If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and comforting meal, Instant Pot mac and cheese is the answer. This creamy, cheesy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing side at your next gathering. In this blog post, we’ll share an easy recipe for Instant Pot mac and cheese that will have you coming back for seconds. Plus, we’ll include some tasty variations to customize your mac and cheese to your liking.
Ingredients
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water or chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot:
Place the elbow macaroni, water or chicken broth, salt, and butter into the Instant Pot. Stir to combine. - Cook the Pasta:
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook button and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting. - Add the Cheese and Milk:
Open the Instant Pot and stir the pasta. Add the milk, shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency. - Season and Serve:
Taste the mac and cheese and add salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot and enjoy!
Variations
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Cook and crumble 6 slices of bacon and stir them into the mac and cheese before serving.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in 1 cup of shredded cooked chicken and 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Veggie Mac and Cheese: Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli, peas, or your favorite vegetables to the mac and cheese for a nutritious boost.
Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: For the best melting and creamy texture, shred your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents.
- Adjust Consistency: If your mac and cheese is too thick, add more milk a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix and match different types of cheese to create your perfect mac and cheese blend. Gouda, fontina, and Monterey Jack are great options.
Conclusion
Instant Pot mac and cheese is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic comfort food. With its creamy texture and rich flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Try out our recipe and variations, and customize it to your taste. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this Instant Pot mac and cheese is sure to please.
