Instant Pot Velveeta Mac and Cheese

This Instant Pot Velveeta Mac and Cheese is the easiest, creamiest, best pressure cooker macaroni and cheese ever. The best part? It cooks in just five minutes!

Top view of macaroni and cheese in a white bowl on a dark wood surface.

I have made my share of macaroni and cheese recipes. Over the years, I've narrowed it down to a few favorites.

There's my Momma's Baked Macaroni and Cheese. It's made with white cheddar and known by every single person in our fam.

Then there's my Creamy Crock Pot Macaroni and Cheese. This one's thick, rich, and super easy to throw together.

Side view of macaroni and cheese in a white bowl on a dark wood surface.

I've been searching for an instant pot version that I love and I'm happy to say that I've finally found it!

This mac and cheese uses a combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar to make smooth, creamy, extra cheesy macaroni and cheese.

You are going to love how easy this recipe is to make. Thanks to the instant pot, the macaroni cooks in just four minutes. Win! If you have extra Velveeta, use it to make this Velveeta Breakfast Casserole. Double win!

A spoonful of macaroni and cheese held over an instant pot.

HOW TO MAKE MAC AND CHEESE IN AN INSTANT POT

Instant pot macaroni and cheese is made by combining uncooked macaroni, water, butter, salt, and pepper in your instant pot. It is cooked for four minutes on high pressure. Next, the steam is quick released and the milk, Velveeta, and cheddar cheese are mixed into the cooked macaroni until the cheese is completely melted. See below for detailed recipe instructions.

DOES THIS TASTE LIKE BOX VELVEETA MAC AND CHEESE?

This macaroni and cheese is better than the boxed kind! I've found that preparing Velveeta mac and cheese from scratch makes it richer, creamier, and more flavorful than the boxed kind.

A collage of step by step phots making instant pot macaroni and cheese.

HOW TO STORE VELVEETA MAC AND CHEESE

Store uneaten mac and cheese covered in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. I do recommend serving this recipe fresh, if possible, because it thickens as it sits and after it cools a lot of the creamy texture is absorbed by the noodles.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH VELVEETA MAC AND CHEESE

Velveeta mac and cheese can be served as a standalone main dish or as a side dish. I like to serve it as a side with things like burgers, ribs, and grilled chicken.

A top view closeup of macaroni and cheese in a white bowl on a dark wood surface.

MORE YUMMY INSTANT POT RECIPES

Looking for more delish recipes to cook in your instant pot? Check out some of my favorites from the archives:


If you try this recipe, I'd love to know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy!

6 servings

Instant Pot Velveeta Mac and Cheese


This Instant Pot Velveeta Mac and Cheese is the easiest, creamiest, best pressure cooker macaroni and cheese ever.

  prep time: cook time: total time: 10 MIN 

INGREDIENTS


16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
4 cups water
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
16 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese


INSTRUCTIONS


1. Pour the uncooked macaroni into your instant pot. Pour the water over the macaroni and add the butter, salt, and pepper to the pot.

2. Place the lid onto your instant pot and turn the steam valve to the sealing position.

3. Select the manual/pressure cook, high-pressure setting, and set the time to 4 minutes. After 10 seconds the display will say On. Once the instant pot is pressurized, the float valve will rise and the cook timer will begin counting down.

4. At the end of the 4 minutes, place a damp towel over the top of the instant pot and carefully turn the steam release valve to the venting position. (The damp towel will help to eliminate spatter as the steam releases.) When the float valve drops, open the instant pot. Hit Cancel, and then set the instant pot setting to Saute.

5. Mix the milk, Velveeta, and shredded cheddar cheese into the cooked macaroni. Stir constantly until all of the cheese is melted. Turn off the instant pot and let sit for several minutes to thicken.


NOTES


You can use a white cheddar or orange cheddar for this recipe.

Similar to box Velveeta macaroni and cheese, this recipe will thicken upon standing. It is best served immediately. If it thickens too much for your liking, you can add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

This recipe is written specifically for the 8 Quart Instant Pot Duo 7-in-1 Pressure Cooker. Cooking time may vary if you use a different pressure cooker. This recipe has not been tested on the 6-quart instant pot or in other pressure cooker brands.

Recipe time does not include the time it takes for your instant pot to come to pressure.

Author: Becky


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3 comments

  1. This was very good mac & cheese. My son loved it! Easy, too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Did you get my happy, excited comment!

    ReplyDelete