Lena Abraham is a freelance contributor with Delish, and was formerly Senior Food Editor, where she developed and styled recipes for video and photo, and also stayed on top of current food trends. Sheâs been working in the food industry for over 10 years, and will argue that the best fish tacos in the world are made in New York. Donât @ her.
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During busy weeks, Instant Pot meals are a dinner lifesaver. The sky is the limit when it comes to what your Instant Pot can whip up, but our go-to has to be this creamy, cheesy classic. This recipe makes mac and cheese, a comfort food staple, even easier â simply toss all your ingredients in the pot, and let it do all the work for you! In no time you'll have the cheesiest mac and cheese on your hands, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinner or as an easy, last-minute BBQ side.
Why cook macaroni and cheese in an Instant Pot?Â
Homemade mac and cheese is usually a lengthy process. You need to shred a ton of cheese, make a roux, make the cheese sauce, cook the pasta, then bake it with bread crumbs (if you want a crispy topping). Using the Instant Pot, this recipe seriously cuts down on the process. Everything â pasta and sauce â cooks together in the pot.Â
Why evaporated milk? Â
It's much more concentrated than regular milk because about 60 percent of its water has been removed (in other words, it's way creamier). It also won't get weird and curdled when you pressure cook it; we use evaporated milk in our Slow-Cooker Mac & Cheese too!Â
What type of cheese should I use?Â
Pretty much any melting variety will work beautifully in this. We love the slight funkiness that fontina brings to the table (along with Parm and cheddar), but Gruyère and Monterey Jack work well here, too.Â
Looking for more mac inspo? Check out our Lobster Mac and Cheese for a decadent date night dinner, or our Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese to get into the fall spirit.Â
Have you made this recipe? Comment below and don't forget to rate it! We love hearing from you.Â
- Yields:
- 4
- Prep Time:
- 10 mins
- Total Time:
- 25 mins
Ingredients
- 1 lb.
macaroni
- 4 c.
water
- 4 tbsp.
butter
- 1 tsp.
kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp.
ground mustard
- 1/2 tsp.
smoked paprika
- 1
(5-oz.) can evaporated milk
- 3 1/2 c.
shredded cheddar
- 2 c.
shredded fontina
- 1/2 c.
freshly grated Parmesan
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
- Nutrition Information
- Calories5043 Fat285 gSaturated fat167 gTrans fat7 gCholesterol868 mgSodium5522 mgCarbohydrates352 gFiber17 gSugar32 gProtein247 gVitamin D8 mcgCalcium5281 mgIron9 mgPotassium2087 mg
- Note: The information shown is Edamamâs estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionistâs advice.Powered by
Directions
- Step 1Add macaroni, water, butter, salt, mustard, and paprika to the bowl of your Instant Pot. Secure lid, and set to manual on high pressure. Cook for 4 minutes.
- Step 2Follow manufacturerâs guide for quick release, making sure to wait until cycle is complete before unlocking and removing lid. Stir in evaporated milk and cheeses and stir until melted and fully combined. Season with salt and pepper before serving.
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