This Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe is an easy recipe made with macaroni, butter, evaporated milk, and 3 kinds of cheese. This recipe costs just $7.42 to make and $1.24 per serving!
Think back to your favorite childhood meals that your mom would make. Is one of your top five favorites involve memories of the best homemade macaroni and cheese? Us too! Did your mom spend hours in the kitchen putting the dish together? Ours too!
Enter the invention of the Instant Pot. Probably one of the best inventions ever, in our humble opinion! It is a staple in each of our kitchens that we simply cannot live without.
The instant pot helps make many of your favorite recipes in less time and only gets one dish dirty. Amazing, right? It is literally life-changing.
So, what happens when we take the instant pot and add in some mac and cheese? We will tell you what happens. Magic, that is what happens! It feels like magic because you get the best instant pot mac and cheese that is so easy! We promise that you need to make this instant pot mac and cheese recipe, yesterday because it is cheesy, creamy, and oh so delicious.
How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe:
- First, set the elbow macaroni, butter, water, and salt in the Instant Pot.
- Next, lock the lid in place ensuring the seal is closed. Using the manual function, set the instant pot to high pressure and cook for 4 minutes.
- Once it is finished, use the quick pressure release and take the lid off the instant pot after the steam has dissipated. Then, stir in the milk.
- Finally, add in the cheese and stir until all the cheese is melted.
How to get the kids involved with this recipe:
- Ages 2-3: Have them help you dump the ingredients into the instant pot.
- 4-5: Have them help you measure the ingredients, and stir the milk and cheese into the cooked macaroni.
- 6-8: Have them grate the cheese for you. Also, walk them through how to seal the instant pot and set it on high for 4 minutes.
- 9-11: Supervise them while they prepare the entire recipe. Remember to have them read it twice before beginning the recipe.
- 12+: Let them prepare the entire recipe, unsupervised, while you do the happy dance in the corner!
Discover why we love getting the kids involved in the kitchen and more tips in our How to Get Kids Involved In Cooking article.
The Flavor Variations:
- Homemade macaroni and cheese is so good on its own but it’s fun to mix it up every now and then. Our saying is bacon makes everything better! Throw in some cooked bacon to add a little crunch in there.
- Feeling a little spicy? You can simply add some chopped green chiles, jalapenos or sriracha to take it up a notch.
- To get your veggies in, throw in a couple of cups of steamed veggies after the mac and cheese is done cooking.
- To make Chile Mac and Cheese, add 2 cups of chile when you add in the milk in the recipe below.
- You can use other cheese in this recipe besides what’s listed below. A good substitute for American cheese is Havarti. Try substituting Colby, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack cheese instead of Cheddar. Also, you can use any other hard cheese like Manchego or Pecorino Romano instead of Parmesan.
What to Serve with Instant Pot Mac and Cheese:
- Steamed Broccoli: Something quick to serve alongside a filling dish like this instant pot mac and cheese is some simple steamed broccoli.
- 1 Hour French Bread: You can also whip up our 1-hour French bread recipe.
- Simple Salad or Veggie Sticks: Do you need something even simpler? Grab a bag of salad or some veggie sticks. Simple and healthy! Yes!
More Main Dish Recipes using Pasta:
- 20-Minute Thai Peanut Noodles
- American Goulash
- Cheesy Baked Spaghetti
- Katie’s Chicken Noodle Soup
- Large Batch Chicken Pasta Salad
- Skillet Lasagna
- Slow Cooker Italian Harvest Soup
- Tomato Chicken Alfredo
More Instant Pot Recipes:
How long is this good for:
- Serve: As with most recipes with dairy products in them, you shouldn’t leave this mac and cheese out for longer than 2 hours.
- Store: This will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Freeze: The cooked and cooled mac and cheese will keep in a freezer storage bag for 2 months.
How do you reheat instant pot mac and cheese?
To reheat your instant pot mac and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl. Then, add a little milk to the mac and cheese first. The mac and cheese will be a little dry as the noodles will suck up the liquid in the dish overnight. Adding the milk before you reheat it will help with this so you can enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese the next day.
What is the manual function on instant pot?
The manual function is probably the button you will most often on your Instant Pot. The manual function makes it possible to pressure cook and gives you the flexibility to select the amount of time you want to cook your food instead of using the preset buttons.
How much will this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese cost:
RECIPE COST: $7.42
PER SERVING COST: $1.24
To find out more on how we price our recipes, check out Budget Recipes Explained.
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni – $1.38
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter – $0.30
- 3 1/2 cups water – $0.00
- 2 teaspoons salt – $0.02
- 12 ounces evaporated milk – $1.14
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese – $2.56
- 4 ounces white American cheese from the deli counter – $1.52
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese – $0.50
Cook’s Note:
- Please shred your own cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese has other additives that will alter the texture of this mac and cheese.
Cook’s Tools:
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Liquid measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 8 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese 2 cups
- 4 ounces white American cheese from the deli counter cut into small pieces
- 1 ounce grated Parmesan cheese ¼ cup
Instructions
- Place the elbow macaroni, butter, water, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Lock the lid in place and move to seal. Cook for 4 minutes on HIGH pressure, and then use the quick pressure release.
- Once the steam has dissipated, take the lid off of the Instant Pot and stir in the milk.
- Finally, add in the cheese and stir until all of the cheese is melted. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- If you are serving the mac and cheese as a side dish, then it will serve about 12 people.
- Please shred your own cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese has other additives that will alter the texture of this mac and cheese.
Suzi Hansen
I’ve been on the look for a good mac and cheese so I can’t wait to try this one. The fact that it can be made in the instant pot is a plus too.
Jess Jankowski
We never make it any other way now…my kids actually complain when I have tried to make the box kind instead. LOL
Miki
Looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try!
Jess Jankowski
Thank you! It’s definitely a favorite in our home!
Cindy Jenkins
This looks so delicious and I always love Instant Pot recipes! Thanks for this amazing new blog! I’m printing out your first meal plans TODAY!
Jess Jankowski
Thank you so much for your support!
Rachele
No doubt better than any box and easy too!
Jess Jankowski
No doubt!
Claudia Lamascolo
I had no idea until this post that you could do mac and cheese in the instant pot! I am so glad I found this and will try this tomorrow!
Jess Jankowski
Oh my goodness! It is literally life changing!!
Ashley
We love making mac and cheese in the Instant Pot and this tastes great every time!
Jess Jankowski
It’s the best!
Megan
We looooved this!! So yummy! Just made it for dinner!
Jess Jankowski
Hooray! So happy to hear this!
Tara
I love how you broke down how to get kids involved by age group! This Mac and cheese looks like such an incredible use for the instant pot.
Jess Jankowski
Thank you so much for your feedback! We sure do appreciate it!
Edyta
It is such a great recipe for my Instant Pot! I loved it and my kids helped me make it. It will be on high rotation in my household.
Jess Jankowski
Yay for your kids helping! So happy to hear you will be adding it to your menu rotation!!
Andrea
Not only does this look yummy but I like all the different variations you give. I also like that you can make this with the kids. They always love to help.
Jess Jankowski
The variations are an awesome way to mix it up! My kiddos love to help too and are always excited to try what they helped me make.
Dan
Mac and cheese is an all-time favorite comfort food. I have never tried it in the Instant Pot, I will have to give it a shot
Jess Jankowski
You will love it in the Instant Pot!
Sara
Thanks for including ways to get the kids involved! This was a great recipe for little hands to help!
Jess Jankowski
You are so welcome! We love coming up with creative ways to get the kiddos involved.
Andréa Janssen
I just love Mac and cheese, so delicious. And so do my kids.
Jess Jankowski
It’s perfect for kids and adults alike!
Nicole
Love this. I made one this week and didn’t like it probably because of the prestressed cheese. Can’t wait to make this. Yum!
Jess Jankowski
They type of cheese makes all the difference! Enjoy!
Sula
Mac and cheese in the Instant Pot – who knew!
Jess Jankowski
Right?!
Chef Dennis
I love mac and cheese and I just got an instant pot. I can’t wait to give your recipe and try in my new instant pot!
Jess Jankowski
It’s life changing!
Amy Chung
This was sooo delicious! Awesome mid week dinner option!
Jess Jankowski
So happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
Christie
I’ve yet to make pasta in my Instant Pot. This recipe looks great!
Jess Jankowski
This is a great one to start with. So easy!
michele h peterson
The creamiest mac and cheese ever- plus it’s a great way to use evaporated milk in the pantry!
Jess Jankowski
Totally agree 100%!
Shiro
How do I scale up this recipe? Do I double the water as well ?
Jess Jankowski
Hi Shiro. If you jump down to the recipe card, go to the servings and click on the number of people you want to serve, a slider bar will appear and you can up the number of people you are going to serve. This will then adjust the recipe ingredients automatically depending on the serving size. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Jessica Formicola
I’m always looking for new ways to use my Instant Pot, and this mac and cheese looks like the next thing I need to try!
Jess Jankowski
Yes you do! Enjoy!
Sandhya's Kitchen
Thank you for a delicious recipe for Mac & Cheese. My daughter will go gaga on this mac cheese. Making them soon.
Jess Jankowski
It’s a family favorite for sure!
Katie
Looks delicious! Can’t wait to try this one.
Jess Jankowski
Enjoy!
Tara
Oh yum! I love how easily the Mac and cheese comes together in the instant pot. Such fun variation ideas too!
Jess Jankowski
The Instant Pot makes everything easier!
Liz
I cut the recipe in 1/2 and weighed all the ingredients. I also used small shells. There was a lot of liquid after cooking and the pasta was super al dente. I put the pot on saute and boiled it. It turned out great! Just a tad salty for my taste but that could because I used extra sharp cheese. It was a good recipe and a keeper!
Jess Jankowski
Hi Liz, we are glad those adjustments worked well for you! Thanks for letting us know.