The Instant Pot makes everything quicker, including mac and cheese! Made from scratch, this Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe is sure to please anyone.
Jump to RecipeWhile most kids love mac and cheese, mine are not the biggest fans. I’ve been trying every type of mac and cheese recipe I can think of. I’ve made one pot mac and cheese, macaroni casserole, pumpkin mac and cheese, and slow cooker mac and cheese. It was time to try one of my Instant Pot recipes and see if I could convince the boys. The first time I tried telling them this was cheesy pasta but they weren’t buying it.
Growing up, it was the ultimate comfort food for my family. We would cook up some sliced hot dogs, fry them, and serve them with mac and cheese. While I grew up eating that boxed version, now I prefer making homemade macaroni and cheese. I can control the ingredients for both health reasons and for the best flavor for our family.
There are some great options for making the best instant pot mac and cheese. We use almond milk at our house, but you can also make this with whole milk or heavy cream for it to be more creamy. I also like to use a very sharp cheddar cheese for the cheese sauce in this recipe. You can try different cheeses, such as adding mozzarella cheese, Monterey jack cheese, parmesan cheese, or a combination of cheeses. That’s the beauty of cooking from scratch, you can try different ingredients to get delicious mac and cheese.
Using the Instant Pot or any other electric pressure cooker makes this an easy meal. While it may take a little less time to make mac and cheese from the blue box, you’ll be glad you took the few extra minutes for this simple recipe that will quickly become a family favorite.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Step by Step
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Preparation
Add the dry pasta, water, and salt to the inner pot of the pressure cooker.
Turn the steam release valve to the sealing position and set it to high pressure and cook for 5 minutes.
Manually release the pressure with a quick release.
Set the instant pot to saute.
Add the butter, milk, cheese, mustard, and pepper.
Stir until the cheese melts and everything has combined.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Leftovers
Storage: Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: The best way to reheat mac and cheese is in a saucepan over medium heat until warmed through. Make sure to stir often so it doesn’t burn to the pan. If the mac and cheese is dry, add a splash of milk or butter.
Freezing: You can freeze the mac and cheese for up to 2 months. I like to freeze in single-serving quantities so we only thaw the amount we need.
Recipe
Originally Published On: January 16, 2023
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 cup elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
- Add the dry pasta, water, and salt to the inner pot of the pressure cooker
- Turn the steam release valve to the sealing position and set it to high pressure and cook for 5 minutes
- Manually release the pressure with a quick release
- Set the instant pot to saute
- Add the butter, milk, cheese, mustard, and pepper
- Stir until the cheese melts and everything has combined
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered estimates. Actual nutrition content will vary based on brands used, measuring methods, portion sizes, and more.
This instant pot mac and cheese looks delicious. I would love to try this recipe.
I adore mac and cheese but it’s not something I have very often. Mainly because it can be so heavy! But I really want to have some this month as we aren’t eating meat, so why not have some cheese!?
I think this will be our family’s new favorite comfort food. It’s mouth-watering and creamy.
been a while since i ate some mac and cheese! this looks soo good
I’ve never tried making mac n cheese at home because im a bad cook. I love eating it though. This recipe seems easy to me, pinning it for later
My goodness this recipe is incredibly comforting and easy to make – besides, who doesn’t like to indulge themselves in some amazing comfort food?
Nnniiiicccceeeee…I’ve always wanted to find an easier way to make myself some mac and cheese! I can work with this recipe. Thank you for sharing about it.
I have been CRAVING mac and cheese and this seems like a really delish one! Need to try it!
It seems simple yet something I haven’t tried before. I can I see that would taste yummy and it will be new way for us to try it.
This is such a great and simple recipe to follow. My kids would love this recipe for sure.
This macaroni and cheese is so creamy and delicious! And, making it in the Instant Pot couldn’t be easier!
I must try this recipe out. It’s just so good.