Can you believe you can make a simple Mac and Cheese in your Instant Pot? As you know I love my Mac and Cheese but was a little apprehensive to make mac and cheese in my Instant Pot pressure cooker.
But being the chef that I think I am, I decided to give it a shot. Since you are reading this post, this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese turned out just fine. I would never post a recipe that I would not feed my family or eat myself. Truth.
This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe is actually pretty easy to make and a lot less work than my other Gourmet Mac & Cheese recipes.
💭 Recipe Tip
While you can pretty much use any brand of cream cheese, I highly recommend you use Philadelphia brand cream cheese. You will taste the difference.
Sure it might not rise to the flavors of my other dishes, but this one is still better than anything you will get out of a box.
What I also like about this Mac & Cheese recipe is that you probably already have all the ingredients at home. I know I did which saved me a trip to my local grocery store.
💭 Instant Pot Pressure Cooker
The Instant Pot is a combination pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer with a few other capabilities.
With an Instant Pot, you can make some recipes in minutes compared to hours the traditional way. While not always the case, it's a very handy appliance if you are always on the run.
The Instant Pot comes with several safety features. If you happen to encounter an error message on the display of your IP, I suggest you visit Instant Pot's Official Customer Care Center.
If you frequently use your Instant Pot Pressure Cooker, you've probably experienced a "smelly" lid. Here's a simple way to get rid of the smell.
Fill the Instant Pot with 2 Cups of White Vinegar. Seal the lid. Use the steam setting for 2 minutes. Remove the rubber ring from the lid and let dry completely before using it.
For more delicious Gourmet Mac and Cheese recipes check my Mac and Cheese Recipes. You can also find other great Pressure Cooker Recipes by visiting my Instant Pot Recipes.
I often get asked why add ground mustard to cheese sauce. Basically the ground mustard makes the cheese "cheesier".
For more delicious recipes with Cheddar Cheese, I suggest you check these out:
📋 Gather your Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to make this mac and cheese recipe in your instant pot pressure cooker (see recipe card for quantities): Pasta, Water, Onion Powder, Ground Dry Mustard, Salt, Ground Black Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Cream Cheese, Milk, Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Parmesan Cheese.
🥣 How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Add pasta, water, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, pepper and butter to the instant pot.
Set timer for 6 minutes on high pressure.
Release pressure once completed, there will be water in the bottom – do not drain.
Stir in the cream cheese to melt. Add the ¼ cup milk slowly until blended.
Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese. Add the remaining ½ cup milk until the desired consistency is reached. You may not need the entire amount of milk.
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 ½ Cups Pasta
- 3 Cups Water
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground Dry Mustard
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Unsalted Butter
- 3 oz Cream Cheese
- ¾ Cup Milk, Divided
- 2 ½ Cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 2 tablespoon Parmesan Cheese, Shredded
Instructions
- Add pasta, water, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, pepper and butter to the instant pot.
- Set timer for 6 minutes on high pressure.
- Release pressure once completed, there will be water in the bottom – do not drain.
- Stir in the cream cheese to melt. Add the ¼ cup milk slowly until blended.
- Stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheese. Add the remaining ½ cup milk until the desired consistency is reached. You may not need the entire amount of milk.
Nutrition
Nutritional information provided for this recipe is based on 1 serving. This information is an estimate and may vary based on several factors. If nutritional information is important to you and your diet, please verify this recipe with a Registered Dietitian.
Sharon Elizabeth Lanthier
I made this last weekend for my grandkids who just love macaroni and cheese, or rather kraft dinner. They just loved it and asked their mom to buy and instant pot. It was very creamy and so delicious. Now every time they come to supper that is what they ask for. So easy to make and I am so glad that I bought my instant pot. Will make this again and again.