5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

We love multi-purpose kitchen gadgets that make life easier, so that's why the Instant Pot (a slow cooker, pressure cooker and stove-top stand-in, all in one) is a go-to for quick meals. Especially this creamy kid-friendly mac and cheese, which cooks up in no time. And after it's been gobbled up, you'll only have one pot to clean!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • Kosher salt
  • One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cups shredded mild or medium Cheddar

Directions

  1. 1

    Combine the macaroni, 4 cups water and 1 tablespoon salt in a 6- or 8-quart Instant Pot® multi-cooker (see Cook's Note). Follow the manufacturer's guide for locking the lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.

  2. 2

    After the pressure cook cycle is complete follow the manufacturer's guide for quick release and wait until the cycle is complete. Being careful of any remaining steam, unlock and remove the lid and switch to the low saute setting.

  3. 3

    Stir in the evaporated milk, butter and 1/4 cup water. Then add the Cheddar, a little at time, while constantly stirring, until the cheese is completely melted. Serve hot.

5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

5-Ingredient Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Ratings & Reviews

Be the First to Rate

Your rating helps others discover amazing recipes. Share your experience and let others know what you think!

About this Recipe

Looking for the ultimate weeknight hero that delivers creamy, comforting mac and cheese in a flash? This 5-ingredient Instant Pot recipe is your new best friend, making deliciousness truly effortless.

The magic of the Instant Pot truly shines here, transforming simple pantry staples into a rich, decadent dish with minimal effort. This recipe's genius lies in its simplicity and the one-pot cleanup it promises, making busy weeknights a breeze and freeing up your time for what matters most.

Prepare for a bowl of pure comfort: velvety smooth, extra creamy mac and cheese that the whole family will adore. This recipe focuses on classic flavors, letting the rich mild or medium Cheddar and evaporated milk create a luxuriously thick sauce that coats every single elbow macaroni. It’s an inherently kid-friendly dish, yet satisfying enough for any adult craving a taste of home. You'll love how easily it comes together, providing that deeply satisfying, cheesy goodness everyone craves with almost no fuss.

While this recipe shines with mild or medium Cheddar, feel free to experiment within the Cheddar family. A sharp white Cheddar could add more bite, or a different blend of mild and medium Cheddar could be used to adjust the flavor profile to your preference.

This comforting mac and cheese is the perfect centerpiece for a quick family dinner or a cozy meal on a chilly evening. Pair it with a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying spread.

Frequently Asked Questions