This Instant Pot version of Panera mac and cheese surpasses the original copycat recipe, offering a rich and creamy dish that’s incredibly easy to prepare. With just a few simple ingredients and the convenience of the Instant Pot, you can enjoy a comforting meal in no time!
This is so good! My kids went crazy for it, and what’s better, it takes less than the time at the drive-thru to make this delicious recipe!
If you are new to Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi Cooking, some of my favorite recipes are INSTANT POT SCRAMBLED EGGS, INSTANT POT STUFFING, INSTANT POT BBQ PULLED PORK, and INSTANT POT HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll enjoy a comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy and Cheesy: With a blend of rich cheeses, every bite is decadent and satisfying. The creamy texture will remind you of your favorite restaurant version.
- No Velveeta Required: Made from scratch, this dish uses real ingredients instead of processed cheese. You’ll love knowing exactly what’s in your meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins, like vegetables or proteins, to make it your own. You can easily adapt this dish to fit your family’s tastes.
Instant Pot Panera mac and cheese
Instant Pot Panera Mac and Cheese is a creamy, comforting dish that brings the café’s signature flavors right to your kitchen. Made with elbow macaroni and a rich blend of cheeses, this recipe is both quick and easy, perfect for busy weeknights.
The Instant Pot allows for a perfectly cooked pasta that absorbs all the delicious cheese sauce, ensuring every bite is full of flavor. Plus, with minimal prep and cleanup, you can enjoy a homemade version of this beloved dish without the hassle. Serve it as a main course or a side dish, and watch it become a family favorite in no time!
Panera Bread Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- Elbow Macaroni: Provides a perfect bite-sized pasta shape that holds onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
- Water or Vegetable Broth: Adds depth of flavor to the macaroni as it cooks, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess, making the mac and cheese even more indulgent.
- Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture, creating a luscious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a bold, tangy flavor that elevates the mac and cheese to a new level of deliciousness.
- American Cheese: Melts smoothly, adding a creamy consistency and a mild flavor that balances the sharpness of the cheddar.
- Hot Sauce: Provides a kick of heat, enhancing the dish with a zesty and flavorful twist.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess, bringing a unique depth of flavor to the creamy cheese sauce.
Panera Bread Macaroni and Cheese Copycat Recipe Directions
Step One: Start by making the pasta, add the macaroni and water (or vegetable broth) to the Instant Pot. Set the manual high pressure for 4 minutes. Make sure that the vent is sealed.
Step Two: When the timer beeps and the four minutes are up, do a quick release. If you let it naturally release, or it will overcook.
Step Three: Then mix in the cheese, butter, milk, hot sauce, and mustard, stir until everything is melted. If you need more heat for the melting, press the keep warm or saute’ button. I didn’t need more heat; everything melted for me.
Instant Pot Panera Mac And Cheese Recipe Tips
- Use Quality Cheese: For the best flavor, use high-quality sharp cheddar and American cheese. Grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded, as it melts better and provides a smoother sauce.
- Adjust the Liquid: If you prefer a creamier mac and cheese, you can add a bit more milk or broth. Conversely, reduce the liquid slightly for a thicker consistency.
- Don’t Skip the Mustard: Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and enhances the overall flavor, so don’t skip it—even if you’re not a fan of mustard!
- Add Flavor Variations: Consider mixing in additional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
- Stir Well After Cooking: After releasing the pressure, be sure to stir the mac and cheese well to combine the cheese and sauce evenly.
- Customize Your Mac and Cheese: Feel free to add in cooked vegetables, bacon, or proteins like chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Store any leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
- Use the Sauté Function: If you want to enhance the flavors, consider using the sauté function to cook the butter and add the cheeses before mixing everything together for a richer taste.
- Experiment with Cheese Blends: Mixing different types of cheese, such as gouda or mozzarella, can add unique flavors and textures to your mac and cheese.
- Garnish for Presentation: Finish off your dish with fresh herbs, a sprinkle of extra cheese, or crispy breadcrumbs for added texture and visual appeal.
Storing
For best results, store the leftover macaroni and cheese in an airtight container, and place them into the refrigerator. It will last for about 2 to 4 days.
Freezing: Due to the dairy in the recipe, it is not recommended for freezing, as it does not thaw well.
Reheat: Add the leftover macaroni and cheese into a microwave-safe bowl, and reheat in the microwave until warmed through.
More Instant Pot Recipes
- INSTANT POT SCRAMBLED EGGS
- INSTANT POT STUFFING
- EASY INSTANT POT BBQ PULLED PORK
- INSTANT POT HOMEMADE HAMBURGER HELPER
- INSTANT POT SPICED APPLE CIDER
- EASY INSTANT POT PUMPKIN PIE
Don’t Forget To Pin!
Instant Pot Panera Mac And Cheese
Description
Ingredients
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water , or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ cup milk
- 16 ounces Sharp Cheddar cheese
- 8 ounces American cheese slices
- ¼ cup hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Start by making the pasta, add the macaroni and water (or vegetable broth) to the Instant Pot.
- Set the manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Make sure that the vent is sealed.
- When the timer beeps and the four minutes are up, do a quick release. If you let it naturally release, or it will overcook.
- Then mix in the cheese, butter, milk, hot sauce, and mustard, stir until everything is melted. If you need more heat for the melting, press the keep warm or saute’ button. I didn’t need more heat; everything melted for me.
Equipment
- Pressure Cooker, Instant Pot or Ninja Foodi
Nutrition
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