Instant Pot Mac And Cheese | Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is an incredibly quick dish, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners or as a comforting side dish for gatherings. It is a beloved classic, and making it in the Instant Pot elevates it to a whole new level of convenience. The Instant Pot locks in the flavors, ensuring that the pasta is perfectly cooked and coated in a luscious cheese sauce.

Why You'll Love Making Instant Pot Mac And Cheese This Way

• Quick & Easy. Ready in under 30 minutes with the help of your Instant Pot.
• Family Favorite. Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting – a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
• Customizable. Add your favorite mix-ins or keep it classic – it's mac and cheese your way.
• No-Fuss. Minimal cleanup – just one pot to cook and serve.

With the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can whip up a batch of homemade mac and cheese that's as creamy and satisfying as your favorite comfort food, but without the hassle of multiple pots and pans.

How Do You Keep Macaroni And Cheese From Getting Gummy?

• Don't Overcook the Pasta. The most common reason for gummy mac and cheese is overcooked pasta. Cook the macaroni just until it reaches al dente, which means it should have a slight bite to it. It will continue cooking in the cheese sauce, so slightly undercooking the pasta is key.
• Rinse the Pasta. After cooking the pasta, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold running water. Rinsing helps remove excess starch on the pasta's surface, which can cause it to become sticky and gummy.
• Use the Right Cheese. Choose cheeses that melt well and have good texture. A combination of cheddar, gruyère, and/or Monterey Jack often works best. Avoid using cheeses that become stringy when melted, like mozzarella.
• Use Freshly Grated Cheese. Pre-shredded cheeses often have additives that can affect their melting properties. Grate your cheese from a block for a smoother sauce.

What Cheese Is Best For Mac And Cheese?

Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to find the flavor and texture you like best. Many mac and cheese recipes use a mix of cheddar and other cheeses to achieve a balanced and rich taste.

Ultimately, the best cheese for mac and cheese is the one that satisfies your taste buds.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Elbow Macaroni- Classic pasta choice for mac and cheese.
• Water- The cooking liquid for the pasta.
• Salt- To season the pasta as it cooks.
• Butter- Adds richness and flavor to the cheese sauce.
• Evaporated Milk- Creates a creamy and silky sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese- Sharp cheddar delivers that quintessential cheesy taste.
• Monterey Jack Cheese- Adds a mild, creamy meltability to the sauce.
• Spices- A pinch of paprika, garlic powder, and mustard powder for depth of flavor.

How To Make Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

1. Cook Pasta. Add the elbow macaroni, water, and salt to the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then quick-release the pressure.
2. Make Cheese Sauce. Stir in the butter, evaporated milk, spices, and hot sauce (if using). Then, gradually add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until smooth and creamy.
3. Serve. Serve the mac and cheese hot, garnished with extra cheese or your favorite toppings.

Tips And Tricks

Making Instant Pot mac and cheese is a breeze, and here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve a delicious and creamy result:

• Choose the Right Pasta. Opt for pasta shapes that work well with mac and cheese, such as elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi. These shapes hold the cheese sauce nicely.
• Rinse the Pasta. Rinse the pasta before cooking to remove excess starch. This prevents clumping and results in a creamier sauce.
• Use Chicken Broth. Replace some or all of the water with chicken broth for added flavor. It enhances the overall taste of the dish.

Variations

Instant Pot mac and cheese is a versatile dish that you can customize in various ways to suit your preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:

• Bacon Mac and Cheese- Cook crispy bacon separately and crumble it over your mac and cheese just before serving for a smoky and savory twist.
• Buffalo Mac and Cheese- Add a few tablespoons of buffalo sauce to your cheese sauce for a tangy and spicy kick. Top with blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
• Loaded Mac and Cheese- Make it a hearty meal by adding cooked ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded rotisserie chicken. Include diced tomatoes, green onions, and sour cream for a loaded baked potato-inspired version.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Mac And Cheese

Instant Pot mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that pairs well with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Instant Pot mac and cheese to create a well-rounded and satisfying meal:

• Green Salad- A simple green salad with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing adds a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
• Roasted Vegetable- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts make a nutritious and flavorful side dish. The caramelized edges of roasted veggies complement the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Fried Chicken- For a hearty and indulgent meal, serve your mac and cheese with crispy fried chicken. The combination of creamy and cheesy pasta with crunchy fried chicken is a crowd-pleaser.
• Sausages- Sausages, whether bratwurst, Italian, or any of your favorite varieties, pair well with mac and cheese. They add a savory and meaty element to the meal.

How Long Does It Last?

Instant Pot mac and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. To maximize freshness and quality, follow these storage guidelines:

• Use Airtight Containers. Transfer the leftover mac and cheese to airtight containers or resealable bags. Ensure that there's minimal exposure to air, as this can lead to faster deterioration.
• Label and Date. It's a good practice to label the containers with the date when you prepared the mac and cheese. This helps you keep track of its freshness.
• Add Moisture. If the mac and cheese appears dry after refrigeration, you can add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, you can freeze Instant Pot mac and cheese for longer-term storage. Freezing mac and cheese is a convenient way to have a homemade meal ready when you need it.

Leftovers can easily be stored for up to 2-3 months without a significant loss in quality.

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Instant Pot mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, offering unbeatable convenience without sacrificing flavor. Whether it's a quick family dinner or a side dish for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to please.

If you love this Instant Pot Mac And Cheese recipe as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.

Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

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