How to Make Mac N Cheese in an Instant Pot
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Believe it or not, making box mac & cheese is even easier in the Instant Pot! No need to drain or babysit the pasta while it cooks and everything simply mixes together in one pot. Let me show you how!
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I really (REALLY) like homemade mac & cheese, and since I started using the Instant Pot to make it, I make it much more regularly. (I even included a recipe for Super Easy, Quick and Cheesy Macaroni in my cookbook).
Buuuut, as easy as it is to make from scratch, we still like to keep boxes of Annie's Mac & Cheese on hand. My kids love it and it's fun to have the different variations to enjoy.
As easy as it is to make a box of mac & cheese on the stovetop…it's even easier in the Instant Pot.
How to Make Box Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot
The biggest advantages of using the Instant Pot for an already easy process is that you simply combine the macaroni, water, and a pinch of salt in the Instant Pot and then walk away while it does its thing. No waiting for the water to boil, then standing nearby while the pasta cooks. No need to drain the pasta after it cooks.
After you quick release the pressure, add a little butter to loosen up the noodles and then finish the Mac & cheese by adding the cheese pouch and a little milk. I like to turn the Instant Pot on to Saute for a couple of minutes to let the sauce thicken slightly before serving it.
I've shared this process several times on Instagram in my stories, and I know many of you have started making your box Mac & cheese this way too. I love to see your tags when you try my recipes, and don't forget to save this post to your Instant Pot board on Pinterest too!
Description
Believe it or not, making box mac & cheese is even easier in the Instant Pot! No need to drain or babysit the pasta while it cooks and everything simply mixes together in one pot.
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 box Mac & cheese
- pinch of kosher salt
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Instructions
- Combine the dry pasta, pinch of kosher salt, and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water in the Instant Pot. Place on the lid, turn the valve to sealing, and set the cook time for 3 minutes on high pressure.
- When the cook time is complete, quick release the pressure. Add the butter and stir, breaking up the pasta. Sprinkle on the cheese packet, stir, then pour in the milk. Continue stirring, incorporating the cheese mixture into the noodles.
- Turn the Instant Pot on to Sauté and cook the macaroni for 2-3 minutes until the cheese fully incorporates and the sauce thickens slightly.
Notes
You can easily double this recipe and use two boxes of pasta. Double the ingredients, but keep the cook times the same.
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How to Make Mac N Cheese in an Instant Pot
Source: https://www.thispilgrimlife.com/how-to-make-box-mac-cheese-in-the-instant-pot/