Instant Pot Mac & Cheese

Yes, you can make macaroni and cheese in your Instant Pot in 4 minutes! Forget the boxed stuff and make this quick and easy homemade macaroni and cheese recipe with only 6 ingredients.

Click on image to PIN to your board!

I LOVE Mac and Cheese. I always have. When I started seeing recipes to make it in the Instant Pot, of course I had to try it for myself. Below you will find the recipe for "basic" mac and cheese and then the "adult" version with a little more flavor added. Either way you can't go wrong. It's easy, fast and delicious. Yes, please!! No more boxed mac and cheese for my kiddo (or me, let's be honest)!!

Basic Ingredients

1 box of whole wheat pasta (16 oz.)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

1 teaspoon salt

4 cups water

2 ½ cups shredded cheese (your choice, I used sharp cheddar)

½ cup milk, room temp or warmed in microwave for 30 seconds

1. Add pasta, butter, salt and water to Instant Pot and stir together.

2. Lock lid on Instant Pot and ensure steam vent is closed. Set to Pressure Cook High for 4 minutes (it takes a few minutes for the Instant Pot to warm up before the timer starts so don't panic, it's working).

3. After the four minutes is up, allow the steam to naturally release for about 10 minutes. You can release the rest of the steam manually. Always be careful and follow instructions from the manual.

ingredients for Instant Pot macaroni and cheese: milk, cheese, butter and pasta

water, butter, salt and pasta in Instant Pot before cooking for macaroni and cheese

4. Once the steam has released and the pin has dropped, open the lid and stir the pasta.

5. Add milk and cheese and stir until fully melted.

This is the basic version, but I didn't stop there. This version is great for kids, it's very cheesy and delicious. However...I like a little extra flavor in my mac and cheese...

Additional Ingredients

1-2 tablespoons dijon mustard

Pepper to taste

Italian breadcrumbs

Sprinkle of oregano or sage (fresh or dried)

6. Add mustard and pepper and combine with cheesy pasta.

7. Place in oven safe dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs and herbs on top.

8. Put in oven under broiler for 5-7 minutes until nice and brown on top.

9. Enjoy!

Tips & Ideas

-You could also use regular breadcrumbs or panko for the topping if you don't have italian.

-I used stone ground mustard because that's what I had but regular dijon works great too.

-Any melty cheese will work. I used sharp cheddar here but next time I'm going to add white cheddar or gruyere. Mmmmmmm.

-My son and I both love sausage in our mac and cheese. Or Bacon?? Just sayin'....

-Always read the instruction manual that came with your Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker and follow all safety guidelines.

Do you have any other ideas for this recipe? I'd love to hear from you!