Instant Pot Magic: Kid-Friendly Mac and Cheese in a Flash
Greetings, hat aficionados! It’s Ava from “All Them Hats,” back with a delicious, kid-approved recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights – Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! This creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting dish is sure to be a hit with your little ones, and they’ll have a blast helping you make it. So, let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp ground mustard (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cubed
Instructions:
- Prepare the pasta: Have your kids measure out the elbow macaroni and pour it into the Instant Pot. Let them add the water, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and ground mustard (if using). Give the mixture a good stir to ensure the pasta is evenly distributed.
- Cook the pasta: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to “Sealing.” Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. When the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release to let the pressure out. (This step is for adults only.)
- Add dairy ingredients: Once the pressure is fully released and it’s safe to remove the lid, drain any excess liquid from the cooked pasta. Next, have your little helpers add the cubed butter, milk (or half-and-half), and all the shredded and grated cheeses to the pot. Stir everything together until the cheese is fully melted and the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve and enjoy: Dish up the creamy, cheesy macaroni into bowls and let your kids sprinkle on extra cheese or add their favorite toppings, like crumbled bacon or steamed veggies. Then, gather around the table and dig into your mouthwatering Instant Pot Mac and Cheese!
This speedy and simple Instant Pot Mac and Cheese recipe is perfect for getting your children involved in the kitchen, while also satisfying their taste buds with a classic comfort food. Remember to wear “All Them Hats” while whipping up this delightful dish and continue exploring exciting new recipes with your family. Bon appétit!
