Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese - Drool-worthy comfort food just got that much easier! Ditch the box and make your own creamy, cheesy homemade mac and cheese in minutes using your pressure cooker!
Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Before we get started, let me ask you a few questions...
Do you like cheese?
Do you like pasta?
Ok... we can be friends! 😋
Macaroni and Cheese is my jam, in fact the entire Corliss side of my family would probably agree! (Click here for my Grandma's Mac 'n Cheese Recipe.)
We were raised on Mac
Instant Pot Mac n Cheese
Grocery list for Mac n Cheese Recipe
- elbow macaroni noodles
- chicken stock
- half
'n half - cheddar cheese
- Italian cheese blend
- butter
- seasonings - salt, pepper, dry mustard, red pepper flakes
For this cheese I used a pre-shredded Italian cheese blend and cheddar cheese. If you have a favorite cheese, give that a try! I was really tempted to use Velveeta cheese, but I figured since I already had in our family Mac n Cheese recipe it was time to try a different blend!
What is the best cheese for macaroni and cheese?
- Great melting cheeses like gouda, goat cheese, fontina, gruyere, mozzarella or gorgonzola.
- Cheeses like parmesan and romano add a great salty bite!
If you want to take this to the next level, add the finished macaroni and cheese to a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle it with fresh breadcrumbs and dot with butter. Tuck it under the broiler for a few minutes until it's golden brown. Amazing!
How do you reheat mac and cheese?
Reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream. Heat halfway, give a stir and finish reheating.
How to make Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- Add the macaroni, chicken stock and spices to the instant pot. Stir well.
- Close the lid, set the valve to seal. Set on manual for 5 minutes.
- When the pressure cooker timer goes off, quick release.
- Remove the lid and stir in the butter, cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and the dish is creamy.
This would be a great meal to make with your kids too. They can add all of the ingredients right to the pressure cooker and secure the lid. You can release the steam and then they can stir in the cheese!
Mac n Cheese Instant Pot
Start to finish this meal is done in less than 15 minutes!
Who's the rock star now? You are!!
What to serve with Macaroni and Cheese?
Some of my favorite recipes to serve are a great salad, some side vegetables and soft rolls. Here are my favorites!
- Garden Salad with Creamy Vinaigrette -
perfect side for a meal filled with pasta! - Steamed Green Beans - super easy and done in minutes in your microwave!
- Easy Dinner Rolls - using store-bought dough, but shhh
.... no one needs to know!
More great Instant Pot Meals!
Are you new to the Instant Pot? Don't let it scare you! Click here for all of my BEST Tips and Resources. You'll be cooking like a pro in no time!
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Be sure to leave a comment below and tell me what you think of this recipe, I'd love a five star rating!! AND if you make it, be sure to tag me on Instagram @bowl_me_over or #bowlmeover
Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz. elbow macaroni
- 4 cups chicken stock Vegetable stock would be a vegetarian substitute.
- 1 cup half 'n half you can substitute milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Italian cheese blend I used a pre-shredded-packaged cheese
- 3-4 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- pinch red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add the macaroni, chicken stock and all of the spices (salt, dry mustard, pepper and red pepper flakes) to the instant pot.
- Close the lid, set the valve to seal. Set on manual for 5 minutes.
- When the pressure cooker timer goes off, quick release.
- Remove the lid and stir in the butter, cheese and milk until the cheese is melted and it's creamy.
Lois says
Mac and Cheese is always a favorite in our house and this makes it so easy. So good.
Coleen Koehl says
I tried this out in my new IP tonight and we loved it!! Thank you so much for ripping that band aid off easily 🙂
Bowl Me Over says
YAY!!! I'm so happy - now you're ready to get cooking!!!
Malinda says
I can't wait to try this! I'm new to the Instant Pot so I need easy recipes to start off with!
Bowl Me Over says
Easy is best in my opinion! 🙂 Seriously though, this is simple and good - always a family favorite!
Madi says
Making mac and cheese in an instant pot is such an awesome idea! I can't wait to try it!
Bowl Me Over says
I'm all about the pressure cooker, it's become the easiest and quickest way to get a flavorful meal on the table in no time! Enjoy this recipe Madi!!!
Danielle Green says
What a great side to a picnic or stand alone lunch!
Bowl Me Over says
I love a great picnic, that sounds like a great idea!
Julie Evink says
My oldest daughter refuses to eat boxed mac and cheese now, so I loved finding this recipe! So easy and she loved it!
Bowl Me Over says
Wonderful! Thanks Julie - I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
Melissa Howell says
This would be a perfect side for a barbecue! I totally want to make this ASAP!
Bowl Me Over says
Enjoy Melissa! I know you’ll love this easy side!!!
Liza says
Oh I am SO making this! My kids LOVE Mac and Cheese and this fast and easy answer that helps bring down the cooking and cleaning time is JUST what I needed! What a GREAT recipe!