Friday, January 28, 2022

Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese

I haven't blogged for several months.  I started the blogging journey at the end of 2012, and I have written about everything there is to know about me and my life.  I started a few blogs,  but they are just sitting in the queue and haven't been finished.  If I can't get excited about the topics, I can't expect anyone else to either.  Today, however, I wanted to write down a recipe so I would know where to find it.  One thing about blogging is I can easily search my favorite posted recipes.  I have told several people about this easy peasey way to make Macaroni and Cheese in the Instant Pot (digital pressure cooker).  It can be made in less time or at least the same time as boxed mac and cheese plus it doesn't have that fake powdered mystery cheese.  This is a small two serving recipe but you can double, triple or quadruple for a larger quantity.  The timing is the same...4 minutes.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

4 oz. elbow macaroni (about 1 cup)

1 tbsp. butter

1 - 1 1/2 cups water     Some pressure cookers require a minimum amount of water to work properly.  Check your instruction manual.  I have one pot that only needs 1 cup minimum and another that requires 1 1/2 cups.  This minimum amount of water only applies to this small serving recipe.  If you double the recipe, 2 cups of water is enough for all pots and so on. 

1/2 t. dry ground mustard (optional)

1/8 t. pepper

1/4 cup evaporated or whole milk 

1 cup shredded cheese (any mixture you like)  I used Sharp Cheddar and Monterey Jack

In the Instant Pot combine the dry macaroni, butter, water, pepper and mustard

Close the lid and manually set the pot to pressure for 4 minutes. 

Quick release when the time is up.  Check to see if the macaroni is cooked the way you like it.  Set the pot to saute and stir, adding 2-3 minutes more if needed.

Add the milk and cheese.  Stir until the mixture is thick and creamy.  Salt to taste.

If you don't have full fat milk or evaporated milk or even if you do, another tablespoon of butter and a splash more milk will make it creamier.