Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese | Everyday Family Cooking (2024)

Here is my best recipe for Instant Pot mac and cheese with just five ingredients. My kids love it, and I make it all in the pot, so it’s super easy to clean up!

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My Favorite Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Mac & Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• Elbow Macaroni– I’ve also used small shell pasta
• Butter
• Salt
• Water
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese– I recommend a block of cheese that’s freshly shredded
• Whole Milk– low-fat milk or heavy cream will work in a pinch

How to make Instant pot Mac and Cheese

A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.

STEP ONE: Place the inner pot into the Instant Pot. This is the pot you will cook inside. Add the pasta, butter, salt, and water. Do not stir, but you can slowly move the noodles around to make sure the water covers them as best as possible.

STEP TWO: Close the lid and push the pressure cook button for high pressure and turn it to 4 minutes. It may also show as manual mode.

It will take about 10 minutes for the pressure to build in the pot and then the clock will start counting down.

STEP THREE: When the Instant Pot beeps and the time is at zero, carefully use the quick release to release the pressure. When the knob drops back down, the pressure has been released and you can open the lid.

STEP FOUR: Change the Instant Pot to Saute mode and add in the sharp cheddar cheese and milk and stir to combine until fully melted.

Tips for The Best Mac and Cheese Instant pot Recipe

• Use freshly grated cheddar cheese to prevent graininess. Pre-shredded cheese can contain preservatives that cause the cheese to goop instead of melt.
• Use a long oven mitt or wooden spoon to quick release the Instant Pot. I find this works best to keep my hands safe.
• Use whole milk or heavy cream for the creamiest flavor. I’ve used low-fat milk in a pinch, but it has a lower fat content and does affect the creaminess.
• Halve the recipe by cutting all ingredients in half, but use the same cooking time. I’ve even doubled the recipe using the same cooking time.
• Do not add the milk until after the mac and cheese is done pressure cooking or the milk will curdle and start to separate. I did this once and it’s not fun.
• Use elbow macaroni or small shells pasta to get the best pasta to cheese ratio.
• While my recipe doesn’t include pepper, feel free to add some in if you love the taste it brings to mac and cheese.

Instant Pot Mac N Cheese Variations

• Swap shredded cheddar cheese with small cubed Velveeta for an extra creamy version.
• Use chicken broth instead of water when pressure cooking for some added flavor. I love doing this when I have extra in the fridge to use up.
• Add in some cream cheese for more creaminess.
• Switch up the cheese and try mozzarella, Gouda, Fontina, Gruyere, or even Havarti cheese.
• Toss in some shredded chicken, bacon, or diced ham for added protein. I find this works great when you have leftovers.
• Add a little buffalo sauce or hot sauce for a good kick of spiciness.
• Swap out the milk for a can of evaporated milk for an extra creamy cheese sauce.

What to Serve with Instapot Mac and Cheese

On a normal weeknight, I love to serve this recipe with air fryer hot dogs or chicken tenders alongside tater tots and a vegetable like greens beans and bacon. I’ve even served this as the main dish and my kids love that.

If I have a little extra time, I will serve it with a heartier protein like london broil in the oven or chicken cordon bleu with a side dish such as air fryer vegetables.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese FAQs

How to Make Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Ahead of Time

I find mac and cheese tastes better when eaten fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

When reheating, add a little dab of butter on top before placing it in the microwave. This helps the cheese get back to creamy without watering down the flavor. If I have a ton of leftovers, I will add some butter back in and then bake it in the oven with extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Pulled Pork
• Pork Chops in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Carrots
• Instant Pot Chicken Drumsticks
• Instant Pot Steak
• London Broil in the Instant Pot
• Frozen Pork Loin in the Instant Pot

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