Craving comfort food that's lightning-fast and mind-blowingly delicious? Look no further than this game-changing Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe that will revolutionize your weeknight dinners! Imagine creating a restaurant-quality, ultra-creamy mac and cheese in less time than it takes to order takeout. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you'll be serving up the most irresistible, cheesy masterpiece that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 ounces of elbow macaroni, 4 cups of water, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, and salt to taste.
- Plug in your Instant Pot and set it to the 'Sauté' function. Allow it to heat up for a minute or so.
- Add the 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot. Make sure to scrape any bits off the bottom to prevent a burn notice.
- Once the water is boiling, add the 8 ounces of elbow macaroni. Stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed in the water.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot, ensuring the valve is set to 'Sealing'.
- Cancel the 'Sauté' function and select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' mode. Set the timer for 4 minutes on high pressure.
- Once the cooking time is complete, perform a quick release by carefully turning the valve to 'Venting' to release the steam.
- After all the steam has escaped, carefully open the lid. Stir the macaroni to ensure it is well mixed.
- Add the 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/2 cup of milk to the cooked macaroni.
- Stir the mixture thoroughly until the cheese and butter are melted and everything is well combined. If the mac and cheese seems too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Season with salt to taste, mixing well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
- Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with additional cheese or herbs if desired. Enjoy your creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese!
Tips
- Choose the right cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but feel free to experiment with cheese blends for extra depth.
- Avoid overcooking: Stick to the 4-minute pressure cooking time to prevent mushy pasta.
- Quick release is key: Use the quick release method to stop the cooking process immediately and prevent overcooking.
- Stir thoroughly: When adding cheese and milk, make sure to stir completely for a smooth, even consistency.
- Customize your mac and cheese: Add crispy bacon bits, breadcrumbs, or fresh herbs for extra flavor and texture.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to reach your desired creaminess.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
