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Creamy Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Cheese Crust

Instant Pot mac and cheese - featured image
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A quick and easy creamy mac and cheese made in the Instant Pot with a golden, crispy cheese crust on top, perfect for cozy homemade meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (about 200g)
  • 2 cups water (475ml)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk (475ml), room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
  • ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese (about 50g)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

  1. Add 2 cups water and 2 cups elbow macaroni to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set to high pressure for 4 minutes. Perform a quick release when done.
  2. Switch Instant Pot to sauté mode. Melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter. Whisk in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour and stir for 1-2 minutes until golden and nutty.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups whole milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and optional ¼ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir until sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Turn off sauté mode and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and ½ cup parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Stir the cheese sauce around the cooked pasta to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Pour mac and cheese into an oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar and parmesan on top. Add a pinch of smoked paprika if desired.
  7. Broil under a preheated broiler for 3-5 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown with crispy edges. Watch closely to prevent burning.
  8. Let cool for a couple of minutes before serving to allow the cheese crust to settle.

Notes

If the cheese sauce thickens too much while standing, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it. Watch the broiler carefully to avoid burning the cheese crust. Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded. Room temperature milk helps prevent lumps. For dairy-free or gluten-free versions, substitute ingredients accordingly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Instant Pot, mac and cheese, creamy, crispy cheese crust, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy, quick recipe

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/creamy-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-cheese-crust-perfect-for-easy-homemade-meals/