Easy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe - The Best Recipe!

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Lower calorie option or more budget-friendly.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole grain pasta

💰Cheaper: any pasta shape

More nutritious or versatile.

Add 4 cups of water to the Instant Pot.

Add the whole box of elbow macaroni to the pot.

Add 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, and salt to taste.

Stir everything together until all spices are combined and macaroni is covered by water.

Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

After cooking, release the pressure in bursts by stopping and starting the release until steam is less intense, then release the rest of the steam fully.

Once the float valve has dropped, open the lid and stir the macaroni to separate any clumps.

While macaroni is hot, add 2/3 cup of milk and 4 tablespoons of butter.

Add 3 cups of cheddar cheese in batches, stirring until fully incorporated.

Optionally, add 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese and adjust creaminess with extra milk or cream if needed.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens