How to make Instant Pot Boxed Mac N Cheese

Are you craving a quick and delicious comfort food fix? Look no further than How to Make Instant Pot Boxed Mac N Cheese! This simple and convenient method will have your favorite cheesy pasta dish ready to enjoy in no time.

Say goodbye to stovetop cooking and hello to Instant Pot convenience. Let’s dive into this easy and cheesy recipe!  

How to make Instant Pot Boxed Mac N Cheese is a great Instant Pot Hack. If you love your Kraft Macaroni and cheese, this is one of the BEST ways to make it, and better yet, you do not have to stand over the saucepan mixing. The Instant Pot does it all for you!

I showed this to my then 13-year-old son, who was in love. All you need to do is dump the ingredients and let the Instant Pot do all the work!

If you are looking for some other great Instant Pot Pasta Recipes, some of my favorites are INSTANT POT CHICKEN FAJITA PASTA, INSTANT POT PASTA, FETA, AND TOMATOES, NINJA FOODI CHICKEN ALFREDO, and INSTANT POT SHRIMP SCAMPI.

Why Make Boxed Mac & Cheese In Pressure Cooker?

Cooking boxed mac and cheese in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker offers several advantages. First, it’s incredibly fast and convenient. You can have creamy and cheesy mac and cheese ready in minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners or when craving a quick and satisfying meal.

Second, the Instant Pot ensures even cooking and prevents the pasta from sticking or clumping together. The pressure cooking process allows the pasta to absorb the flavorful cheese sauce, resulting in a creamy and consistent texture.

Additionally, it’s a hands-off cooking method. Once you set the Instant Pot, you can step away and let it do its thing, freeing you up to focus on other tasks or relax until your delicious mac and cheese is ready to enjoy.

Lastly, making boxed mac and cheese in the Instant Pot allows easy customization. You can add extra ingredients like bacon, vegetables, or spices to personalize your dish and take it to the next level of flavor. So, if you’re looking for a quick, foolproof, and customizable way to enjoy mac and cheese, the Instant Pot is the way to go! 🧀🍲

Why You Will Love This Recipe

You’ll love this Instant Pot boxed mac and cheese recipe because it combines the convenience of a classic favorite with the speed and ease of pressure cooking. Here’s why:

• Quick and Effortless: With the Instant Pot, you can have creamy, cheesy mac and cheese on the table in just a few minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.
• Consistently Creamy: The pressure cooking process ensures that the pasta cooks evenly and absorbs the cheese sauce perfectly. Say goodbye to clumpy or overcooked mac and cheese!
• Customizable: While the boxed mac and cheese is delicious, you can easily personalize it by adding extra ingredients like bacon, veggies, or spices to suit your taste. It’s a versatile dish that can adapt to your preferences.
• Hands-Off Cooking: Once you set up your Instant Pot, you can step away and let it do the work. There’s no need for constant stirring or monitoring, making it a hassle-free cooking method.
• Consistent Results: Using the Instant Pot ensures consistent and reliable results every time you make mac and cheese. It’s a foolproof way to enjoy this classic comfort food.
• Easy: This is a great starter recipe for a new instant pot user!

This Instant Pot boxed mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate blend of convenience, speed, and deliciousness. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, it’s a recipe sure to become a household favorite. 🧀🍲  

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Kraft Mac and Cheese

Get ready to indulge in a childhood favorite with a modern twist! Making Kraft Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot is incredibly convenient and ensures you’ll enjoy perfectly cooked pasta enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

This recipe takes the classic comfort food to a new level of simplicity and deliciousness, all thanks to the Instant Pot’s efficiency. 🧀🍲

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Kraft Macaroni and Cheese: The iconic blue box containing macaroni pasta and cheese powder is the star of this dish, providing that classic, cheesy flavor. We used a box of Kraft Mac, and the brand will work for this recipe. 
• Cheese Packet: Comes with a box of mac and cheese.
• Water: Water is essential for cooking the pasta and creating the sauce.
• Butter: Butter adds richness and a creamy texture to the mac and cheese.
• Milk: Milk helps create a smooth, creamy cheese sauce, enhancing consistency and flavor. You can also use almond milk, oat milk, or heavy cream.

How To Make Instant Pot Boxed Mac N Cheese

Making The Best Instant Pot Mac and Cheese is a breeze. Here’s how:

Prepare the Ingredients: Open the Kraft Mac and Cheese box and take out the dry pasta and cheese powder. You’ll also need water, butter, and milk.

Add Pasta and Water: Place the macaroni pasta into the Instant Pot. Add enough water to fully submerge the pasta, usually about 2 cups of water for a standard box. Be careful not to fill over the water line.

Cook on High Pressure: Seal the Instant Pot and set it to cook on Manual High Pressure for half of the pasta’s recommended cooking time. If the box suggests 7-8 minutes, set the Instant Pot for 3-4 minutes.

Quick Release Pressure: Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the steam release valve. Be cautious of the hot steam. Turn the pressure valve in short spurts to reduce the pressure for best results. 

Drain Pasta: Open the Instant Pot and use a colander to drain the pasta.

Make the Cheese Sauce: Return the pasta to the Instant Pot and add the butter, milk, and cheese powder. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is well combined, and the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy.

Serve and Enjoy: Your Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese is ready to be served! Enjoy your quick and cheesy comfort food.

This method saves time and dishes, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknights or when craving a classic mac and cheese fix. 🧀🍴

Recipe Variations

While making Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese is a simple process, you can customize it to your taste with some delicious variations:

• Bacon and Jalapeño Mac and Cheese: Add crispy bacon bits and diced jalapeños to your mac and cheese for a spicy, savory twist.
• Buffalo Mac and Cheese: Mix in buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a zesty and tangy mac and cheese.
• Loaded Mac and Cheese: Enhance your mac and cheese with toppings like chives, sour cream, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and even diced tomatoes for a loaded baked potato-inspired version.
• Pesto Mac and Cheese: Stir in pesto sauce for a vibrant and aromatic mac and cheese experience.
• Truffle Mac and Cheese: Drizzle truffle oil over your mac and cheese for a luxurious, earthy flavor.
• Lobster Mac and Cheese: Add chunks of lobster or crab meat and cream cheese to your mac and cheese for an indulgent treat.
• Veggie Mac and Cheese: Incorporate sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, kosher salt, black pepper, or broccoli for added nutrition and flavor.
• Mexican Mac and Cheese: Mix in taco seasoning, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes for a Tex-Mex twist.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with various ingredients and seasonings to make your Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese uniquely delicious. 🧀🌶️🥓 

What Types Of Boxed Mac and Cheese Can I Make Using Instant Pot Method?

You can use the Instant Pot method to make various boxed mac and cheese brands and flavors. Some popular options include:

1. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese: The classic blue box mac and cheese is a favorite among many. It’s a simple and quick choice for a creamy, cheesy mac and cheese.

2. Annie’s Homegrown: Annie’s offers a range of organic mac and cheese options with different flavors and pasta shapes, including shells and cheddar, white cheddar, and more.

3. Velveeta Shells & Cheese: Velveeta mac and cheese is known for its ultra-creamy cheese sauce. The shells are a fun alternative to traditional elbow macaroni.

4. Trader Joe’s: Trader Joe’s offers its own brand of mac and cheese with various flavors, including organic white cheddar shells and classic macaroni with cheese.

5. Whole Foods 365: Whole Foods’ 365 brand has organic mac and cheese options with quality ingredients and various flavor variations.

6. Earth’s Best: If you’re looking for organic and kid-friendly options, Earth’s Best mac and cheese is a good choice.

7. Aldi: Aldi offers affordable boxed mac and cheese options, including their popular Cheese Club brand.

8. Gluten-Free Brands: If you have dietary restrictions, there are also gluten-free options available from brands like Annie’s, King Arthur Flour, and more.

Pro Tip

Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results when making Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese:

1. Add Extra Creaminess: To make your mac and cheese even creamier, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of water when the recipe calls for it.
2. Butter Boost: Add extra butter at the end for added richness and flavor. It’s a simple trick that can make a big difference.
3. Customize the Cheese: While the boxed mac and cheese typically comes with powdered cheese, add extra shredded cheese, such as shredded mozzarella cheese, for a more intense cheese flavor.

4. Season to Taste: Don’t hesitate to season your mac and cheese to your liking. Adding a pinch of salt, pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor.

5. Be mindful of Liquids: When using the Instant Pot, remember that it retains more moisture than stovetop cooking. You might want to use slightly less liquid than the box instructions recommend to avoid overly watery mac and cheese. Add a splash of milk for a creamy mac and cheese. 
6. Natural Release: After cooking, allow the Instant Pot to do a natural pressure release for a few minutes before a quick release. This can help prevent any starchy liquid from spewing out during release.
7. Stir Well: Give your mac and cheese a good stir after cooking to distribute the cheese sauce evenly.
8. Serve Promptly: Mac and cheese is best served right after cooking to enjoy its creamy, cheesy goodness at its peak.

Faq’s

Can I use different pasta shapes with this method?  Yes, you can use different pasta shapes with this method. While the recipe is tailored for boxed mac and cheese, you can adapt it to work with various pasta shapes. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slightly more or less time to cook in the Instant Pot. The most common pasta to use in mac and cheese is elbow macaroni. 

Can I make this recipe with lactose-free or dairy-free options?  Absolutely! If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, you can use lactose-free milk, dairy-free butter, and dairy-free cheese alternatives to make a lactose-free or dairy-free version of Instant Pot Boxed Mac and Cheese.

What can I add to customize the flavor?  You can get creative with add-ins to customize the flavor of your mac and cheese. Some popular options include cooked bacon bits, garlic powder, diced tomatoes, sautéed onions, diced jalapeños, or herbs like parsley or chives. Experiment with your favorite ingredients to make it your own.

Can I double the recipe for a larger serving? Yes, you can double the recipe to make a larger serving. Ensure the Instant Pot is not filled beyond its recommended capacity and adjust the cooking time accordingly. The cooking time may need to be slightly extended to accommodate the larger quantity. You can use 2 boxes of mac and cheese using the same recipe.

Can I store leftovers?  Yes, you can store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.

Can I freeze mac and cheese made with this method? Freezing mac and cheese is possible, but the texture may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. To freeze, portion the mac and cheese into airtight containers or freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stovetop or microwave, adding extra milk to restore creaminess if needed.

Can I use a different brand of boxed mac and cheese? Yes, you can use a different brand of boxed mac and cheese with this method. The instructions may vary slightly depending on the brand, so adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed based on the package instructions for the specific brand you choose.

Can I use a different Instant Pot size? The recipe is designed for a 6-quart Instant Pot. If you have a different size, you can still make the recipe but may need to adjust the measurements slightly to fit your Instant Pot. Be cautious not to overfill the pot, which could affect the cooking process.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT BACON CARBONARA
• INSTANT POT PASTA, FETA, AND TOMATOES
• NINJA FOODI COPYCAT MAC & CHEESE
• INSTANT POT SHRIMP SCAMPI

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