Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
on Jun 20, 2021, Updated Sep 18, 2024
This homemade Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe is made in just 10 minutes. This easy recipe is sure to be a family favorite!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is Delicious!
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is the recipe that turned me from an instant pot skeptic to a big fan.
This is one of my favorite pressure cooker recipes because it is just SO FLAVORFUL and easy to make.
I make this recipe for many holidays. My kids love it and it’s great for saving oven space!
This recipe is one of our faves. Everyone loves this creamy and cheesy homemade mac and cheese. So delicious, so simple, and so little clean up!
“I make this at least once a month and everytime we have house guests staying. So easy and always a crowd pleaser.” -Andy
Find the full recipe and instructions at the bottom of this post.
Ingredients & Notes
- Elbow macaroni noodles: this recipe has not been tested with another kind of noodle, you will need to research cook times if you change the type of pasta.
- Vegetable broth: or chicken broth
- Water
- Butter
- Freshly grated cheese: bagged shredded cheese is not a substitute
- Heavy cream
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, garlic powder
What kind of cheese can I use?
For this recipe, I use good quality freshly grated sharp cheddar and parmesan cheese for best creaminess and taste.
We love this flavor combination for mac and cheese, but you can also use all sharp cheddar cheese. You can experiment using different cheeses for new flavors, I just suggest using a quality cheese that you grate yourself for best results!
I do not recommend using bagged shredded cheese for this recipe. The stabilizing agent used in bagged cheese will not melt as well as when it is freshly grated from a block.
How to make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
- Add the uncooked macaroni noodles, vegetable broth, spices, and water to the instant pot.
- Cube the butter and stir it in
- Place the lid on, set the valve to sealing, and set the instant pot to manual for four minutes. Once the 4 minutes are up, do a quick release.
- Once the quick release is finished and the pin has dropped, safely open the lid and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until creamy.
We have made this instant pot mac and cheese for a Thanksgiving side dish which cut down on cook time and was a breeze to throw together.
It’s great for quick meals or a side dish that you can have ready in minutes!
Does the cook time double if you double the recipe?
No, doubling the recipe will not affect the cook time. It will just take the mixture a little bit longer to come to pressure before it begins the 4 minute count down.
How do you keep mac and cheese warm in the Instant Pot?
After the macaroni and cheese has finished cooking, switch the Instant Pot over to the “keep warm” mode until you are ready to eat. Note that this should only be used for a short amount of time, or it could cause the pasta to dry out.
Storing
- Storing: Store leftover mac and cheese in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, either microwave the pasta or place it in a sauce pan with a small amount of milk to help loosen the cheese sauce up.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 cups vegetable broth , or chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons butter, cut into cubes
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, freshly grated
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Add the uncooked macaroni noodles, vegetable broth, water, butter, garlic powder, pepper, and salt to the Instant Pot.
- Place the lid on the pot and set to sealing. Cook on manual function for 4 minutes.
- Once the 4 minutes is up, do a quick release. Allow the pin to drop completely before safely removing the lid.
- Add the heavy cream and cheese and stir until melted and creamy
I made this with turkey stock (I forgot to get veggie stock and turkey was all I had at home) and added hotdogs. It was delicious, the sauce never thickened tho. Wonder if I could add more noodles next time? Also should have double checked my kid’s cheese measurement.
Made this for thanksgiving and again today. It is so easy and very very good.
If i double this recipe, will it all still fit in my 6qt IP?
Yes, I have doubled it in my 6 qt! Just double all ingredients but do not change the cook time.
@Joy Shull, ooo! I had just asked this! should’ve scrolled down!! I LOVE this recipe. I’m so excited to make it for more people!!
@Deborah, could i use a whole box? Like 16 oz (1 lb) of elbow noodles. Sometimes its just easier to use the hole box! What would the liquid be then?
How many ounces is 2.5 cups of pasta? I would like to use a whole 16oz. box of a different shaped pasta but want to make sure to convert the measurements correctly. Thank you.
Just measure with a dry measuring cup, it will still be the same.
@Jen, hi there
So 2.5 cups equals a 16 oz pkg
I’m making this for our work thanksgiving meal. I need to feed a large group. You use 2 1/2 cups of dry noodles. Can I double the recipe and use the whole box which is 16 oz = 4 cups dry noodles?
You can double the recipe, simply double all ingredient amounts but keep the cook time the same. So you would need 5 cups noodles. You’ll need a 6 qt or larger instant pot to fit a double batch.
It was excellent. So creamy. I did 9 minutes and the noodles were soft and perfect.
You increased the cooking time to 9 minutes ? I’m doing it tomorrow doubling the ingredients too!
This was absolutely delicious and very easy to prepare! Will certainly pass this on as an excellent side dish.
So glad you enjoyed the recipe Jan!
Can this be made the oven or over the stove? I made it in the instant pot and the flavors were delicious. My pot no longer works and until I get a new one I was wondering if this can be made a different way.
Love!! I have the same instant pot and I also only got it cuz…. hum gorgeous!!!! Delicious!
Love it!!
The macaroni was still a little undercooked after 4 mins so I put the Sautee mode on and added some water and let it cook a few minutes and then added the rest of the ingredients. Turned out very creamy!