Best 3 Instant Pot Mac And Cheese Recipes

Macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food, can now be easily prepared in an instant pot. With its ability to quickly cook pasta and melt cheese, the instant pot has become a popular choice for making this dish. Whether you prefer a creamy, cheesy sauce or a crispy, golden crust, there are numerous instant pot mac and cheese recipes available to suit your taste preferences. This article will guide you through the various options, providing step-by-step instructions, ingredient lists, and tips for achieving the perfect mac and cheese in your instant pot.

Let's cook with our recipes!

INSTANT POT® MAC AND CHEESE

Instant Pot® Mac and Cheese image

Try this quick-and-easy electric pressure cooker macaroni and cheese recipe--let the Instant Pot® do the work.

Provided by Michael Beatty

Categories Side Dish

Time 40m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 quart chicken stock
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup milk
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

Combine macaroni, chicken stock, salt, dry mustard, liquid smoke, paprika, pepper, and garlic powder in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 4 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.
Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove the lid. Stir in butter, milk, Cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted. Mixture will be soupy at first.
Select the "Keep Warm" setting on the Instant Pot® and allow macaroni to sit, uncovered and stirring occasionally, until all liquid has been absorbed and consistency is smooth and creamy, about 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 332.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.9 g, Cholesterol 39.2 mg, Fat 13.8 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 15.7 g, SaturatedFat 8.2 g, Sodium 681.1 mg, Sugar 2.8 g

INSTANT POT® MAC AND CHEESE WITH HAM AND PEAS

Instant Pot® Mac and Cheese with Ham and Peas image

Forget about the blue box (you know what I'm talking about) and make homemade mac and cheese for a weeknight dinner. The ham, peas, and optional hot sauce add some pizzazz to classic mac and cheese. Adjust the consistency of the mac and cheese sauce to suit your personal preference. I used Kraft® 2% Milk Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese to reduce fat with no negative effect on taste.

Provided by lutzflcat

Categories Main Dish Recipes Pork Ham

Time 44m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

4 cups water
1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon dry mustard powder (such as Colman's®)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk
⅓ cup whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups shredded 2% milk Cheddar cheese (such as Kraft®)
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup diced cooked ham
½ cup frozen peas, defrosted
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Combine water, elbow macaroni, mustard powder, salt, and hot sauce in an electric pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Close and lock the lid. Set to high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions and cook for 4 minutes. Allow up to 10 minutes for pressure to build.
Release pressure carefully using the quick-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, about 5 minutes. Unlock and remove lid. Switch to Low Saute function by pressing Saute once and Adjust twice. Stir macaroni to separate any clumps.
Stir evaporated milk, milk, and butter into the pot. Add Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese gradually, stirring constantly until melted. Stir in ham and peas. Season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 606.8 calories, Carbohydrate 65.4 g, Cholesterol 67.1 mg, Fat 22.9 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 33.3 g, SaturatedFat 12.5 g, Sodium 1150.4 mg, Sugar 9.9 g

INSTANT POT MAC AND CHEESE

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Brandon S.

Categories < 15 Mins

Time 14m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) box elbow macaroni
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
3 tablespoons butter
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
4 cups water

Steps:

1. Place the macaroni water salt and butter.
2. Set Instant Pot on 4 minutes manual.
3. Manual release pressure quick release.
4. Take lid off and set pot on saute and add whipping cream and stir.
5. Slowly add cheese as it melts and enjoy.

Tips:

Use a high-quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your mac and cheese. Choose a cheese that melts well and has a flavor you enjoy. Some good options include cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and Fontina.
Don't overcook the pasta. The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. This will help prevent it from becoming mushy in the mac and cheese.
Make sure the sauce is thick enough. The sauce should be thick enough to coat the pasta evenly. If it's too thin, it will make the mac and cheese runny. To thicken the sauce, you can add more cheese, cornstarch, or flour.
Season the mac and cheese to taste. Add salt, pepper, and other seasonings to taste. You can also add other ingredients, such as cooked bacon, crumbled sausage, or chopped vegetables.
Serve the mac and cheese immediately. Mac and cheese is best served hot and fresh. If you're not serving it right away, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Conclusion:

Instant Pot mac and cheese is a quick and easy meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. It's also a great dish for potlucks and parties. With a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you can make a delicious and satisfying mac and cheese that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Instant Pot mac and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!