Open the lid and add the butter, stirring until melted. I like to turn the Instant Pot on to Saute for a couple of minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly before serving it. After the 5 minutes of cook time, quick release the pressure and allow the pressure pin to drop. No need to drain the pasta after it cooks.Īfter you quick release the pressure, add a little butter to loosen up the noodles and then finish the Mac & cheese by adding the cheese pouch and a little milk. No waiting for the water to boil, then standing nearby while the pasta cooks. The biggest advantages of using the Instant Pot for an already easy process is that you simply combine the macaroni, water, and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot and then walk away while it does its thing. How to Make Box Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot My kids love it and it’s fun to have the different variations to enjoy.Īs easy as it is to make a box of mac & cheese on the stovetop…it’s even easier in the Instant Pot. When the cook time is complete, allow a 5 minute natural release followed by a quick release of remaining pressure. Select a cook time of 4 minutes at high pressure. Close the lid and set the vent to the sealed position. Add the macaroni, water, and ham to the insert pot. (I even included a recipe for Super Easy, Quick and Cheesy Macaroni in my cookbook).īuuuut, as easy as it is to make from scratch, we still like to keep boxes of Annie’s Mac & Cheese on hand. Stir the garlic and allow it to heat for a minute.
Add macaroni, reduce heat, mix thoroughly, and cover for 20 minutes. Return blended veggies to the pot over medium heat, and add the milk, cheese, and cream cheese. Add everything into a blender, including cooking water, and blend until smooth. I really (REALLY) like homemade mac & cheese, and since I started using the Instant Pot to make it, I make it much more regularly. Cover and cook until vegetables are tender. The links below may be affiliate links, meaning I earn a small compensation at no extra cost to you. Then you will really have a grown-up version of macaroni and cheese.Believe it or not, making box mac & cheese is even easier in the Instant Pot! No need to drain or babysit the pasta while it cooks and everything simply mixes together in one pot. Also, if you want it to add some kick, try mixing in some extra hot sauce after the cheese is melted. The brand doesn’t matter as much – just use whatever you have on hand. It doesn’t make it spicy at all but does add a great flavor. This instant pot macaroni and cheese recipe also calls for hot sauce. You can really go wrong with elbow macaroni and a big serving of melted cheese. the great thing about making mac n cheese is how easy and forgiving it is. Use the pressure cook setting to cook the pasta for a 4 minute cook time on high pressure. Add the elbow macaroni pasta to the pot, level it out so it is submerged, then stir it. I used cheddar and jack cheese for this pressure cooker mac and cheese recipe, but you can use whatever cheese you like best or have on hand. Add spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, dry mustard, or whatever you like). The Cheese in the Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe Whereas the aforementioned blue box is much more of a kids’ lunch serving size. This batch of instant pot mac and cheese also makes a really big portion, so it’s much more suitable for dinner. Adding a little bit of meat to our meal keeps my husband satisfied and I love the addition of green onions.
This instant pot pasta recipe covers both of those requirements.