Instant Pot Mac n Cheese
With simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a quick and creamy mac n cheese. It will leave you and your family wanting more. So, elevate your homemade mac and cheese recipe game and experience the ultimate comfort food!
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food people of all ages enjoy. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor can instantly lift your mood and satisfy your hunger. But making the perfect macaroni and cheese can take time and effort, especially when busy. Don’t worry. With the help of the Instant Pot, you can whip up delicious mac and cheese in no time.
Why should you make macaroni and cheese in an instant pot?
You be wondering if you’re a macaroni and cheese fan. Why should you make it in an Instant Pot? Well, there are several reasons why this is an excellent method to cook this classic comfort food:
- Cooking your homemade mac and cheese recipe in an Instant Pot is incredibly fast and convenient. With traditional stovetop ways, you must constantly watch the pot. This ensures the macaroni doesn’t stick to the bottom or boil over. But an Instant Pot solves this problem by allowing you to set it and forget it. You add the ingredients, set the timer, and let the machine do the work.
- An Instant Pot can produce some of the creamiest, velvety macaroni and cheese you’ve ever tasted. The pressure cooking process helps infuse the pasta with the cheesy sauce. This results in a perfectly cooked dish with a consistent texture throughout.
- Making macaroni and cheese in an Instant Pot can be a great way to save time and energy. Since the pot cooks the dish so quickly, you can have a delicious meal quickly. You don’t have to worry about using multiple pots and pans. You also don’t need to heat your oven. This can be especially useful if you need more time or want to clean up a few dishes.
Can you add meat to mac and cheese?
While mac and cheese is traditionally a meatless dish, it’s possible to add meat. Adding meat to mac and cheese can bring the dish to a new level of deliciousness. There are many different types of meat that you can add to your mac and cheese. These include ground beef, bacon, chicken, and even lobster. The meat can be cooked separately and added after the mac and cheese is finished. Alternatively, it can be cooked in the Instant Pot and the pasta. Adding meat to mac and cheese makes it more filling and satisfying. It can also add a nice contrast of textures and flavors.
Why is my instant pot mac and cheese dry?
Instant Pot mac and cheese is a quick and easy meal that is loved by many. But, sometimes, the result can be dry, ruining the creamy and cheesy texture everyone loves. There are a few reasons why this happens.
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This can cause it to absorb all of the liquid in the pot. This, in turn, leaves the mac and cheese dry. Another reason is not adding enough liquid to the pot. This can cause the mac and cheese to lack the necessary creaminess. Using the correct pasta-to-liquid ratio and next the recipe closely is also essential.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry elbow macaroni
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 2 cups chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese shredded
- ½ tsp. onion powder
- ½ tsp. garlic powder
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. salt
Instructions
- Add macaroni, butter, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
- Secure the instant pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Set to the manual function and cook at high pressure for 5 minutes.
- After the cooking cycle has ended, release the pressure quickly. Add milk to the pot and then gradually add the cheese, stirring well after each addition until the cheese melts and the mixture is creamy and smooth.
- Taste the mixture and season it as necessary to achieve the desired taste. Serve and Enjoy!
Notes
Transfer the mac and cheese to an airtight container.
You can store Instant Pot mac and cheese in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. To freeze, transfer the mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container and label it with the date.
To reheat, defrost the mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it using your preferred method. You can either microwave it or reheat it in the oven.
