How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
If this recipe for Instant Pot mac and cheese were the only thing we ever cooked in our pressure cooker, it would still be worth it to have it. This super creamy version of homemade mac and cheese is a crowd pleaser and on the table in around ten minutes.
Oh let me count the ways I love this mac and cheese.
It comes together in about ten minutes!
It is creamy and cheesy (yet no processed junk!)
I can make it all in one pot which makes for super easy clean up.
This recipe keeps our Instant Pot in constant use.
How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
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Gather all the ingredients and your Instant Pot.
Place the uncooked noodles, chicken or vegetable broth, and water in the pot.
Add 3-4 tablespoons butter cut into smaller pieces.
Last, add in the salt, pepper, and mustard powder (optional, but adds great depth).
Give it a nice stir, and place the lid on top.
Set the Instant Pot to pressure cook (or manual setting) for 6 minutes.
When the timer goes off, give it a quick release and then remove the lid after the steam has all released and the pin has dropped.
Give it a stir and then add in the milk, cream, and sprinkle the cheese on top. It will look really soupy, but stir it up for a bit.
It will need a few minutes of being stirred and sitting to thicken up the liquid and melt the cheese. You can turn your Instant Pot onto the sautée function to quicken up this step. But if you do, make sure to keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
What kind of cheese is best?
What we have found to work best is use a high quality pre-shredded cheese. I usually like to shred my own cheese for mac and cheese, but with this recipe, we have liked it better with the pre-shredded. Just make sure it isn’t the super thin small shreds. The thicker, the better for some reason.
You could defiantly take a high quality block cheese and shred your own, though.
We especially like the Tillamok thick shreds cheese. We have used regular cheddar, sharp cheddar, and a few different cheese blends. All turn out well.
What noodles work best?
We have also tried several types of noodles for this Instant Pot mac and cheese. The best we have found is regular ol elbow macaroni noodles.
Other noodles work too, but you will have to increase the pressure cook time by a few minutes for most of them.
We have tried whole grain macaroni noodles and it takes about twice the amount of time. It turns out, but not usually as creamy.
So, for best results, I suggest using the regular elbow macaroni noodles.
Give it a try
So no matter if you have had your Instant Pot for only a few months (and it still may be in the box) or you have been using it for years, I think this recipe is for you.
Give it a try and let me know what you think.
Instant Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder
- 3-4 tablespoons butter cut into cubes
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese or a mix like cheddar jack
- 1/3 cup whole milk can use 2%
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Add the uncooked macaroni, vegetable/chicken broth, water, butter, garlic powder, mustard powder, pepper, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Place the lid on the pot and set to sealing. Cook on pressure cooker/manual function for 6 minutes.
- Do a quick release.
- Add the heavy cream and milk and give it a stir. Last, add in the cheese and stir until creamy and thick. You can turn on the sauté function or just give it a few minutes to thicken.
Notes
Pin for Later
More Ways I use My Instant Pot
Southern Style Green Beans
Homemade Yogurt
Homemade Chicken Broth in the Instant Pot
Homemade Vegetable Broth with Kitchen Scraps
This looks great! I don’t have an instant pot but I am sure I could make this in a regular pot as well!
If you have room to store it I would highly recommend the Instant Pot! It has made so many things I do in the from scratch kitchen so quick and easy!
Yum! I have always wanted to make our own mac & cheese. Mostly b/c we buy the best smoked cheddar and I have always dreamt of eating it with pasta! Thanks for sharing!
That cheese would be perfect for this recipe. Hope you try it out!
Great recipe! Whole family loves it!