Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Table of Contents

1. Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Ingredients
2. Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Substitutions and Additions
3. How To Make This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
4. How To Serve Mac and Cheese Instant Pot
5. Instant Pot Mac n Cheese Storage Tips
6. Why This Mac n Cheese Instant Pot is the Best
7. More Recipes You’ll Love
8. JUMP TO RECIPE
9. Popular Favorite Recipes to Try

This easy Instant Pot mac and cheese is a creamy, homemade comfort food favorite we love. It’s delicious with tender pasta and lots of cheesy and yummy goodness.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Ingredients

This creamiest mac will become your go-to recipe.

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Substitutions and Additions

This creamy macaroni is one of the best comfort foods — even a picky eater will love it! This homemade easy meal is so much better than the boxed stuff and has so many variations.

Thanks to the Instant Pot, the pasta cooks quickly while the perfect seasonings deliver the best flavor.

Get ready to earn a five star rating with this luscious cheesy pasta.

PASTA: Whole wheat pasta or gluten-free varieties like rice pasta can be great alternatives for those looking for healthier options or who have dietary restrictions. Keep in mind that gluten-free pasta might have a different texture and may cook faster, so keep an eye on it!

FAVORITE CHEESE: Feel free to swap out cheddar with different cheeses like Gouda for a smokier flavor or Monterey Jack for a milder taste. If you’re adventurous, try a combination of cheeses for a complex flavor profile. Mozzarella cheese, Colby Jack, or pepper Jack are all great options for extra flavor, too!

MUSTARD POWDER: You can use a teaspoon of dry mustard power or Dijon mustard for a tangy flavor to your mac and cheese.

GARLIC POWDER: Onion or garlic powder or a small amount of finely minced fresh garlic can be used instead. This can give a fresher and more intense flavor to the dish.

PAPRIKA: Add a dash of paprika to the mac and cheese mixture if you’d like a little extra seasoning.

SALT: For a lower sodium version, use reduced sodium salt or a salt substitute. Kosher salt, seasoned salt, or Himalayan salt are additional options for even more flavor.

PEPPER: White pepper can be used in place of black pepper for a slightly different flavor and a smoother look, as it won’t be as visible in the creamy sauce.

BROTH: If you don’t have chicken stock on hand, you can use vegetable broth. Water will work instead as well, or you can use a bullion cube with water.

MILK OPTIONS: To make your easy Instant Pot mac and cheese even creamier, you can use half & half or heavy cream in place of the whole milk.

Delicious Add-In Ideas for Mac and Cheese in Instant Pot

• BACON BITS: For a savory twist, add crispy bacon bits before serving. This adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.
• PEAS: Stir in some cooked peas for a pop of color and a sweet, mild flavor.
• BROCCOLI FLORETS: Adding steamed broccoli can turn this into a more wholesome dish, adding both color and nutrition.
• HOT SAUCE: A dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish with a spicy kick for those who like it a bit fiery.

Remember, substitutions can change the taste and texture of the best Instant Pot mac, so use them according to your preference and discretion.

How To Make This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe

STEP ONE: Combine the uncooked noodles, broth, butter, and garlic powder in the Instant Pot.

STEP TWO: Place and lock the lid.

STEP THREE: Set valve to sealing.

STEP FOUR: Press Manual Mode twice to turn off the keep warm function.

STEP FIVE: Set to High Pressure for four minutes.

STEP SIX: Perform a Quick Release as soon as the cycle is complete.

STEP SEVEN: Pour in the milk.

STEP EIGHT: Add the cheeses.

STEP NINE: Stir continually until the cheese is totally melted and incorporated.

STEP TEN: Add salt and pepper to taste.

STEP ELEVEN: Serve hot.

How To Serve Mac and Cheese Instant Pot

I like serving this creamy mac and cheese with a fresh, crisp cucumber salad, steamed veggies, broccoli, or a tangy classic coleslaw salad as a side dish. 

Need more dinner inspiration? This bacon mac and cheese is always a winner. You won’t want to miss this classic chili mac, either.

Instant Pot Mac n Cheese Storage Tips

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container. If you have leftovers, it’s simple to reheat and serve again. 

IN THE FREEZER: You can freeze homemade Instant Pot mac and cheese and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. Please wait until it is fully cooled then store in an airtight container.

REHEATING: As mac and cheese sits, the starches in the noodles dry out the dish. To combat this, you should add a splash of milk or cream before reheating. 

The rule of thumb is about a tablespoon of milk for every cup of mac and cheese you’re reheating.

Why This Mac n Cheese Instant Pot is the Best

Speed and Convenience: One of the biggest advantages of using an Instant Pot for homemade mac and cheese is the speed. It significantly reduces the cook time compared to traditional methods.

One-Pot Cooking: Everything is cooked in the Instant Pot, which means you only have one pot to clean at the end. This simplifies the cooking process and makes cleanup a breeze.

Consistent Results: The Instant Pot’s precise temperature control ensures consistent cooking results every time. You’re less likely to overcook or undercook your pasta, as the Instant Pot maintains the perfect temperature and pressure for the set time.

Flavor Infusion: Cooking pasta in the Instant Pot allows it to absorb flavors more effectively. Ingredients like broth, spices, and cheese meld together under pressure, infusing the pasta with intense flavors throughout.

Customizable: The Instant Pot is great for making mac and cheese that suits your taste. You can easily add various cheeses, spices, or extra ingredients like vegetables or meats, and the Instant Pot will cook them perfectly along with the pasta.

Perfect Texture: The Instant Pot helps to achieve a creamy, smooth texture that can sometimes be hard to replicate on the stove. The pasta is evenly cooked, and the cheese melts perfectly into the sauce without separating or becoming greasy.

Comfort Food Made Easy: Lastly, there’s something deeply satisfying about being able to quickly and effortlessly whip up the ultimate comfort food. Instant Pot mac and cheese delivers this satisfaction with minimal fuss, making it a go-to for busy days, last-minute meals, or when you simply crave some cheesy goodness.

This pressure cooker mac and cheese is creamy comfort food at its best — you’ll love it! With a creamy cheese sauce, this simple recipe is the kind of comfort food that is always sure to hit the spot. Our family loves this easy twist on a Southern, old-fashioned classic, made in an Instant Pot.

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