Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is not only an easy way to make homemade Macaroni and Cheese, this recipe makes the BEST Mac and Cheese. One ingredients takes this Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese from good to WOW! You will fall in love with this creamy, cheesy Mac and Cheese recipe!
If you love Instant Pot Mac and Cheese you will love to use this recipe to make Mac and Cheese Muffins. You may also love Instant Pot Creamy Pasta or Instant Pot Lasagna.
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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese has quickly become a staple at our house. Not only do my kids adore this easy meal, it is easier to make than boxed mac and cheese–and tastes a MILLION times tastier!
In fact this easy recipe for Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese has one ingredient that truly makes this the creamiest, dreamiest mac and cheese ever!
Sour Cream!
That may sound crazy, but the sour cream adds to the creaminess of the pasta and helps to balance the rich, sharp cheeses. It is one ingredient you don’t want to leave out!
Ingredients for Macaroni and Cheese
- Stock–vegetable or chicken stock; even water works–the pasta just won’t be as flavorful.
- Seasonings–salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- Noodles–whole wheat or regular elbow noodles
- Milk–any fat percentage works
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese–white or yellow sharp cheddar provides the most flavor, but feel feel to use Colby or Mild Cheddar
- Swiss Cheese–such a perfect melting cheese, use regular Swiss cheese or Gruyere cheese
- Parmesan Cheese–fresh Parmesan cheese adds a salty, earthy depth of flavor
- Sour Cream–the secret ingredient that makes this Mac and Cheese so creamy!
How To Make Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
Step One: Cook the Pasta
- Add stock and seasonings to pressure cooker.
- Mix in 16 ounces of dried pasta–this is about 4 cups of dried elbow noodles.
- Cook on high pressure for 3 minutes.
Step Two: Grate the Cheese
- It is extremely important to use freshly grated cheese. Pre-grated cheese has anit-caking agents and therefore will not yield as smooth of a melt.
Step Two: Quick Pressure Release
- Once cook time has elapsed, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes.
- Once 5 minutes has gone by, use a wooden spoon or kitchen towel to protect yourself from the steam.
Step Three: Add in cheese and milk
- Stir Noodles to separate and then add in 1/4 cup of milk and a handful of cheese.
- Stir well, adding cheese by the handful, until all the cheese has been stirred into the pasta, adding additional milk if needed.
- Once the cheese has melted, stir in 1/4 cup sour cream.
- Taste test to determine if additional salt is needed.
How long does Mac and Cheese Last?
- You can store macaroni and cheese in your fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in 1 minute intervals in the microwave, adding 1-2 tablespoons stock or milk if needed to add moisture to the pasta. I also like to add in a tablespoon or so more of sour cream after reheated.
- Or place mac and cheese in oven safe dish and use Pot in Pot Method to reheat Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot–for 1-3 minutes depending on portion size.
- Use leftover Mac and Cheese to make Macaroni and Cheese muffins for a perfect lunch on the go!
Can you Freeze Mac and Cheese?
- Mac and Cheese does freeze, but does not have the same texture when reheated.
- To freeze, allow to cool and place in 1-2 cup freezer safe containers.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Defrost in fridge overnight and add in a few tablespoons stock or milk. Reheat gently low 300 degree oven, or at 50% 1 minute intervals in the microwave. Or place frozen mac and cheese into an oven safe container and use Pot in Pot Method to reheat Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot–for 3-5 minutes depending on portion size.
More Easy Instant Pot Recipes
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- Instant Pot Roasted Chicken
- Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
- Instant Pot Chili
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
A simple recipe for creamy, cheesy pressure cooker macaroni and cheese.
Print Pin RatePrep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Pressure Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 385kcal
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup Swiss cheese grated
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 16 ounces elbow noodles whole wheat or regular (or 4 cups of elbow noodles)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
Instructions
- Place stock, seasonings, and noodles in inner pot of pressure cooker and gently push down the noodles to submerge in the stock.
- Put lid on pressure cooker and set to seal.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 3 minutes.
- When cook time is finished, let pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. Then do a quick release of pressure.
- Add in 1/4 cup milk and stir well.
- Add cheese, one handful at a time, stirring to melt in between each addition.
- Add in the sour cream and stir well. Add up to 1/2 cup more milk to loosen up macaroni and cheese if needed.
- Taste and add in more salt if needed and pepper if desired.
Notes
- Use any type of milk you like. I personally prefer 2% or whole milk for this recipe.
- Whole wheat and regular elbow noodles work equally well for this recipe.
- Gluten free noodles are a bit tricky in the Instant Pot. Barilla brand has been successful for me for other recipes, but other brands give off too much starch when pressure cooked.
- See Instant Pot High Altitude Conversion if cooking 2500+ feet above sea level.
Nutrition Facts
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Amount Per Serving
Calories 385 Calories from Fat 108
% Daily Value*
Fat 12g18%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Cholesterol 36mg12%
Sodium 596mg26%
Potassium 294mg8%
Carbohydrates 45g15%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 22g44%
Vitamin A 420IU8%
Calcium 406mg41%
Iron 1.3mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
I would love to know how you enjoy this recipe!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram or Facebook - I would love to see!
Kristen Chidsey
Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.
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Do you think this would work with GF noodles?
Hi Rachel! I have had success with Barilla Gluten Free Noodles in my Instant Pot before (using my Creamy Pasta Recipe). Other brands I have had not had as much success. I would love if you try it to report back to us how it worked out 🙂
Such a great way to make mac and cheese!
It really is a one pot wonder! I hope your family enjoyed Dara!
The perfect comfort food, and so easy!
It is totally comfort food. So glad you enjoyed Jennifer.
I am really in the need of comfort food right now – this is the perfect recipe! Thank you!
I hope this is like a big hug to your soul Beth!
When you say “add up to 3/4 cup as needed I assume you mean the milk?
Yes, that is correct Heather. I will be sure to make that clear.