combination of evaporated milk and whole milk creates the perfect base for this mac and cheese, providing richness without being overly heavy. Evaporated milk contains less water than regular milk, which means the sauce stays creamy and doesn’t become thin or watery during the slow cooking process. The eggs help bind everything together and create an almost custard-like texture that makes this mac and cheese extra special. This is not your typical loose, soupy crockpot mac and cheese—it comes out thick, creamy, and perfectly cohesive with every pasta piece coated in luxurious cheese sauce.

The two-cheese combination also plays a crucial role in the recipe’s success. Sharp cheddar brings bold, tangy flavor that prevents the dish from tasting bland or one-dimensional, while mild cheddar adds smooth, mellow creaminess that balances the sharpness. Using only sharp cheddar can make the final dish taste too strong or acidic, while using only mild cheddar might result in a bland outcome. Together, these two cheeses create perfect harmony, delivering complex cheese flavor that appeals to a wide range of palates.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This crockpot mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with so many different meals. Serve it alongside grilled or smoked meats like chicken, pork chops, or beef brisket for a classic Southern-style dinner. It also works beautifully as a side dish for barbecue, complementing tangy sauces and smoky flavors with its rich, creamy texture. For a lighter meal, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables for added nutrition and color.

During holiday gatherings, this mac and cheese holds its own against traditional favorites like mashed potatoes and stuffing. It stays hot in the crockpot for extended periods, making it ideal for buffet-style serving where guests help themselves throughout the meal. The recipe also doubles easily, so you can make a larger batch in a bigger slow cooker when feeding a crowd. Just keep in mind that doubling the recipe may require slightly longer cooking time to ensure everything heats through properly and the cheese melts completely.

Making It Your Own

While this recipe is absolutely delicious as written, it also serves as an excellent base for customization. Stir in cooked, crumbled bacon or diced ham for a heartier version with added protein and smoky flavor. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy kick that complements the rich cheese sauce. Mix in some Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for additional depth and complexity.

For a more gourmet version, experiment with different cheese combinations. Try adding some Gruyère for nutty sophistication, smoked Gouda for depth, or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess. You can also mix in different pasta shapes—cavatappi, shells, or penne all work beautifully and offer different textural experiences. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if using larger pasta shapes, as they may take a bit longer to become tender in the slow cooker.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese represents everything wonderful about comfort food: it’s simple to prepare, uses basic ingredients, requires minimal hands-on time, and delivers consistently delicious results that satisfy both kids and adults alike. The slow cooker method ensures perfectly creamy mac and cheese without the risk of scorching or the need for constant attention. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight, bringing a dish to share at a gathering, or simply treating yourself to the ultimate comfort food experience, this recipe never disappoints. The rich, cheesy goodness combined with the convenience of crockpot cooking makes this a recipe you’ll return to again and again, creating countless happy memories around the dinner table with every creamy, delicious bite.

Paula Deen’s Crockpot Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe