Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and cheese has never been creamier or easier! Instant Pot Mac and Cheese will be your new favorite way to get your cheesy on. 

In the little over a year that I have had my Instant Pot, I have tried many different recipes. When I first started using it, I just used it to make brown rice. It takes a lot less time to make brown rice in the Instant Pot than on the stove. I also love to make hard boiled eggs , Risotto is crazy easy and Instant Pot Potatoes are a favorite side dish.

Recently, I’ve seen a lot of posts from people making macaroni and cheese in the pressure cooker so I decided to give it a go. And friends, I am not looking back.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is SO creamy and so incredibly easy to make.

WHAT YOU NEED:

To make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese you need less than 10 ingredients (not counting water and salt and pepper) and about 15 minutes.

Elbow Macaroni: It’s traditional in mac and cheese but you can also use shells!

Evaporated Milk: Evaporated milk has had half of the water removed. It is creamier than regular milk making it fab for use in mac and cheese.

Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese has more of a cheddar flavor that medium cheddar so it won’t get lost in the cheese sauce.

Mozzarella Cheese: Helps give this mac and cheese it’s gooey cheesiness.

Fontina Cheese: Another great melty cheese, fontina is a great addition to macaroni and cheese. If you cannot find it you can substitute other mild, melty cheeses like provolone, gruyere or gouda.

Butter: Makes this mac and cheese just a bit creamier and richer.

Ground Mustard Powder: In addition to adding flavor, mustard also works as an emulsifier and helps make the sauce creamier.

Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and color.

Granulated Garlic: Just a hint of garlic flavor! You can also substitute garlic powder.

How Do You Make it:

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, don’t 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 you’ve ever had.

Looking for more Instant Pot Recipes? I’ve got you covered!

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Instant Pot Ribs 

Pressure Cooker Potatoes 

Instant Pot Chili

Kalua Pork in the Instant Pot

If you love this Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, you’ll love these other variations!

Stove-Top Mac and Cheese 

Roasted Garlic and Thyme Mac n’ Cheese

Loaded Mac and Cheese from Lemon Tree Dwelling

Note: This recipe was originally posted in 2018. It was updated with new step by step photos, tips, a video and nutrition facts in 2020.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Homemade Mac and cheese has never been creamier or easier! Instant Pot Mac and cheese will be your new favorite way to get your cheesy on. 

5 from 26 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Main Dishes, Side Dishes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 644 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

Ingredients:

• ▢ 16 ounces dried elbow noodles
• ▢ 4 cups water
• ▢ 12 ounces evaporated milk
• ▢ 2 tablespoons butter optional
• ▢ 8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ▢ 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• ▢ 1 cup shredded fontina cheese
• ▢ 1 teaspoon ground mustard powder
• ▢ 1 teaspoon paprika
• ▢ 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
• ▢ salt and pepper

Instructions

 

• ▢
  Place dry elbow noodles and water in the instant pot (or other pressure cooker). Cook on high for 4 minutes. Do a manual release. There shouldn't be excess water but if there is a bit you can strain it.
• ▢
  Stir in evaporated milk. Add butter in, if using, and stir until melted.
• ▢
  Stir in sharp cheddar cheese, mozzarella and fontina until melted. Stir in mustard, paprika and granulated garlic. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Notes

Nutrition facts for estimation purposes only.

Nutrition

Calories: 644kcalCarbohydrates: 62.5gProtein: 30.1gFat: 29.3gSaturated Fat: 17.5gCholesterol: 92mgSodium: 528mgFiber: 2.9gSugar: 9g

Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!

Keywords: instant pot, Macaroni and cheese, pressure cooker