Skip the boxed stuff and make this creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese in one pot with almost no cleanup in a matter of minutes. No draining, no babysitting, just rich, cheesy comfort food the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Mac and Cheese Instant Pot Recipe Tips
If you are new to pressure cooking, these helpful tips will walk you through the process and help you make this recipe with confidence. Then you can make other instant pot recipes like this Easy BBQ Instant Pot Pulled Pork or this Bulk Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Recipe.
- Shred a block of cheese for the best flavor. Fresh shredded cheese, rather than pre-shredded cheese, creates a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Cut the American cheese into small pieces before adding it so it melts quickly and evenly.
- Make sure the valve is set to sealing before pressure cooking, or the Instant Pot will not reach pressure.
- Do a quick release as soon as the cooking time ends to keep the pasta from turning mushy.
Ingredients & Estimated Cost:
Here is everything you need to make this recipe, along with a few substitution recommendations.
- Elbow macaroni (16 oz – $1.00) – Other kinds of pasta, such as shell or cavatappi, will work well too.
- Unsalted butter (3 Tablespoons – $0.38) – Salted butter can be used, just reduce the added salt to taste.
- Water (3 ½ cups – $0.00) – Use chicken broth for added flavor.
- Salt (2 teaspoons – $0.02) – Use seasoned salt as an alternative.
- Evaporated milk (12 oz – $1.50) – Half-and-half, regular milk, or whole milk can be used, but the cheese sauce will be thinner.
- Sharp cheddar cheese (8 oz – $2.24)– A different combination of cheeses, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, will work as a substitute.
- White American cheese (4 oz – $1.25) – Havarti can be used instead.
- Parmesan cheese (1 oz – $0.62) – Romano cheese is a good substitute.
The recipe cost is calculated based on the required amounts and may vary due to fluctuating grocery prices.
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot
Add the ingredients to the Instant Pot, cook, stir in the cheeses and milk, and serve.
- Pour the elbow macaroni, butter, water, and salt into the electric pressure cooker.
- Lock the lid in place, ensuring it is in the sealing position. Using the manual function, set the Instant Pot to high pressure and cook time for 4 minutes.
- Use the quick release and take the lid off the Instant Pot.
- Stir the milk into the noodles.
- Mix in the three types of cheese.
- Stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve and enjoy.
Recipe FAQs
This is my trick to making the sauce rich and creamy without needing heavy cream or a flour-based roux.
You will want to add the cheese after pressure cooking, stirring it in gradually while the pasta is still hot.
Definitely. A few of my favorites include:
1. Add some black pepper to the top of your mac and cheese for extra flavor.
2. Throw in some cooked bacon to add a little crunch. Or some smoked sausage slices.
3. Add some chopped green chiles, jalapenos, or sriracha to make it a little spicy.
4. Throw in a couple of cups of steamed veggies after the mac and cheese is done cooking.
5. To make Chile Mac and Cheese, add 2 cups of chile when you add the milk in the recipe.
I use a 6-quart Instant Pot.
This mac and cheese is the perfect side dish. It goes well with most any main dish, especially any of these Smoked Beef Recipes, Budget-Friendly Meals, or Easy Pork Recipes.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Recipe Cost 8.29 Serving Cost 1.38Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Liquid measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 ½ 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
- Add 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.
- Then use the quick pressure release.
- Once the steam has dissipated, take the lid off of the Instant Pot and stir in the milk.
- 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.
Nutrition
Shiro says
How do I scale up this recipe? Do I double the water as well ?
Jess Jankowski says
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!
michele h peterson says
The creamiest mac and cheese ever- plus it’s a great way to use evaporated milk in the pantry!
Jess Jankowski says
Totally agree 100%!
Christie says
I’ve yet to make pasta in my Instant Pot. This recipe looks great!
Jess Jankowski says
This is a great one to start with. So easy!
Amy Chung says
This was sooo delicious! Awesome mid week dinner option!
Jess Jankowski says
So happy you enjoyed it! Thanks for the review!
Chef Dennis says
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 says
It’s life changing!
Sula says
Mac and cheese in the Instant Pot – who knew!
Jess Jankowski says
Right?!
Nicole says
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 says
They type of cheese makes all the difference! Enjoy!
Andréa Janssen says
I just love Mac and cheese, so delicious. And so do my kids.
Jess Jankowski says
It’s perfect for kids and adults alike!
Sara says
Thanks for including ways to get the kids involved! This was a great recipe for little hands to help!
Jess Jankowski says
You are so welcome! We love coming up with creative ways to get the kiddos involved.
Dan says
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 says
You will love it in the Instant Pot!
Andrea says
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 says
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.
Edyta says
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 says
Yay for your kids helping! So happy to hear you will be adding it to your menu rotation!!
Tara says
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 says
Thank you so much for your feedback! We sure do appreciate it!
Megan says
We looooved this!! So yummy! Just made it for dinner!
Jess Jankowski says
Hooray! So happy to hear this!
Ashley says
We love making mac and cheese in the Instant Pot and this tastes great every time!
Jess Jankowski says
It’s the best!
Claudia Lamascolo says
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 says
Oh my goodness! It is literally life changing!!
Rachele says
No doubt better than any box and easy too!
Jess Jankowski says
No doubt!
Cindy Jenkins says
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 says
Thank you so much for your support!
Miki says
Looks so yummy! Can’t wait to try!
Jess Jankowski says
Thank you! It’s definitely a favorite in our home!
Suzi Hansen says
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 says
We never make it any other way now…my kids actually complain when I have tried to make the box kind instead. LOL