Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – 5 Ways
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
2 mins
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Cook Time
4 mins
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Total Time
6 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
524 kcal
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Course
Main Course
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – 5 Ways
Description
The dish begins by placing macaroni, water, salt, and cubed butter in the Instant Pot and pressure cooking for 4 minutes. After natural pressure release and quick release, warm milk and a blend of cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses are stirred in until melted, producing a rich, creamy macaroni and cheese.
Additional flavors can be incorporated: using evaporated milk instead of warm milk for added creaminess; stirring in pesto for an herbal note; mixing in diced ham for protein; or folding in cooked peas for extra texture and nutrition. These modifications allow the dish to suit different tastes while following the same core technique.
The recipe advises against gluten-free pasta as it may not hold texture well with pressure cooking. Cooking times exclude the pressure build-up stage, so plan accordingly.
Ingredients
- 450 g elbow macaroni 16 oz
- 1 litre water 4 cups
- 1.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 1.5 tbsp butter in cubes
- 150 g cheddar cheese 1.5 cup
- 100 g Monterey jack cheese 1 cup
- 50 g Parmesan Cheese 0.4 cup
- 250 ml milk 1 cup, warm
Instructions
- Add the macaroni, water, salt and butter into the Instant Pot insert.
- Shut, select manual high pressure, set the timer for 4 mins and cook.
- Let NPR (Natural Pressure Release) for 8 mins and then do a Quick Release and open.
- Quickly stir in the warm milk and cheeses, mix till melted, adjust seasoning, add any toppings or mix-ins and serve.
Evaporated Milk Version
- Replace the 1 cup warm milk with 1 cup warm evaporated milk.
Pesto Version
- Add 4 heaped tbsp pesto at the end.
Ham Version
- Add 100g (2/3 cup) ham cut into smaller bits at the end.
Peas Version
- Add 160g (1 cup) cooked peas at the end.
Notes
- You may select any pasta type except gluten-free varieties, which may not maintain their texture under pressure cooking.
- The stated cook time does not include time needed for the Instant Pot to reach pressure, so allow extra time for that stage.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 524 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 524kcal | 26% |
| Carbohydrates | 58g | 19% |
| Protein | 24g | 48% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Cholesterol | 58mg | 19% |
| Sodium | 1007mg | 42% |
| Potassium | 267mg | 6% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 600IU | 12% |
| Calcium | 466mg | 47% |
| Iron | 1.3mg | 7% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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