Best 4 Instant Pot Mac Cheese Recipes

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Mac and cheese, a classic dish beloved by people of all ages, takes on a new level of convenience when made in an Instant Pot. This versatile kitchen appliance streamlines the cooking process, allowing you to whip up a creamy, flavorful mac and cheese dish in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you can have a comforting and delicious meal ready to enjoy. Whether you prefer a classic mac and cheese recipe or one with a unique twist, there are countless variations to explore using the Instant Pot. So, gather your ingredients, turn on your Instant Pot, and get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will elevate your mac and cheese experience to new heights.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested 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

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

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 & CHEESE



Instant Pot Mac & Cheese image

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

Provided by norasingley

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 20m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 1/4 cups milk, plus additional as necessary
8 ounces cream cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 lb about 2 1/2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, coarsely grated
1/2 lb about 2 1/2 cups gruyere, coarsely grated
1/2 clove grated garlic
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, plus additional to taste and for serving
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
1 lb rotini pasta
thinly sliced chives, for serving

Steps:

  • Preheat Instant Pot to saute setting. Add milk, cream cheese, and butter. Cook, whisking to incorporate, until cream cheese is melted and mixture has come to a simmer. Add cheddar, gruyere, garlic, and cayenne. Whisk until smooth and season generously with salt and pepper. Add pasta, fold to combine, and place top on Instant pot.
  • Set pressure to high and cook for 6 minutes. Release pressure manually and open lid. Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, and cayenne. If desired, thin with additional ¼ cup milk. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped chives and cayenne.

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

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:

  • For a creamier mac and cheese, use a combination of sharp cheddar and cream cheese.
  • To make the mac and cheese more flavorful, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika.
  • If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle some bread crumbs or crushed potato chips on top of the mac and cheese before baking.
  • For a healthier mac and cheese, use whole wheat pasta and low-fat milk.
  • To save time, you can use pre-shredded cheese.

Conclusion:

Instant Pot mac and cheese is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and comforting dish. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can have a delicious pot of mac and cheese on the table in no time. Whether you're looking for a classic mac and cheese recipe or something a little more unique, there's an Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give Instant Pot mac and cheese a try.

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