Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese in just 4 minutes (after it comes to pressure), with 5 basic ingredients! Yes, dreams do come true, and this Mac and Cheese recipe here instantly justifies purchasing an Instant Pot! 

So if you are reading this now and haven’t purchased one, I assure you once you are done with this post you will go right out and buy it.

Look at this amazing homemade Instant Pot macaroni and cheese made straight in your Instant Pot. It is way faster than a stovetop version, and you can mix it up a bit and try this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni (Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe) it’s amazing too!

Cheesy, tender pasta, cooked to perfection every single time, no sticking, no mush just perfect al dente pasta each time. Serve as a side to your favorite mains I love to make these Air Fryer Chicken Wings and serve this on the side with some green beans, or just eat this as a quick dinner! Either way kids and adults will be raving about this crowd-pleasing Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Can you make mac and cheese in instant pot?

You absolutely can! And the variety you can achieve is endless! Like, check out this Instant Pot Cheeseburger Macaroni Homemade Hamburger Helper Recipe for example.

Kids love mac and cheese and this way you can make it more often with more variety.

I got an Instant Pot, and let me tell you it was magical.

I knew I could do a lot with the Instant Pot, but as I began testing out recipes, I found I could cook new recipes and old favorites in a fraction of the time!  

This machine is a working mothers dream, you can get off work cook dinner and still have time to relax before bed. 

The best part about using the Instant Pot is it is easy to use. Once you master the first few recipes and get more confidence you will be cooking up a storm.

And if you still need a little help I am always adding new recipes and improving old ones. So make sure to follow me so you don’t miss anything.

Check the top right of this page you will see links to all of my social media.

The beauty of this Instant Pot macaroni and cheese it takes minimal effort, and I find it a lot easier than stove top.

You are not watching for the water to boil, straining it, and the list goes on. Here you toss ingredients in, and let the Instant Pot do the rest.

I find the sour cream adds a really nice element of flavor to the macaroni and cheese and gives it an even more creamy texture, which is what makes this dish magical.

Your kids will be begging for a big scoop every single time you make it. Rarely do we have leftovers in our home! And mac and cheese always makes a great side dish!

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Jazz Up This Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

Sometimes I add in a few other ingredients once it is done cooking and create a gourmet mac and cheese! Top with crumbles of bacon, maybe some sliced scallions, or even drizzle some pesto and mix in diced tomatoes.

You can transform from a classic macaroni and cheese to gourmet. Below are a few of my favorite add-on ingredients to top my macaroni and cheese.

• bacon Crumbles
• pesto and tomatoes
• breadcrumbs
• parmesan or pepper jack cheese
• broccoli
• mushrooms
• grilled onions
• scallions
• chili flakes

You can also add in some different proteins to make this change from a side dish to the main dish.

Occasionally I replace the water with beef broth, chicken broth or even homemade bone broth. It’s great for adding some extra flavor.

Toss in some cooked chicken, ground hamburger, or even tuna. Stir it up and you have a pasta dish ready to go. I am a huge fan of this macaroni and cheese because it is delicious and simple for me to make.

Want more great Instant Pot Pasta Recipes? Check these out!

Instant Pot Spaghetti (Pressure Cooker Spaghetti)

Parmesan Ranch Instant Pot Macaroni & Cheese

Instant Pot Alfredo Sauce

How do you cook macaroni in instant pot?

This Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe is just a base for you, it is really easy to make this recipe your own. I have done Parmesan Ranch Instant Pot Macaroni & Cheese, Instant Pot Triple Cheese Broccoli Mac and even Instant Pot Cheesy Ground Beef Goulash using this recipe as a base for them all.

You can even make Instant Pot Boxed Mac N Cheese this is an amazingly easy recipe too!

3.68 from 58 votes

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Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

4 mins

Total Time

9 mins

 

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese in just 4 minutes, with 5 basic ingredients! Yes, dreams do come true, and this recipe here instantly justifies purchasing an Instant Pot! You have homemade Instant Pot macaroni and cheese made straight in your Instant Pot faster than a stovetop version.

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Instant Pot Mac and Cheese, macaroni and cheese

Servings: 12

Calories: 341 kcal

Ingredients

• 16 oz dry macaroni noodles
• 4 cup water
• 16 ounces colby and monetary jack blend cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tbs butter
• salt and pepper for serving

Instructions

1. Put macaroni, butter and water into your pressure cooker. The macaroni should be just covered with the water, if it isn't add more water.
2. Lock the lid and set for high pressure and 4 minutes.
3. At the end of the 4 minutes use the quick pressure release method.

4. Remove the lid and add remaining ingredients and stir till all the cheese is melted. 

5. There shouldn't be much water left, if it is drain the water.

6. You can salt and pepper to taste but we didn't need it.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

To make this instant pot mac and cheese in other cookers such as the Ninja foodi follow the directions.

For stovetop, cook your noodles as normal then follow the ingredients.

Nutrition Facts

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Amount Per Serving

Calories 341 Calories from Fat 162

% Daily Value*

Total Fat 18g 28%

Saturated Fat 11g 55%

Cholesterol 54mg 18%

Sodium 246mg 10%

Potassium 153mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 29g 10%

Dietary Fiber 1g 4%

Sugars 1g

Protein 14g 28%

Vitamin A 11.6%

Vitamin C 0.1%

Calcium 28.6%

Iron 4.4%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.