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To make this easy and tasty dish, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon mustard powder - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter - 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded creamy mozzarella cheese - ½ cup softened cream cheese - Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste - Freshly chopped chives for garnish (optional) Each ingredient plays an important role in the flavor and texture of the mac and cheese. The elbow macaroni serves as the base, giving it that classic shape. Broth adds depth, while garlic and onion powders give it a savory kick. Mustard powder adds a hint of tanginess. The butter makes it rich, and the mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives it that gooey, cheesy goodness. Cream cheese adds extra creaminess, making every bite smooth. When shopping, I recommend using quality brands for the best taste. For pasta, Barilla is a great choice. Swanson offers flavorful broth that works well. For cheese, Kraft's shredded cheddar and mozzarella are reliable options. Philadelphia cream cheese is a go-to for that perfect texture. Using trusted brands makes a big difference in your dish! Start with 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Place them in the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Then, pour in 4 cups of broth. You can use chicken or vegetable broth based on your choice. Next, add 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. These spices add great flavor. Stir everything gently to mix the seasonings well. This step ensures that every bite is tasty. Now, it’s time to cook! Secure the lid on the Instant Pot. Make sure the steam release valve is set to sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting. Adjust the timer to 4 minutes. When the timer goes off, do a quick release of the pressure. Turn the valve to venting carefully. Be cautious of the hot steam! Once the steam is gone, open the lid. Give the macaroni a good stir. It may look watery, but that’s okay. The liquid will thicken with cheese. Now comes the best part—adding cheese! Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter first. Next, mix in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Then, include ½ cup of softened cream cheese. Stir vigorously until all the cheese melts and combines with the pasta. Taste your mac and cheese and season with salt and cracked pepper. If it seems thick, add a splash more broth or milk. Serve hot and garnish with chopped chives for color. Enjoy your creamy dish straight from the pot! You can find the Full Recipe here for more details. To make your mac and cheese super creamy, use a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar gives a nice tang, while mozzarella adds a smooth texture. Cream cheese is key too; it acts like a magic cream-maker. If you want it even creamier, stir in a splash of milk or more broth after cooking. This simple trick keeps your dish luscious and rich. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Cooking it for just four minutes is perfect. If you cook it too long, it turns mushy. Another mistake is not releasing the steam correctly. Always do a quick release after cooking. This helps the pasta keep its shape and texture. Finally, don’t skip tasting before serving. Adjust the salt and pepper to fit your taste. For a fun twist, serve your mac and cheese in cute bowls. You can top it with extra cheese or crunchy breadcrumbs. Adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives really brightens the dish. If you want to make it a meal, serve it with a side salad or grilled veggies. These pair nicely with the creamy flavors of the mac and cheese. {{image_4}} You can mix up the cheese in your mac and cheese. Cheddar is great, but try these: - Gouda adds a nice smokiness. - Pepper jack gives a spicy kick. - Fontina melts beautifully and is creamy. - Parmesan adds a sharp, salty taste. Feel free to blend two or more types for a unique flavor! If you want to make healthier choices, consider these swaps: - Use whole grain macaroni for added fiber. - Swap low-fat cheese for regular cheese to cut calories. - Replace butter with olive oil for a heart-healthy fat. - Choose unsweetened almond milk instead of cream for a lighter option. These changes can boost nutrition while keeping your dish tasty. Boost the taste of your mac and cheese with fun extras. Here are some ideas: - Add cooked bacon or ham for a savory touch. - Toss in steamed broccoli or spinach for color and nutrients. - Stir in salsa for a zesty kick. - Sprinkle smoked paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat. These simple enhancements can turn your dish into something special. To store your leftover mac and cheese, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to eat it fresh, but you can save some for later. When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, use the microwave or the stove. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. If you use the stove, warm it on low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to make it creamy again. You can freeze mac and cheese for future meals. Just make sure it cools completely. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Enjoy your delicious meal anytime! It takes about 20 minutes to make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. This includes 10 minutes for prep and 4 minutes of cook time. The rest is for pressure building and quick release. It’s super fast and easy! Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta. Just remember to adjust the cook time. Gluten-free pasta usually cooks faster. Check the package for specific timing to avoid mushy pasta. You can add many tasty things! Here are some great options: - Cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky flavor. - Diced tomatoes for freshness. - Jalapeños for some heat. - Spinach for added nutrients. - A sprinkle of paprika for depth. Feel free to get creative with your mix-ins! Each addition can make your mac and cheese unique and fun. Check the Full Recipe for the base you’ll need to start. This post covered how to make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese from start to finish. We explored key ingredients and suggested brands that make cooking easier. I shared step-by-step instructions for prepping, cooking, and mixing in cheeses. You can perfect your dish with tips on creaminess and common mistakes to avoid. We also looked at tasty variations, storage info, and answered common questions. Now, you can enjoy this simple, comforting meal any time!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Indulge in the creamy delight of our Decadent Instant Pot Mac & Cheese Extravaganza! This quick and easy recipe combines rich cheeses and flavorful spices for the ultimate comfort food experience. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bowl of warmth ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this dish will leave everyone craving for more. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon mustard powder

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded creamy mozzarella cheese

½ cup softened cream cheese

Salt and freshly cracked pepper to taste

Freshly chopped chives for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

Begin by placing the elbow macaroni into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, and sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Gently stir the mixture to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed.

    Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the steam release valve is in the sealing position. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting and adjust the timer to 4 minutes.

      Once the cooking cycle finishes, do a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to venting, allowing the steam to escape.

        When the steam has fully released, open the lid, and give the macaroni a good stir. You may notice it looks a bit watery, but that's all part of the process; it will thicken as the cheese is added.

          Now, incorporate the unsalted butter, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and softened cream cheese into the pot. Stir vigorously until all the cheeses have melted and are well blended into the pasta.

            Taste your creamy mac and cheese, then season it with salt and freshly cracked pepper according to your flavor preference. For an even creamier consistency, feel free to add a splash more broth or a dash of milk at this point.

              Serve the mac and cheese hot from the pot. If you like, garnish each serving with freshly chopped chives for an extra touch of color and flavor.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 20 mins | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: For an appealing serving, scoop the mac and cheese into colorful, deep bowls. Top each serving with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a handful of chopped chives, creating a vibrant and inviting dish.