Today we’re sharing a recipe for Instant Pot Boxed Macaroni & Cheese. This is the perfect and hands off way to make your childhood favorite food.
Believe it or not, making boxed macaroni and cheese is even easier in the Instant Pot! No need to drain or babysit the pasta while it cooks and everything simply mixes together in one pot. While making macaroni and cheese from scratch is the best. We keep a few boxes of Annie’s Macaroni and Cheese on hand for when we need a quicker version.
What is so great about Instant Pot Boxed Macaroni & Cheese?
The biggest advantage of using the Instant Pot for an already easy process is that you simply combine everything and walk away. No waiting for the water to boil, stir your pasta, or babysit it while it cooks. There is also no need to drain the pasta after it cooks.
After you quick release the pressure, you add a little butter to loosen up the noodles. Then add your cheese powder and a little milk and it’s that simple. You can use the heat from the instant pot or turn it on sauté function for a couple minutes if your sauce is too thin.
Instant Pot Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
The quickest and easiest way to make your childhood favorite food.
Ingredients
- 1 box Macaroni and Cheese (Your Choice)
- pinch of kosher salt
- 1 cup + 2 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
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Combine the dry pasta, pinch of kosher salt, and 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water in the Instant Pot. Place the lid on, turn the valve to sealing, and set the cook time for 3 minutes on high pressure.
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When the cook time is complete, quick release the pressure. Add butter and stir, breaking up the pasta. Sprinkle on the cheese powder, stir, then pour in the milk. Continue stirring, incorporating the cheese mixture into the noodles.
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Turn the Instant Pot onto saute and cook the macaroni for 2-3 minutes until the cheese fully incorporate and the sauce thickens slightly if needed.
Recipe Notes
You can easily double this recipe and use two boxes of pasta. Double the ingredients, but keep the cook times the same.
Like any pasta, this cheesy pasta will keep for at least a couple of days stored in the refrigerator. Add this to your weekly meal prep and you will have enough Mac and Cheese for the kids or side dishes for several meals.
We’d love to hear what you think about the recipe. Please give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. Thank you for stopping by and visiting Sunup to Sundown! We’ll be back soon with another recipe or update regarding our garden or our journey to becoming more self-reliant. Please subscribe, like or share this post with others who could benefit from it.
