Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and everything you want in a homemade mac and cheese recipe! The best part?

close up of bowl of instant pot mac and cheese with text overlay for facebook


 

It is ready in under 10 minutes, this is an easy meal that can’t be beat. From dry, uncooked pasta to cheesy creamy goodness in a jiffy. 

Of all of the Instant Pot recipes, this pressure cooker mac and cheese is the best! Creamy, flavorful homemade mac and cheese, the ultimate comfort food.

bite of mac and cheese on a fork

Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot

Comfort food is my favorite food. By definition, a comfort food is a food that provides consolation or a feeling of well-being. Homemade Mac and cheese is definitely one of those foods for me (and many others). The creamy, cheesy goodness warms me right to the core. 

This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is easy and flavorful. With lots of cheddar cheese and evaporated milk to make it extra creamy.

three bowls of mac and cheese

Ingredients

You’ll be amazed that this recipe comes together using just 6 ingredients!

  • Unsalted butter- If using salted butter, omti the coarse kosher salt.
  • Elbow macaroni– I like elbows because the shape really clings to a cheese sauce. Of course you can swap this out, but the cooking time might vary depending on the shape and size of the pasta.Pasta shapes with nooks, crannies, twists and turn are the best for clinging to cheese sauce. Elbows, shells, rotini cavatappi and campanelle are some of my favorites. 
  • Coarse Kosher salt- Or coarse sea salt work best. Do not use a fine sea salt or iodized salt. In this amount, it will be far too salty. Reduce to just 1/2 teaspoon if using that amount.
  • Evaporated milk– Evaporated milk is whole milk that has a lot of the water content evaporated out so it is think and the purest form of milk. Do not use a sweetened condensed milk, or you’ll have a dessert pasta.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese– For cheesiest flavor, I like a sharp cheddar. Make sure to shred your own, pre shredded is tossed in a starch to prevent sticking. This in addition to the flour can impact the overall consistency and wind up gritty. Other flavors include gouda, monterey jack, Swiss, gruyere and any type of cheddar. You can also use blends to elevate the flavor profile.
  • Flour- for thickening. Yes, a gluten-free alternative can be used, such as cornstarch or GF flour. Cornstarch should be used a t half the volume, while GF flours will have a ratio swap on the packaging.
straight on shot of bowl of instant pot mac and cheese

How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

  1. Place the butter, elbow pasta, salt and 4 cups water to inner pot. Stir well so the salt dissolves evenly and all of the pasta is wet.
  2. Cover and lock the lid in place, set to manual high pressure for 4 minutes. At the end of 4 minutes, use the quick release method.
  3. Toss the shredded cheddar cheese with the flour so it is evenly coated.
  4. While the pasta is still hot, stir in the evaporated milk and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
  5. Serve it hot or with seasoned bread crumbs sprinkled on top.
collage of instant pot mac and cheese process shots

Variations

One of the things I love the most about mac and cheese in general is how easily you can customize it. Of course you have the traditional mac and cheese like this recipe, but you can also add so many other ingredients to kick it up a notch. 

  • Spice it up! If you like a little heat, try adding some jalapenos or sriracha. Adding bacon provides a nice, salty crunch. You can even add broccoli to get your veggies in. 
  • Cheese Varieties- The best cheese for mac and cheese includes gouda, monterey jack, Swiss, gruyere and any type of cheddar. You can also use blends to elevate the flavor profile. 
  • To make it a more well-rounded meal, try adding sliced chicken breasts or even cooked and drained ground beef. I also like using a grilled smoked sausage. 
  • Crispy crunchies- One thing you can do to make this recipe ahead and have crispy crunchies on top is to make the mac and cheese and transfer it to a baking dish.

Whether you serve it as a main entree with grilled chicken, or alongside a juicy steak or pork chop with a vegetable, it is sure to become an instant family favorite. 

overhead shot of two bowls of instant pot mac and cheese

Make-Ahead, Leftovers & Freezing

It can surely be made ahead, but seeing it is such an easy recipe, why should you? Mac and cheese is always the best freshly prepared. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days

Can I freeze macaroni and cheese? Cooked mac and cheese can be frozen. Store it in an airtight container for up to 4 months. 

What is the best way to reheat macaroni and cheese? I find the best way to reheat macaroni and cheese is to add an addition tablespoon or so of milk to revive the cheese sauce. 

instant pot mac and cheese recipe for pinterest

More homemade mac and cheese recipe:

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is an easy-to-make low carb mac and cheese that follows keto guidelines. A kid-friendly cauliflower side dish! #cauliflowermacandcheese #ketomacandcheese #lowcarbsidedishes www.savoryexperiments.com

Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

4 from 2 votes
Cauliflower Mac and Cheese is an easy-to-make low carb mac and cheese that follows keto guidelines. A kid-friendly cauliflower side dish!
See The Recipe!
spoon with cheesy mac and cheese

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

4.73 from 18 votes
Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese is a quick and spicy baked mac and cheese recipe the whole family will love. Perfect as a potluck recipe or for a BBQ side dish!
See The Recipe!
instant pot mac and cheese in a bowl with text overlay for pinterest
straight on shot of bowl of instant pot mac and cheese

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

4.95 from 17 votes
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the easier way to make the perfect creamy homemade mac and cheese recipe without having to make a roux.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Pressure Building: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 8

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the butter, elbow pasta, salt and 4 cups water to inner pot. Stir well.
  • Cover and lock the lid in place, set to manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
  • Use the quick release method.
  • Toss the shredded cheddar cheese with the flour.
  • Stir in the evaporated milk and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • If you've tried this recipe, come back and let us know how it was in the comments or star ratings.

Video

Notes

*If you are using pre-shredded cheese, omit flour.

Nutrition

Calories: 378 kcal, Carbohydrates: 46 g, Protein: 16 g, Fat: 13 g, Saturated Fat: 8 g, Cholesterol: 41 mg, Sodium: 802 mg, Potassium: 240 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 4 g, Vitamin A: 395 IU, Vitamin C: 0.6 mg, Calcium: 290 mg, Iron: 1 mg
Author: Jessica Formicola
Calories: 378
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: homemade mac and cheese, instant pot mac and cheese
Did you make this recipe?I’d love to see your recipes – snap a picture and mention @savoryexperiments or tag #savoryexperiments!
Jessica Formicola in her ktichen

About the Author

Jessica Formicola

Jessica the mom, wife and food lover behind Savory Experiments. She is obsessed with butter, salt and bacon and spends all her time in the kitchen and behind a camera. Jessica is a contributor to PopKitchen by Parade, Better Homes & Gardens, The Daily Meal Food + Travel and more!

Read More About Jessica

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Recipe Rating




Questions and Reviews

  1. 5 stars
    I just got a brand new insta pot so obviously I was meant to see this recipe! I can’t resist creamy Mac and cheese!!

  2. 5 stars
    This is the best instant pot mac and cheese I’ve ever had! It was super easy to make, turned out cheesy, rich and flavorful!

  3. 5 stars
    Fantastic mac and cheese! I am always on the hunt for a better easier recipe. Excited to give yours a try!

  4. 5 stars
    I love how quick and easy this is to make! We topped it with some bacon and it was so delicious!

  5. 5 stars
    Instant Pot mac and cheese is divine and yours looks super tasty! Making me crave it right now!

  6. 5 stars
    Nothing beats a good ‘ol mac n’ cheese! It’s my favorite childhood dinner and everytime i make it these days i have a little travel back in time 🙂 Looks so delicious!

  7. 5 stars
    Looking at your instructions, I cannot believe how quickly this is ready! I have got to get an instant pot ASAP.

  8. I love mac n cheese!! don’t have an instapot but i’d love to try anyway!