Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
In the realm of comforting and indulgent comfort food, few dishes hold as cherished a place in our hearts as the beloved classic, Mac and Cheese. But what if we told you that you could whip up this creamy, cheesy delight in a fraction of the time, without compromising on flavor or creaminess? Get ready to revolutionize your mac and cheese game with the Instant Pot, as we take you on a journey to discover the ultimate recipe for Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Say goodbye to those laborious hours of stovetop cooking and hello to a rich, cheesy, and velvety mac and cheese that’s ready in a flash. Whether you’re a kitchen novice or a seasoned chef, this article is your passport to a world of quick, delectable, and oh-so-satisfying mac and cheese.
Grab that pressure cooker and make the best macaroni and cheese you have ever had.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the next best thing since sliced bread. I realize that may sound a bit much but it really is!!! This is just as easy, if not easier to make than boxed mac and cheese.
My boys could eat mac and cheese 5 days a week and now I will know they are eating the ingredients I purchased rather than wondering what exactly is that powder made of.
Can I Use Low Fat Dairy Products
My ingredients include whole milk cheeses but you can easily swap it out for low-fat options.
Stock up on shredded cheese the next time it is on sale and this way you can whip up some fresh warm mac and cheese whenever you like. A warm bowl of mac and cheese can do wonders to brighten up a kids day.
How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Start by adding your dry pasta, water, mustard powder and butter. Cook for just 4 minutes on the sealing position with a quick release.
Now you move onto mixing in the rest of ingredients for the ultimate cheesy macaroni and cheese!
The full directions and measurements of ingredients is in the printable recipe card below.
Variations to Mac and Cheese Recipe
- Swap water with chicken stock to add even more richness to this recipe. It will really transform the flavor. If a vegetarian reach for vegetable stock.
- Pasta shape can be changed as well. Smaller shells would be great or get creative if you prefer.
- Cheeses can be swapped as well if you have different ones at home, I tend to prefer shredding my own cheese off the block as it provides a creamier texture.
- If you enjoy broccoli in your Mac and cheese toss some in when you add cheese and just allow it to thaw if frozen. Or if fresh you can cut up and then toss in and cook for the 4 minutes to help tenderize it.
- Meats can be added if you would like. Stir in tuna, chopped or shredded cooked chicken, or even hot dogs.
How to Store Leftovers
You can store leftovers of this pressure cooker Mac and cheese by dishing into a container and placing in the fridge.
This side dish stores awesome and you can eat leftovers cold or reheat in microwave or even on the stove top.
Since this recipe has no meat it can store for up to 5 days in the fridge. If you add meat then it drops down to three days.
How Do I Make Macaroni And Cheese Thicker
If you find this is not thick enough for you, don’t worry. On sauté mode you can allow the mixture to get nice and warm. Make sure to stir often or it will burn.
Mix 2 teaspoons cornstarch with 2 teaspoons water, stir until mixed and pour into hot Mac and cheese. Stir until thickened. You can repeat the process if you need to. Just slow a couple of minutes to pass so it has tome to thicken up.
For another delicious mac & cheese, try my instant pot chicken mac & cheese. For the easiest stuffed shells, check out my Instant Pot No-boil Stuffed Shells.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the next best thing to sliced bread. This is just as easy if not easy to prepare than boxed mac and cheese and you get to control all of the ingredients. It is ready in 4 minutes!!
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp mustard powder
- 1 cup evaporated milk
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded colby jack cheese
Instructions
- Add macaroni, water, butter, and mustard powder, to your instant pot.
- Give a quick stir so that all the ingredients are combined.
- Close lid and seal valve on your Instant Pot.
- Set to high pressure, 4 minutes in manual mode.
- When it's done, do a quick release.
- Set the Instant Pot in warm mode.
- Add in your milk and both of your cheeses.
- Stir and mix until cheese is fully melted and is a creamy sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 504Saturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 416mgCarbohydrates: 46gFiber: 1gSugar: 5gProtein: 23g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
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