Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe. In just a few simple steps, you can create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you crave something delicious and satisfying. Let’s dive into the world of Instant Pot cooking and unlock the secrets to perfect mac and cheese!
Ingredients Needed::
Pasta: Indulge in your favorite pasta shape, whether it’s classic macaroni or something more adventurous like shells or fusilli.
Water: The essential liquid base for cooking the pasta to perfection.
Butter: Infuse richness and flavor into your dish with a generous helping of butter.
Dijon Mustard and Garlic Powder: Elevate the taste profile with a hint of tanginess from Dijon mustard and a punch of savory garlic powder.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste with the perfect balance of saltiness and spice.
Milk: Achieve creamy perfection by incorporating milk into the sauce.
Freshly-Grated Cheese: Dive into cheesy goodness with a blend of freshly grated cheeses, creating a luscious and decadent sauce.
How To Make:
Prep and Pressure Cook:
Begin by adding the pasta, water, butter, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt to the bowl of your Instant Pot.
Give it a quick stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a quick release of pressure.
Stir in the Cheese:
Once the pressure has been released, carefully remove the lid.
Stir in the milk and freshly grated cheeses until they melt into a velvety sauce.
Allow the sauce to thicken slightly as it rests, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop generous portions of your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese onto plates or into bowls.
Serve piping hot and savor each creamy, cheesy bite.
Possible Variations:
Customize your Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with these delicious variations:
Enhance with Veggies: Add a pop of color and nutrition by stirring in baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichokes before serving. Roasted broccoli or other veggies make fantastic additions too.
Boost with Protein: Amp up the protein content by incorporating cooked chicken, crispy bacon, ground beef, or sausage into your mac and cheese.
Experiment with Seasonings: Get creative with additional seasonings such as smoked paprika, chopped herbs, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, it’s time to unleash your culinary creativity and make this dish your own!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
6-8
5
minutes20
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minutesIndulge in the creamy decadence of Instant Pot Mac and Cheese with this easy-to-follow recipe. In just a few steps, you’ll have a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
1 pound uncooked pasta
3 2/3 cups water
2 tablespoons butter
1 1/2 teaspoons mustard (or 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper
1 cup whole milk (or evaporated milk or half and half)
4 cups freshly-grated sharp cheddar cheese* (or see other cheese options below)
1/2 cup freshly-grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Prep the Pasta: Add pasta, water, butter, mustard, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt to the bowl of an Instant Pot. Briefly stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook: Cover and set the lid to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure (“manual”) for 4 minutes, followed by a quick release. Remove the lid.
- Add the Milk and Cheeses: Stir in the milk briefly, then add in the cheeses. Gently stir until the cheeses have melted into a creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve Warm: Dish out your creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese and enjoy the comforting flavors with every bite.
