If you’ve been searching for the Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe that melts stress right off your shoulders—look no further, friend. This bowl of creamy, slow-cooked magic is exactly what your busy weeknight needs. I mean, what’s more soul-soothing than tender macaroni swimming in a velvety cheese sauce while your crockpot does all the heavy lifting?
As a mom, a cook, and someone who has absolutely used mac and cheese as dinner, therapy, and a bribe for picky eaters—I’ve got your back. This dish is warm, cozy, and wonderfully low-maintenance. Perfect for days when you want comfort without complications.
So grab that slow cooker, take a deep breath, and let’s make something delicious together.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Let me tell you why this dish has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation:
- It’s the kind of comfort that tastes like a hug after a long day.
- Your crockpot does 90% of the work—yes, really.
- It’s endlessly customizable, so you can dress it up for potlucks or keep it simple for a quiet night at home.
- Kids love it. Adults love it. Even your cheese-snob cousin loves it.
- It brings all the creamy nostalgia of classic Southern mac and cheese with almost zero effort.
This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe is the epitome of cozy weeknight cooking. And trust me—once you make it, it’ll become your go-to dish for busy evenings, hosting, or those “I need comfort in a bowl” days we all have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Elbow Macaroni – Classic, dependable, and perfect for holding onto cheese sauce.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – For that bold, tangy flavor that makes mac and cheese irresistible.
- Monterey Jack Cheese – Adds creaminess and helps create that ultra-gooey texture.
- Milk – Whole milk is ideal for richness without going overboard.
- Butter – Brings flavor and adds silky smoothness.
- Salt & Pepper – The must-have seasonings that make everything shine.
Simple ingredients. Maximum comfort.
How to Make Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese
This recipe keeps things approachable, friendly, and as low-stress as possible—because that’s what we need at 5 p.m. on a Tuesday, right?
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Think of this step like gathering the squad before a night out. Everybody needs to be present and ready for action.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente—about 7–8 minutes.
Drain well, but don’t rinse. That little bit of starch helps the sauce cling like a warm sweater on a cold day.
Step 3: Mix Everything in the Crockpot
In your slow cooker, combine:
- The cooked macaroni
- Shredded sharp cheddar
- Shredded Monterey Jack
- Milk
- Butter
- Salt and pepper
Give it all a good stir. Imagine you’re giving your ingredients a big cheesy hug.
Step 4: Set It & Forget It
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 2–3 hours.
Go fold laundry… or don’t. Watch your favorite show. Hide in the bathroom for five minutes of peace. Dinner is taking care of itself!
Step 5: Check Consistency
Peek inside after about two hours. If your mac and cheese looks a little thicker than you’d like, add a splash of milk and stir.
Don’t panic if it looks lumpy—slow cookers have personality, just like we do.
Step 6: Serve & Savor
Once the cheeses have melted into a dreamy sauce, it’s time to serve. Add bacon, herbs, extra cheese, or enjoy it as-is.
Either way, this dish deserves the spotlight.
Tips for the Creamiest Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Here are a few tricks from my kitchen to yours:
- Freshly shred your cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but it has added starches that prevent smooth melting.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta. Remember—it will continue to cook in the crockpot.
- Stir halfway through. Not mandatory, but it keeps things creamy.
- Go wild with mix-ins. Crumbled bacon, green chiles, smoked paprika, or even lobster if you’re feeling fancy.
And if your sauce looks “weird” at some point—don’t stress. It always comes together in the end. Slow cooker magic is real.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
I’ll never forget the first time I tried a recipe like this after a long and chaotic day. My kitchen looked like a toddler had been conducting a science experiment, and all I wanted was something warm and cheesy. I tossed everything into the crockpot, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.
When I finally lifted the lid a couple of hours later… oh my goodness. It was creamy, comforting perfection. Now it’s one of those recipes I turn to again and again—especially during busy weeks or when family is coming over.
You know those dishes that just feel like home? This is one of them.

FAQs About Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Can I substitute the cheese?
Absolutely! This Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe works well with Colby, Gouda, pepper jack, or even a little cream cheese.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes—but choose a sturdy brand. Gluten-free pasta can get mushy, so check it earlier.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your mac and cheese cool, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Add a splash of milk before reheating to bring back creaminess.
Can I make this for a potluck?
It’s perfect for potlucks! Keep it on the warm setting so the sauce stays silky and smooth.
Can I add protein?
Chicken, turkey , or sausage fit beautifully into this Crockpot Mac and Cheese recipe. (Meat lovers rejoice!)
Bring Warm Comfort to Your Table Tonight
If your family loves cozy meals—or if you need a little comfort yourself—this Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese will quickly become one of your favorites. It’s creamy, simple, and full of the kind of warmth that makes even stressful days feel a little lighter.
So go ahead: plug in that slow cooker, stir in the cheese, and let your kitchen fill with the kind of aroma that brings everyone running to the table.
Craving More Cozy Comfort Dishes?
If this creamy mac and cheese made your day a little brighter, here are a few more comforting recipes your kitchen will adore:
- Sicilian Chicken Soup — A warm, soothing bowl that feels like a hug after a long day. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little comfort.
- Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Soup — Ultra-creamy, cozy, and wonderfully hands-off. Your slow cooker will do all the magic for you!
- Chick-fil-A Mac and Cheese — A rich, cheesy favorite that tastes just like the classic you love. Great for pairing with weeknight meals or serving on its own.
- Crockpot Chicken Enchilada Casserole — Tender, cheesy, and full of Tex-Mex flavor. Just toss everything in and let your slow cooker work its wonders.
If this recipe brought a little extra comfort to your day, I’d love to hear about it!
Leave a quick review below and give it a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating — your feedback helps others discover the magic too!
Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This creamy Paula Deen Crockpot Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food — rich, velvety, and incredibly easy. Made with tender elbow macaroni, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and a buttery finish, it slow-cooks into the dreamiest cheese sauce. Perfect for busy nights, potlucks, holidays, or anytime you need a warm, cozy bowl of deliciousness.
Ingredients
-
16 oz elbow macaroni
-
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
-
2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
-
3 cups whole milk
-
1/2 cup butter, melted
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
-
Optional: 1/2 cup toasted breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
-
Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain but do not rinse.
-
Add the cooked pasta to your crockpot.
-
Stir in the shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, milk, melted butter, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
-
Cover and cook on LOW for 2–3 hours, stirring once or twice if desired.
-
Check consistency after 2 hours. Add a splash of milk if you prefer it creamier.
-
Once fully melted and creamy, serve warm. Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.
Notes
-
Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded.
-
Add-ins like chicken , paprika, jalapeños, or hot sauce make great flavor boosts.
-
Leftovers reheat best with a splash of milk.
-
Pasta will continue to soften in the crockpot — avoid overcooking before adding.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 430 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 46 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg