Instant Pot Mac N Cheese: Classic Comfort Food Made Easy
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Macaroni and cheese is classic comfort food that everyone loves. It's easy to make, and it's always a hit with kids and adults alike. If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner idea, look no further than instant pot mac n cheese! This dish can be made in just minutes, and it's sure to satisfy your cravings for cheesy goodness.
Why You'll Love This Instant Pot Mac & Cheese Recipe:
It's easy to make and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner
The cheese sauce is creamy and delicious
It's a great dish for kids and adults alike
Equipment Needed To Make Instant Pot Mac & Cheese:
- Measuring Cup (1 cup)
- Measuring Spoons (tablespoon, teaspoon, 1/2 teaspoon
Ingredients For Your Instant Pot Mac n Cheese
- 16 oz elbow noodles
- 4 cups water
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 16 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz shredded fontina cheese
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
How To Make Instant Pot Mac n Cheese
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Servings: 6-8
Step 1. Place elbow noodles and the 4 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner.
Step 2. Give the pot a gentle stir and then place the lid on top.
Step 3. Set the vent to sealing.
Step 4. You'll need to wait until the pressure cooker timer beeps before you can open it.
Step 5. If you have leftover water, don't throw it out. Instead, carefully strain the water and use it for watering plants! This will save you money because you won't have to buy any more water.
Step 6. Stir together the evaporated milk and butter until it is melted.
Step 7. Slowly stir in shredded cheeses until melted. Did you know that the best way to melt cheese is slowly? If you do it too fast, the cheese will burn.
Step 8. Last but not least, add your seasonings and stir.
Step 9. Be sure to serve immediately.
What To Serve/Pair With Your Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
Main Dish:
Try serving instant pot mac n cheese with oven-roasted chicken or pork chops.
Sides:
Serve a simple garden salad alongside your instant pot mac and cheese for a complete meal.
Dessert:
A classic chocolate brownie is a perfect way to end your meal!
Cocktails:
A dry white wine or a light beer would be the perfect drink to enjoy with your instant pot mac and cheese.
Non-alcoholic:
A cold glass of milk is the perfect drink to enjoy with your instant pot mac and cheese.
Popular Substitutions & Additions
The type of cheese you choose is completely up to your personal preference. I typically substitute cheddar or pepper jack with Monterey Jack, because it melts more smoothly and has a milder taste than sharp cheddar. If you're looking for something like Velveeta, then consider using a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack.
- Sharp Cheddar: has the most flavor and is what I typically use in my recipe because it melts very well with less stirring needed. If you're looking for something like Velveeta, then consider using this type of cheese as one of your options. Sharp cheddar does not have a very strong flavor, and it melts easily.
- Monterey Jack: has more of an earthy taste than sharp cheddar and is my personal preference for cheese that will melt well in the Instant Pot without excessive stirring needed. Monterey jack also doesn't have as much bite to it when melted as sharper cheeses do.
- Velveeta: this is the type of cheese I typically use when a recipe calls for Velveeta. It's easy to find in most grocery stores or Walmart, and it melts quickly without needing excessive stirring time as other cheeses might require.
- Cheddar Cheese with Monterey Jack: if you're looking for something like Velveeta, then consider using this as one of your options.
How To Reheat & Store Instant Pot Mac n Cheese
Best Way to Store Instant Pot Mac & Cheese Leftovers
They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
How Long Will Instant Pot Mac n Cheese Last in the Refrigerator?
Stored in an airtight container, they will last for up to four days.
Can I Freeze Instant Pot Mac & Cheese?
Yes, they can be frozen in an airtight container for up to two months.
How To Reheat Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
You can reheat instant pot mac and cheese in the microwave or on the stove. If you choose to microwave then, I would suggest doing it in increments of 30 seconds so that you don't end up with a mess. If you choose to reheat them on the stove, I would suggest using a saucepan and stirring frequently so that they don't burn.
Other Instant Pot Side Dish Recipes You'll Love
Mac n Cheese is a beloved side dish. Try these other side dishes created in the Instant Pot.
What's better than a bowl of potatoes? How about 10 minutes and one quick step to make them! This easy instant pot recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you're looking for something satisfying, yet simple.
Getting the perfect corn on its cob every time is tough. That's why we're here to help! When you use our pressure cooker, it takes just minutes and comes out delicious every single time.
Instant Pot Creamy Twice-Baked Potatoes are a delicious side dish that you can make in your Instant Pot. So much quicker than baking them and they're perfect for any meal!
Instant Pot Acorn Squash is a simple and quick way to make your favorite Fall dish. It only takes 5 ingredients, cooks up in less than 25 minutes with the touch of a button!
Why spend time cooking a traditional Green Bean Casserole when you can make it in the Instant Pot? With this easy recipe, all of those spices are brought to life and come out perfectly every single time.
When you need a side dish that's both simple and delicious, try these mashed potatoes made in the instant pot. They're thick with a buttery flavor and have just enough garlic to make them special without being overpowering!
This flavorful, one-pot dish will make your favorite Mexican rice taste better than it has ever been before! The best part? You can have a meal on the table fast using only an Instant Pot.
These Instant Pot “Baked” Beans will change your life. They're thick, smoky, and tangy with just enough sweetness to make them perfect for any occasion!
The aroma of fresh asparagus cooking is mouth-watering, and the flavor only gets better when it's combined with some lemon juice to keep it bright. You'll be surprised at how easy this recipe actually comes together!
The Instant Pot makes cooking a breeze! These carrots are done in under 10 minutes with just one touch of the button. They're perfect as side dishes or appetizers, and they come out tasting delicious every time because of their healthy instant pot method.
This recipe for Instant Pot mac n cheese is a game-changer. You can make the whole thing in one pot and it takes only 20 minutes! Plus, you don't have to worry about not having enough room for all of your ingredients because you use less milk than traditional stovetop or oven recipes. So go ahead and cook up some deliciousness tonight with this quick and easy Instant Pot mac n cheese dish!
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Instant Pot Mac N Cheese: Classic Comfort Food Made Easy
An easy delicious Instant Pot recipe for mac 'n cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow noodles
- 4 cups water
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 16 oz shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz shredded fontina cheese
- 1 tsp ground mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Place elbow noodles and the 4 cups of water into the Instant Pot liner.
2. Give the pot a gentle stir and then place the lid on top.
3. Set the vent to sealing.
4. You'll need to wait until the pressure cooker timer beeps before you can open it.
5. If you have leftover water, don't throw it out. Instead, carefully strain the water and use it for watering plants! This will save you money because you won't have to buy any more water.
6. Stir together the evaporated milk and butter until it is melted.
7. Slowly stir in shredded cheeses until melted. Did you know that the best way to melt cheese is slowly? If you do it too fast, the cheese will burn.
8. Last but not least, add your seasonings and stir.
9. Be sure to serve immediately.
