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### **7. Salt and Pepper:**
Basic seasonings like salt and pepper are essential for bringing out the best in this dish. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking once the dish is done.
### **8. Optional Add-ins:**
For those who like to get creative with their mac and cheese, the Instant Pot recipe is highly customizable. You can add extras like crispy bacon bits, sautéed onions, chopped jalapeños for a bit of heat, or even vegetables like broccoli or spinach. These add-ins can be mixed in before or after pressure cooking.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
Now that we’ve gathered all the ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making creamy mac and cheese in the Instant Pot. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the results will be a rich, cheesy bowl of comfort that you won’t be able to stop eating.
### **Ingredients:**
– 1 lb elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
– 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 cups whole milk
– 4 tablespoons butter
– 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1 teaspoon mustard powder
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
### **Instructions:**
#### **Step 1: Sauté the Butter**
Begin by turning on your Instant Pot and setting it to the sauté mode. Add the butter and allow it to melt completely. Once the butter has melted, turn off the sauté function.
#### **Step 2: Add the Broth, Milk, and Pasta**
Next, add the chicken broth and milk to the Instant Pot, followed by the elbow macaroni. Stir gently to ensure that the pasta is submerged in the liquid. You want to make sure the pasta is evenly distributed to ensure even cooking.
#### **Step 3: Pressure Cook**
Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Set the Instant Pot to **manual (pressure cook)** mode for **4 minutes**. This will cook the pasta perfectly in the liquid. Remember that the Instant Pot will take a few minutes to come to pressure before the cooking time starts, so don’t worry if it takes a bit longer than expected.
#### **Step 4: Quick Release and Stir**
Once the cooking cycle is complete, carefully perform a **quick release** by turning the valve to the venting position. This will release the steam quickly. Once the pressure has fully released, open the Instant Pot lid.
At this point, you’ll notice that the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid. Give it a gentle stir to ensure that the pasta is evenly distributed.
#### **Step 5: Add the Cheese and Seasonings**
Now comes the magic moment—adding the cheese! Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they are fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. The residual heat from the pasta and liquid will help melt the cheese smoothly. Add the mustard powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, and stir until everything is well combined.
#### **Step 6: Taste and Adjust**
Once the cheese sauce is smooth and creamy, taste the mac and cheese and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or mustard powder depending on your preferences. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk to reach your desired consistency.
#### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Your Instant Pot Creamy Mac and Cheese is now ready to serve! Dish it out into bowls and enjoy immediately. If you want to take it to the next level, consider adding toppings like crispy bacon, fresh herbs, or a sprinkle of extra cheese. You can even bake it in the oven with a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy finish, though the Instant Pot version is already perfect as-is.
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