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Paula Deen's Crockpot Mac and Cheese

Creamy Southern-style mac and cheese cooked in a crockpot, rich, cheesy, and perfect for family meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 430
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Mac and Cheese
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni uncooked
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika optional
  • 0.5 tsp dry mustard optional
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese for topping

Equipment

  • Crockpot/slow cooker
  • Mixing spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Cheese grater

Method
 

  1. Spray crockpot with nonstick spray or grease with butter.
  2. Mix cream cheese, butter, half-and-half, heavy cream, and seasonings until smooth in crockpot.
  3. Add uncooked macaroni and stir to coat evenly.
  4. Add 2 cups cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stir gently.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 2–3 hours, stirring every 30–45 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and Parmesan over top, cook an additional 10–15 minutes until melted.
  7. Serve hot, garnish with paprika or parsley if desired.

Notes

Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Can be made ahead and reheated in crockpot.