Caroline’s Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

This is an Instant Pot macaroni and cheese recipe I found online and adapted to our needs. I have not personally tasted this because the only ingredient in it I can eat is the salt. LOL! However, Caroline asks for this at least once a week and often twice. David makes it for them and he can now make it with no recipe he’s done it so many times.

This is actually a half batch of what the original recipe called for. This makes just enough for two meals for the two of them. I know how to reheat it so you would almost never know it was reheated. I’ll add the reheat directions for leftovers at the end.

I’ve included the specific brands they have been using because it does make a difference. Depending on the brand of macaroni you use, the cooking time can vary by a minute or so. Caroline also does not like this made with a mild cheddar. The sharp cheddar gives the best flavor by far. We tried with Meijer sharp cheddar and the flavor and texture weren’t as good either. So it’s Kraft sharp cheddar, hand shredded.

Caroline’s Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound uncooked Creamette elbow macaroni
• 2 cups water
• 1 and 1/2 Tbsp Land O Lakes butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 and 1/4 cups (5 ounces) Kraft sharp cheddar cheese, hand shredded
• 3/8 cup whole milk

Directions

1. Place macaroni, water, butter, and salt in Instant Pot.
2. Cook for 7 minutes using the manual function.
3. Immediately release steam (quick release) and open lid. (Cover the steam valve a bit if you don’t want buttery water spraying.)
4. Gently stir in cheese and milk.
5. Eat!

This is how I reheat it for them. I use a non-stick pan that is large enough that the mac and cheese is pretty evenly spread out in a thin layer across the bottom. I eyeball a few tablespoons of whole milk (3? 4?) and turn the gas burner on medium low. Then I CONSTANTLY STIR, slowly turning it over and gently breaking up the chunks as it warms. It comes out smooth, creamy, and firm (not-mushy). I can tell just by looking at it that it will taste great even after being reheated.

I hope you enjoy trying out this recipe!

You can see all of my recipes under Sallie’s Favorite Comfort Food Recipes. If you do try one of my recipes and like it, please come back and let me know in a comment. I truly do appreciate it when people do so!