Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Many people love this Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe for parties. It is the best comfort food you can find.

This Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe makes dinner very easy. Kids and adults will love this cheesy meal.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This recipe has a very rich flavor. It tastes like a warm hug. The texture is super creamy and smooth.

You do not need to boil noodles first. This saves you a lot of work. It is a true “set and forget” meal. You only need a few minutes to prep.

The slow cooker does the hard work. It stays warm for a long time. This makes it perfect for big family potlucks. It is the ultimate cheesy dream.

Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese

Equipment List

  • Slow Cooker: You need a 4-quart or 6-quart crock pot. It cooks the pasta slowly and evenly.
  • Large Bowl: Use this to mix your wet ingredients. It helps keep your kitchen clean.
  • Whisk: A whisk helps mix the eggs and milk. It makes the sauce very smooth.
  • Measuring Cups: You need these for the milk and cheese. Exact amounts make the recipe perfect.
  • Measuring Spoons: Use these for the salt and pepper. Small amounts of spice matter a lot.
  • Non-stick Spray: Spray the pot so cheese does not stick. It makes cleaning up very fast.
  • Wooden Spoon: Use this to stir the macaroni. It is strong and easy to hold.

Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese

  • Elbow Macaroni: This is the base of the dish. It holds the cheese sauce well.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bold taste. It melts into a gooey sauce.
  • Milk: Whole milk makes the dish very creamy. It keeps the pasta from getting dry.
  • Evaporated Milk: This is Paula Deen’s secret ingredient. It adds a very rich texture.
  • Butter: Melted butter adds a great savory flavor. It makes the sauce silky.
  • Eggs: Eggs help the cheese sauce set properly. They add a custard-like feel.
  • Sour Cream: This adds a nice little tang. It makes the macaroni extra moist.
  • Salt: Salt brings out all the savory flavors. Do not skip this simple seasoning.
  • Black Pepper: A little pepper adds a tiny kick. It balances the heavy cheese.
  • Paprika: This adds a beautiful orange color. It looks great on top.

How to Assemble

  1. Prep the Slow Cooker: Grease your slow cooker with butter or spray. This prevents a big mess later.
  2. Add the Pasta: Put the dry macaroni into the pot. Do not cook the noodles first.
  3. Mix the Liquids: Whisk the eggs and milk in a bowl. Add the melted butter and sour cream.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Pour the liquid mix over the noodles. Add most of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  5. Season the Dish: Stir in the salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the paprika over the very top.
  6. Slow Cook: Cover the pot with a tight lid. Cook on low heat for three hours.
  7. Final Stir: Stir the macaroni gently before serving. This mixes the melted cheese evenly.

Recipe Success Tips

➡️ Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.

➡️ Do not open the lid while cooking.

➡️ Spray the pot well to avoid sticking.

➡️ Check the pasta after two hours.

➡️ Use whole milk for the best results.

➡️ Do not overcook the macaroni noodles.

➡️ Add a splash of milk if dry.

➡️ Stir once halfway through the time.

➡️ Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.

How To Store Leftover

  • Put your leftovers in an airtight container.
  • Keep them in the fridge for three days.
  • You can reheat them in the microwave easily.
  • Add a little milk before heating it up.
  • This keeps the cheese sauce very creamy.
  • You can also use the oven.
  • Cover it with foil to keep moisture in.

Sides & Pairings Suggestions

  • Serve this with fried chicken or ham.
  • It goes great with a green salad.
  • Green beans are a very healthy side choice.
  • You can also serve it with BBQ ribs.
  • Garlic bread is perfect for scooping cheese.
  • Roasted broccoli adds a nice crunch.
  • Some people love it with hot sauce.
  • It is a very versatile side dish.

Nutritions

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Total Fat: 28g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Calcium: 350mg

FAQs about Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese for this recipe?

A: You can use it if you are busy. However, fresh cheese melts much better. Pre-shredded cheese has a waxy coating.

Q: Do I really not cook the noodles first?

A: Yes, use dry noodles for this recipe. They cook in the milk and butter. This gives them a better flavor.

Q: Can I cook this on high heat?

A: It is better to cook on low heat. High heat can make the edges burn. Low heat makes it creamy.

Q: How do I make it spicy?

A: You can add chopped jalapeños to the mix. Or add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. It adds a nice heat.

Final Thoughts

The Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe is a winner. It is easy to make for any skill level.

Your family will ask for it every week. It is cheesy, warm, and very filling. Give this recipe a try today.

You will love how simple it is. It is the best way to make mac and cheese. Enjoy your delicious and creamy meal!

More Amazing Recipes

Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Many people love this Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe for parties. It is the best comfort food you can find.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 10 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Non-stick Spray
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
  

  • 2 Cups Elbow Macaroni
  • 4 Cups Cheddar Cheese
  • 3 Eggs Eggs
  • 1 Cup Sour Cream
  • 1 Can Evaporated Milk
  • 1/2 Tsp Salt
  • 1 Cup Whole Milk
  • 1/4 Cup Butter
  • 1/2 Tsp Black Pepper
  • 1/4 Tsp Paprika

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Slow Cooker: Grease your slow cooker with butter or spray. This prevents a big mess later.
  • Add the Pasta: Put the dry macaroni into the pot. Do not cook the noodles first.
  • Mix the Liquids: Whisk the eggs and milk in a bowl. Add the melted butter and sour cream.
  • Combine Ingredients: Pour the liquid mix over the noodles. Add most of the shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Season the Dish: Stir in the salt and black pepper. Sprinkle the paprika over the very top.
  • Slow Cook: Cover the pot with a tight lid. Cook on low heat for three hours.
  • Final Stir: Stir the macaroni gently before serving. This mixes the melted cheese evenly.

Notes

➡️ Use freshly grated cheese for better melting.
➡️ Do not open the lid while cooking.
➡️ Spray the pot well to avoid sticking.
➡️ Check the pasta after two hours.
➡️ Use whole milk for the best results.
➡️ Do not overcook the macaroni noodles.
➡️ Add a splash of milk if dry.
➡️ Stir once halfway through the time.
➡️ Use sharp cheddar for more flavor.
Keyword Paula Deen Slow Cooker Macaroni And Cheese Recipe