This pressure cooker mac and cheese has all the texture of a traditional baked mac and cheese.
For the first 20 or so years of my life, my mom's famous Macaroni & Cheese was my favorite food in the whole world. I then spent several years as an adult trying to actually write down a recipe, since she never measures anything. Well, I've now taken it to the next level... Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese! And it's pretty doggone good.
I wanted to create a quick and easy version of her dish with the similar flavor profile that we could make for dinner any night of the week. The only real difference is that I used chicken stock to cook the noodles. It's definitely more savory, but you can use water if preferred. And low and behold, after only a few tries, I think we nailed it. It even got the approval of our 2-year-old daughter!
Ingredients for Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
How to Make Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
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📖 Recipe
Pressure Cooker Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb. elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 4 Tbsp. butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 Tbsp. seasoned salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 12 oz. evaporated milk
- 1 lb. medium cheddar cheese small cubes
Instructions
- Add 1 pound elbow macaroni to the pot. Then add 4 cups of water and 4 tablespoons butter. Lock the lid and cook for 4 minutes at high pressure.
- Meanwhile - beat 2 eggs together with 1 tablespoon seasoned salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk in 1 large can of evaporated milk into egg mixture.
- Once cook time is complete - quick-release pressure. Be aware that some of the starchy bubbles may try to come our the the vent, so you will need to do this gradually. Keep a towel handy. Then mix the pasta well. It may appear to be stuck to the bottom, but it should be just fine.
- Switch to sauté setting - add egg/milk mixture and stir very well. Continue stirring until it comes back up to a boil.
- Add cheese and continue mixing until fully melted.
Video
Nutrition
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Rebecca
I just shared this recipe and realized I never left a comment. To be honest, this one is dangerous for me. I want to make it every week and when I do make it, I eat way too much! It is one of the best and easiest mac and cheese recipes I've ever made!
Rita Yee
Same here, Rebecca!
Tony
I would like to know if I wanted to double or even triple this ,do I double and triple everything,thank you
Gary
I don't think I'd double the eggs, but probably everything else.
Virginia
I added chopped, leftover roasted turkey and it was fabulous! I imagine rotisserie chicken would be equally delicious too
Anne Hersch
Looks awesome. I have never added eggs to mac and cheese so might leave those out. Could i sub milk or cream for the evap milk? Don't like the taste of evaporated milk.
Gary White
Sounds like you will end up with a different recipe.
Emily
I have a work pitch-in coming up. Do you think it would still taste good if I made it in the morning and then let it sit on warm until lunch?
Gary White
If you're going to have it sit for a while, I might try leaving out the eggs. Then bring some more milk to stir in right before serving to make sure that it's still creamy.
Emily
Thank you!!
C
Have you ever popped this in a baking dish and into the oven for a bit after cooking? I love IP mac and cheese, but I miss those browned edges and the crunchy crumb topping.
Gary White
I have not tried that, but I don't see why it wouldn't work!
Barb
Love that you used eggs. Perfect texture!
Tammy
Can this recipe be cut in half?
Gary White
Sure, it can. The cook time would remain the same.
Tara
I've tried tons of IP mac n cheese recipes, but wasn't completely satisfy with any of them. Texture was off and couldn't taste the cheese. Your recipe is very close to what I was looking for. Egg is definitely the key in getting the texture I wanted. Thanks!
Jenn
I have to cook gluten free and usually use Tinkyada rice elbows. Would you do anything different with gf pasta?
Gary White
G-free pasta swaps in the IP are tricky, mainly because they are all so different. The rice ones absorb all the liquid and the corn ones don't absorb much at all. So, for your rice noodles, you'll probably want to add about a cup more liquid.
Joan
Was looking for a quick weeknight dinner and gave this a try. Such a quick and easy recipe! It was so yummy!!!
Thanks for the recipe!
Sam
This is very close to my oven baked Mac & cheese. I use 2 cups of milk instead of evaporated milk, precooked pasta and a pack of bacon chopped. Bakes about 30-45min. Exactly the same consistency as this. Great work!! Now I have an easier recipe.
Toni Smith
This is my go to recipe for pot luck dinners. It's always a crowd pleaser!