How To Make Mac N Cheese In Instant Pot

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How To Make Instant Pot Boxed Mac N Cheese

INSTANT POT MAC-N-CHEESE // How to make Macaroni & Cheese in the Instant Pot

What to know how to make Instant Pot boxed mac and cheese? This is crazy simple to do, and with just a 4 minute cook time, you can have your favorite macaroni and cheese to serve up your family. No straining required for this recipe.

The instant pot has really opened up my cooking options. I dont usually make a lot of boxed foods but I know some people need to so they can stretch the budget. I have used boxed mac n cheese many times when my kids were small. Now I will show you how to make Instant Pot Boxed Mac N Cheese.

Instant Pot Recipes Made Simple

With this book, youll get:

  • Tried-and-true recipes the whole family will love including pot roast, spaghetti, tacos, carnitas, soups, and easy breakfast meals
  • Instant Pot starter guide on how to use the buttons, tips and tricks, and more
  • Printable shopping lists for ingredients
  • Step-by-step video lesson on how to use your Instant Pot, pressure cooker safety, and some of my favorite tips and tricks
  • Two-week meal plan that you can put into action for no-stress weeknight dinners

Can I Make Instant Pot Mac And Cheese With A Different Type Of Milk

The short answer is yes. I used whole milk for the recipe because I think it provides a better creamy texture. However, using half and half or heavy cream would also be great options. You can also use evaporated milk in place of milk , but it adds a slightly off putting taste in my opinion. Some people LOVE evaporated milk in mac and cheese, but I like to stick to regular milk. Its totally your preference!

My favorite Instant Pot Recipes:

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  • 1cupwhole milk
  • 4ouncessharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese,freshly grated
  • 4ouncesmonterey cheese,freshly grated
  • 2ouncesparmesan cheese,freshly grated
  • black pepper to taste
  • Add pasta to instant pot. Add water/broth, salt, and mustard stir to combine. Close instant pot lid and place pressure valve in sealed position. Set on manual/high for 4 minutes.

  • Once the time is up, release the pressure immediately by flipping the valve and releasing the steam. Remove the top, then add milk, cheese, paprika, and butter stir constantly until cheese is melted and everything is combined*. Add black pepper to taste. Serve immediately.

  • Read Also: Instant Pot Without Yogurt Setting

    Macaroni And Cheese With Butternut Squash And Crispy Fried Sage

    We often have leftover butternut squash in the fridge so with its mild taste, its a natural veggie to add in for a little more health in the mac. Both diced cooked squash or creamed work equally well here when combined with the cheesy sauce. To make the crispy fried sage, simply add 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil to a fry pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add the sage leaves and cook for 15-30 seconds, flip, and cook for another 20 seconds or so. Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate and sprinkle with kosher salt to top the mac and cheese.

    Roasted cauliflower, sweet potato, or even broccoli would work here too.

    How Do You Make It:

    How to Make Original Mac

    When I usually make macaroni and cheese, I make a roux with butter and flour then slowly whisk in milk. Finally I stir in the cheese until it melts. And, dont get me wrong, macaroni and cheese this way is fabulous too. But it takes a bit more time. With Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, you cook the pasta in the Instant Pot then stir in evaporated milk, 3 different cheeses and seasonings. Then BAM! The creamiest mac and cheese youve ever had.

    Looking for more Instant Pot Recipes? Ive got you covered!

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    How Long Does The Mac And Cheese Instant Pot Recipe Last

    Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your macaroni and cheese will last for 4-5 days. Enjoy!

    This mac and cheese is creamy and delicious. Plus, because its made in the Instant Pot, its incredibly quick and easy!

    • Amber Goulden
    • Yield:Serves 461x
    • Category:Sides
    • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
    • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
    • 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
    • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

    Why Make Mac And Cheese In The Instant Pot

    The major reason you would want to make Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot is because it adds a little variety to the plain box Mac and Cheese. Additionally, making your own is a lot more nutritious than using fake cheese sauce.

    In this recipe, you use hand shredded cheese which means it is going to be a much cheesier and healthier option.

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    The Magic Of Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

    We need to identify the brand of mac that is Instant Pot mac and cheese.

    This is: youve graduated from mac and cheese in a box, but you are not interested in the commitment required for a big fancy baked deal. You want something that falls somewhere in the middle of the tastes-like-Velveeta to truffle-baked-mac spectrum. Friends, you are in luck. This is the perfect in between. This is your mac and cheese for when you want REAL FOOD mac and cheese that has a velvety, creamy, sauce with 5 ingredients in 15 minutes.

    It is hangry mac and cheese.

    It is I-have-no-other-groceries mac and cheese.

    It is even-if-I-did-I-would-still-make-this mac and cheese.

    It is FEED ME NOW AND LOVE ME FOREVER mac and cheese.

    Easy Instant Pot Mac And Cheese Recipe

    Extremely Easy and Affordable Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – How to Use an Instant Pot

    This Instant Pot mac and cheese is almost a too-good-to-be-true situation. First of all, even though its easy, it still counts as homemade mac and cheese, and lets be honest, *nothing* beats a good homemade mac and cheese.

    Thanks to the addition of cream cheese, this macaroni and cheese is uber creamy. Its special enough to be on your holiday dinner table and simple enough to be on your everyday dinner table.

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    Lets Begin Making This Popular Instant Pot Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Below

    Begin by having your Instant Pot on the counter and plugged in. Pour in the whole 16 oz box of macaroni noodles and then pour in the chicken broth over top.

    TIP #1: If you do not have chicken broth, you can use water, it just wont have quite as much flavor.

    Then, take the butter and cut it into small pieces and place it in the Instant Pot with the pasta and broth.

    Now add in the salt with everything else in the Instant Pot.

    Once youre finished with that, place the top on the Instant Pot and turn the valve to the SEALING position.

    Next, press the MANUAL button and set the timer for 4 minutes and let the Instant Pot do its thing.

    When the timer runs out, let the Instant Pot sit for another 5-minute natural release of the pressure. After that 5 minute mark, move the valve to the VENTING position to release the remaining pressure from the inner pot.

    TIP #2: There might be some foam that comes out of the top. Just place a paper towel over top and wipe it off when its done.

    Now, remove the lid and add in the whipping cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese.

    Then add in the garlic salt, parsley, and dry mustard and then mix everything together! Keep mixing until the cheese is melted and smooth.

    Now just serve up this creamy mac and cheese, and enjoy!

    Best Noodles For Mac And Cheese In The Instant Pot

    You can use macaroni for Instant Pot mac and cheesebut whats the fun in that? In fact, our favorite pasta for this comfort food is anything but macaroni. We love using a unique pasta shape to keep things interesting. Shells are a favorite around here: and while they arent unexpected, theres something thats even more homey about them than the typical mac. Here are our favorite types of short pasta for mac and cheese, in order of preference:

  • Rigatoni long thicker tubes
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    Best Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

    I love my Instant Pot! If you are unfamiliar with this cooking appliance, it is an incredible pressure cooker and more. It serves as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, steamer, yogurt maker, and much more.

    Let me show you how to make the most delicious macaroni and cheese using your Instant Pot. This macaroni recipe is easy, mouth-watering, and full of flavor. Unlike baked macaroni and cheese, Instant Pot mac and cheese will give you a super creamy cheese sauce. It will be some of the creamiest mac and cheese you will ever enjoy.

    I have displaced many of my small kitchen appliances in favor of this amazing appliance. It helped me move out a couple of steamers, a rice cooker, and a slow cooker.

    You might wonder why you would wish to prepare macaroni and cheese in a pressure cooker. Well, there is a good reason. When you cook one-pot mac and cheese, the pasta gets infused with a lot of flavors. In this macaroni recipe, the flavors of the hot sauce and dry mustard powder are imparted to the pasta.

    For the cheese, I am using two different types a good Cheddar cheese and some Monterey Jack cheese. I like this combination. The Cheddar provides a lovely color and flavor, and the Monterey Jack gives this dish a nice melt that you are certain to enjoy.

    Mac And Cheese Made In The Instant Pot

    Instant Pot Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

    Before we get to the recipe, have you cooked with an Instant Pot yet? Its basically an electric pressure cooker, but really easy to use. Much easier than a conventional pressure cooker, which I was always scared to use.

    What I love about the Instant Pot is that its a 7-in-1 Multi-Functional Cooker including a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, saute/browning, yogurt maker, steamer and warmer. Plus, it has a stainless steel cooking pot and steam rack LOVE that! I have literally gotten rid of my old slow cooker and yogurt maker because I can do it all with the Instant Pot.

    Looking for Instant Pot recipe ideas? Check out my top 50 gluten-free and Paleo Instant Pot recipes. You can also follow my too.

    Ready for the Gluten-Free Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe? Its so easy to make. Youll be done from start to finish in about 20 minutes.

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    How To Make Mac And Cheese In The Instant Pot

    Step 1: add the uncooked macaroni noodles, vegetable broth, and water to the instant pot.

    Step 2: cube 3 tablespoons of butter and stir it in.

    Step 3: set to manual for four minutes.

    Once the 4 minutes are up, do a quick release.

    Step 4: Once the quick release is finished and the pin has dropped, safely open the lid and stir in the heavy cream, milk, and cheese.

    At first, it will look like too much liquid, but once you stir for a few minutes, it will thicken. If you are worried, just be patient.

    It will look soupy at first, but after sitting for a few minutes and stirring, it becomes thicker and creamier.

    All of that liquid and cheese makes for an ultimately super creamy instant pot mac n cheese.

    How To Make Instant Pot Macaroni And Cheese

    You guys, I love making recipes in my Instant Pot! It saves space on my stovetop, and I dont even have to turn on my oven. Thats one reason why we eat this mac and cheese so often.

    To get started, you just need to add in the macaroni noodles. Then pour in the chicken broth, hot sauces, butter, and spices. Add the lid and make sure its sealed.

    Then turn it to manual pressure for 4 minutes and finish with a quick release once its done. Add in the shredded cheese and milk and stir until creamy. Add any of your favorite add-ins or extra seasonings.

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    How Do You Keep Mac And Cheese Creamy

    For the creamiest mac and cheese, serve it immediately after stirring in the cheese. If you *need* to make your macaroni and cheese in advance, theres a good chance itll thicken while being stored in the fridge. If this is the case, simply pop it over heat to warm it, and add more milk or heavy cream a tablespoon at a time until its creamy again.

    Easy Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

    How to make Mac N Cheese in the Instant Pot | Mac N’ Cheese w/ Grilled Chicken | Instant Pot Recipes

    Miracle Instant Pot mac and cheese, thats incredibly indulgent and flavorful, and made with only real cheese of course!

    You wouldnt believe how well this recipe turns out even without a roux, without heavy cream, and without using multiple pans.

    The trick is that the pasta is cooked in a concentrated amount of liquid therefor it gets super starchy and helps create a silky smooth and creamy sauce.

    Honestly the recipe is almost too easy. Does it get any better than pour and cook, blend the cheese right in, and only one pot to clean?

    The only thing here that even takes a little bit of effort is grating the cheese. Everything else is a breeze!

    But if you really want to take it over the top then just saute some panko bread crumbs with butter and finish individual servings with that crave-able, golden brown, crunchy topping.

    For a last minute dinner pair this with a store-bought rotisserie chicken and a steamed veggie like broccoli.

    Youll have a comforting, homestyle, family-friendly dinner everyone will enjoy, even on the busiest day of the week! And for you it will take hardly any effort at all.

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    What Can You Put In Mac And Cheese To Make It Taste Better

    While boxed mac and cheese can certainly take some doctoring up to make it taste a little more homemade and a little less artificial, this Instant Pot mac and cheese is really delicious as written. If I were you, Id follow the directions and ingredient list exactly, and then add more salt, pepper, or milk at the end until it reaches your desired taste and consistency.

    Special Equipment For This Recipe

    • Instant Pot I recently upgraded to this model and I love it!

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    AND DONT FORGET, IF YOUVE MADE THIS RECIPE, LEAVE A COMMENT AND PLEASE GIVE IT A STAR RATING LETTING ME KNOW HOW YOU ENJOYED IT!

    Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @the_chunky_chef on Facebook and Instagram!

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    A Lot Of Recipes For Instant Pot Mac And Cheese Call For Evaporated Milk But My Family Prefers Regular Milk Much More

    Instant pot reg mac and cheese recipe. Cook on the Manual setting. Turn the Instant Pot off and serve the pasta topped with chopped green onions and fried shallots on top. Cook whisking to incorporate until cream cheese is melted and mixture has come to a simmer.

    83 Fast Instant Pot Recipes You Can Make Any Day Of The Week. Stir together for a minute or so until the cheese has melted into the pasta. You can add some basil or other herbs as well.

    Make Mac Cheese. Macaroni and 4 C. Ad Enjoy a bowl of comfortingKraftMac and Cheese in under 10 minutes.

    In the bottom of your Instant Pot add in 4 C. Add the rest of the cheese and stir in again for 30 seconds or so. Add the elbow macaroni chicken stock butter garlic powder salt and pepper to the inner pot of your Instant Pot pressure cooker.

    Gently press the noodles below the water without stirring. Make sure all the pasta is covered by the water. Sprinkle garlic powder over noodles.

    While scrolling through Facebook one of those enticing draw-you-in food videos popped up in my feed for an Instant Pot macaroni and cheese recipe. Ad Enjoy The Home-Style Flavor of Mac Cheese with Sargento Shredded Cheese. Ad Scroll through to see the soups sides and full-on meals.

    Add milk cream cheese and butter. How to make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Put in butter and salt and pepper on top of noodles.

    A 5-ingredient stretchy mac and cheese in a single pot for all your friends. Pour macaroni noodles into. Preheat Instant Pot to saute setting.

    More Instant Pot Pasta Recipes

    Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

    Want to keep cooking up pasta in your pressure cooker? Here are a few other ideas to try outside of this Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe:

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    What Cheese Is The Best For Mac And Cheese

    We chose to use a mixture of cheddar cheese and gouda cheese to really just add some pizazz to the mac and cheese. While cheddar is the macaroni and cheese gold standard , gouda has a deliciously creamy, slightly sweet flavor combining the two makes for a more interesting finished product.

    Feel free to use any shredded cheese you love in place of the cheddar and gouda, though. Mix and match or use just one the choice is all yours!

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