Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

User Reviews

5

14 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    5 mins

  • Cook Time

    4 mins

  • IP Time

    15 mins

  • Total Time

    24 mins

  • Servings

    6

  • Calories

    696 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish, Dinner

  • Cuisine

    American

Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese features elbow macaroni cooked under high pressure, finished with a creamy mixture of heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and sharp cheddar combined with mozzarella. The method yields a smooth, cheesy dish with balanced seasoning and a creamy texture. It's practical for a rich comfort food that can be prepared quickly and stored for several days.

Description

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese uses elbow macaroni cooked directly in water with butter under pressure to save time. After quick release, the excess water is drained, and a blend of heavy cream and seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper—is stirred in. Sharp cheddar and mozzarella are folded into the hot pasta, melting into a smooth, creamy sauce that coats every piece.

The flavor delivers a mild tang from the mustard powder balanced by the richness of the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, with a subtle depth from the garlic and onion powders. The texture is creamy and smooth without being overly thick, with tender pasta pieces.

Serve this mac and cheese hot for a comforting side dish or main. Leftovers can be kept chilled and reheated gently with added milk to restore creaminess. Optional spice additions like cayenne pepper or jalapeños can add heat if desired.

Storing leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge allows up to 5 days of freshness. Reheating with a splash of milk prevents the sauce from drying out.

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
  • 4 cups water
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder dry
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded, sharp
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Instructions

  1. Add macaroni, butter, and water to the Instant Pot. Close and lock the lid, and set the valve to sealing position.
  2. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the cooking time is done, do a quick pressure release.
  3. Drain the excess water and return the macaroni to the Instant Pot.
  4. Add heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
  5. Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.
  6. Serve hot and enjoy!
Equipments used:

Notes

  • Add a dash of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cheese mixture for a spicy variation.
  • Choose cheeses that melt well to maintain smooth consistency.
  • If the mac and cheese feels too thick, stir in a little milk to reach preferred creaminess.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat with milk to improve texture.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1serving Calories 696kcal (35%) Carbohydrates 60g (20%) Protein 24g (48%) Fat 40g (62%) Saturated Fat 24g (120%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g (12%) Monounsaturated Fat 10g (50%) Trans Fat 0.3g (15%) Cholesterol 117mg (39%) Sodium 582mg (24%) Potassium 263mg (6%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 4g (8%) Vitamin A 1320IU (26%) Vitamin C 0.3mg (0%) Calcium 412mg (41%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 696 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 696kcal 35%
Carbohydrates 60g 20%
Protein 24g 48%
Fat 40g 62%
Saturated Fat 24g 120%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 10g 50%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 117mg 39%
Sodium 582mg 24%
Potassium 263mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 4g 8%
Vitamin A 1320IU 26%
Vitamin C 0.3mg 0%
Calcium 412mg 41%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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User Reviews

Overall Rating

5

14 reviews
Excellent

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