Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese Recipe

If you love comfort food that feels like a cozy embrace, you’re about to fall for Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese. This recipe transforms humble pantry staples into a bowl of pure, silky decadence — rich, cheesy, and so mind-blowingly creamy you’ll honestly question why you ever made mac and cheese any other way. Whether you’re a busy parent after a quick dinner, a cheese lover in need of a carb fix, or just in search of a dish that guarantees happy faces at the table, you’ll find yourself coming back to this Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese again and again.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity: each ingredient is handpicked for maximum flavor and that signature ultra-creamy texture. Every bite is a reminder that it’s the right mix of essentials — not fancy extras — that make Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese shine.

• Elbow macaroni: The classic noodle shape grabs all the creamy sauce, ensuring every mouthful is perfection.
• Salted butter: Adds richness and a velvety finish to the sauce while helping the cheese melt smoothly.
• Water: Just enough for the noodles to cook evenly and absorb flavor without any draining needed.
• Evaporated milk: This is the magic ingredient for that custardy, creamy texture without feeling heavy.
• Whole milk: Balances out the sauce, adding sweetness and a little extra creaminess.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Melts into an irresistibly gooey pool with big, tangy flavor — don’t skimp here!
• Monterey Jack cheese: Lends that stretchy, creamy quality and a subtle buttery note.
• Gruyere or Swiss cheese: Optional but totally worth it for a nutty, complex kick that sets your dish apart.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for rounding everything out and waking up the flavor in every bite.
• Ground mustard (optional): Adds a gentle zing and depth that highlights the cheese, never overpowering.

How to Make Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Load the Pasta and Water

Pour the elbow macaroni right into the Instant Pot, followed by water, a good pinch of salt, and cubed butter. The butter not only melts into every nook of the noodles, it also helps prevent sticking, setting you up for perfectly separated, non-clumpy pasta. Give everything a quick stir to help the ingredients mingle and ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Cook Under Pressure

Seal the lid and set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for just 4 minutes (yes, really—fastest mac and cheese ever!). The pressure infuses the noodles with flavor and cooks them to the perfect tender-yet-firm bite. Once the cooking time is up, carefully release the pressure manually (quick-release) to avoid mushy pasta.

Step 3: Stir in the Milks

Open the Instant Pot and give the noodles a stir. Pour in the evaporated milk and whole milk, which will immediately provide that coveted creaminess. Stir gently; the macaroni will soak up some of the liquid, making the sauce extra luscious and preventing it from being runny.

Step 4: Add the Cheeses

With the Instant Pot on the “Keep Warm” setting, add handfuls of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Gruyere cheeses. Stir continuously and watch as the cheese melts into a dreamy, glossy sauce. Sprinkle in the ground mustard, extra salt, and black pepper to taste, making sure everything gets evenly combined and perfectly seasoned.

Step 5: Adjust and Enjoy

Now’s the time for any final tweaks. If you love your mac and cheese even looser, splash in a bit more whole milk. For an ultra-thick version, let it sit for a minute or two. Taste, adjust salt or pepper, and serve immediately while it’s hot, drippy, and at peak creaminess.

How to Serve Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese

Garnishes

Get playful with finishes — a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, fresh cracked black pepper, or a handful of chopped parsley can make each bowl pop with color and flavor. For true decadence, a dusting of smoked paprika or a sprinkle of crispy bacon crumbles will take your Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese totally over the top.

Side Dishes

Balance this rich main course with something fresh and bright: think a zippy arugula salad, tangy coleslaw, or simply-steamed green beans. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful for mopping up any leftover sauce — because honestly, you won’t want to miss a drop.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese into something truly memorable by serving it in individual ramekins for a dinner party, topping with buttery toasted breadcrumbs for crunch, or using it as the star ingredient in a bigger spread — like a mac and cheese bar with all the mix-ins and toppings set out for guests to create their own masterpiece bowls.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the leftover mac and cheese to room temperature before transferring it to a tightly sealed container. Stored this way in the fridge, you’ll enjoy fresh-tasting Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese for up to 4 days, ready to quickly reheat for speedy comfort food any time.

Freezing

For longer keeping, let your mac and cheese cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag (removing as much air as possible). While some creaminess can be lost during freezing, a splash of milk upon reheating will restore the dreamy texture. Freeze for up to 2 months for best results.

Reheating

Reheat your Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a touch of milk or cream and stirring often to restore optimal creaminess. Warm it slowly and avoid overheating to prevent graininess or separation.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is king for this recipe, you can substitute with shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re using a different shape — generally, subtract one minute from the box’s suggested cooking time for perfect results in the Instant Pot.

Is it possible to make this gluten free?

Yes! Opt for your favorite gluten free pasta and follow the same directions, but keep an eye on the cooking time since gluten free noodles can cook quickly. The creamy sauce is naturally gluten free, so everyone can dig in worry-free.

What if I don’t have evaporated milk?

You can substitute an equal amount of half-and-half or heavy cream to mimic the rich, thick body that evaporated milk brings. While the flavor will shift subtly, your Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese will still be deliciously indulgent.

Can I add proteins or veggies?

Of course! Stir in steamed broccoli, roasted chicken, or sautéed mushrooms after cooking for a fully loaded, one-pot meal. The basic recipe is endlessly customizable, so throw in whatever makes your taste buds happy.

Why does my cheese sometimes turn grainy?

Graininess usually happens if the cheese is added too quickly or if the mixture gets too hot after the cheese goes in. Be patient: add cheese in handfuls, stirring until each batch is fully melted, and keep the Instant Pot on “Keep Warm” rather than a higher heat to ensure a smooth, velvety finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for your go-to, crowd-pleasing comfort dish, it’s time to let Instant Pot Extra Creamy Mac and Cheese take center stage in your kitchen. Each batch is pure cozy perfection and couldn’t be easier — so grab your pot and get ready for the creamiest, dreamiest pasta you’ve ever tasted.

Print