Instant Pot Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is so easy to make in the Instant Pot! Macaroni and Cheese comes out perfect and creamy and is ready to eat in under 10 minutes.
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Kraft Macaroni and Cheese brings me right back to my childhood. Growing up, it was one of my favorite dinners to have and now it’s quickly become my toddler’s favorite as well.
I love to make macaroni and cheese in the Instant Pot because it’s ready in under 10 minutes and can all be done in one pot – no draining required! It’s the perfect side dish I can make that I can set and forget while I make the rest of our dinner.
Ingredients
- Box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 Cup Water
- 2T Butter (salted or unsalted)
- 1/4 Cup Milk
- Non-Stick Cooking Spray (optional)
How to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the Instant Pot
- Optional: Spray the Instant Pot with non stick cooking spray (this will help the pasta not stick to the pot – I haven’t had an issue with mine sticking, but some readers have had this issue).
- Open the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box and set aside the cheese packet. Pour the pasta into the pot in an even layer.
- Cover the pasta with the water and add in the butter.
- Seal the Instant Pot and set on manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, quick release the pressure.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot and add in the milk and cheese packet and stir until it’s well combined and all the pasta is coated.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Calories and Nutrition
Serving Size 1/4 of recipe
Number of Servings 4
Calories 160 – Total Fat 10 grams – Saturated Fat 5 grams – Trans Fat 1 grams – Unsaturated Fat 5 grams – Cholesterol 18 milligrams – Sodium 236 milligrams – Carbohydrates 13 grams – Fiber 1 grams – Sugar 2 grams – Protein 3 grams
What to Serve with Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese can be served on its own or as a side dish. A few of my favorite recipes to serve with it are:
- Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Cheesy Broccoli Bites
- Sticky Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Baked Chicken Nuggets with Honey Mustard
How to Store Leftovers
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
I don’t recommend freezing leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does it Take For the Instant Pot to Come to Pressure?
It’ll take 3-4 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to Pressure. This will vary depending on your altitude and size of the Instant Pot.
What is Quick Release?
A Quick release is when then Instant Pot finishes cooking and you immedietly release the pressure
Related: New to Instant Pot? Check out my Instant Pot 101!
Why Are My Noodles Still Hard?
I’ve noticed that store brand Macaroni and Cheese takes a little longer to cook than the Kraft brand. If you’re using store brand, I recommend adding in an extra 1/4 cup of water and allow the macaroni to naturally release for 5 minutes.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled (or tripled). To do so, double the ingredients and cook for 4 minutes.
Do I Need to Drain Noodles?
Nope! The great thing is this can all be made in one pot and you don’t have to drain the noodles at all.
Why Did My Noodles Stick to the Pot?
Depending on the age of your Instant Pot, the non stick coating might not work as well as newer pots. To avoid any pasta sticking to the pot I recommend spraying the bottom of the Instant Pot with non stick cooking spray before cooking.
More Instant Pot Recipes
Bacon and Cheese Egg Bites (Copycat Starbucks Recipe)
Instant Pot Chocolate Brownies
Instant Pot Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 7.5 oz Box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Optional: Spray the Instant Pot with non stick cooking spray – this will help make the pasta not stick to the pot.
- Open the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box and set aside the cheese packet. Pour the pasta into the pot in an even layer.
- Cover the pasta with the water and add in the butter.
- Seal the Instant Pot and set on manual high pressure for 4 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot is done cooking, quick release the pressure.
- Carefully open the Instant Pot and add in the milk and cheese packet and stir until it’s well combined and all the pasta is coated.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Pin Recipe for Later
How long is the cook time for two boxes?
So, I just face to ask… if it takes the instant pot 3-4 minutes to come to pressure, and 4 minutes to cook, then cool down time…. What are we saving here? The box recipe calls for 7 minutes in boiling water cook time, let’s say 1-2 minutes to boil the water plus the cook time… send like it’s about the same, or a little longer in the instant pot…?
This is a LIFESAVER! I make Kraft Mac and cheese at least three nights a week, and not having to boil and drain is THE BEST! Thank you so much for this!!
I’m so happy you love it!
should I reduce the water for 5.5 oz package of spirals boxed mac…say like to 3/4 a cup? ?
Assuming I screwed this up but my Mac got a burn notice and ended up not being burned but did end up very gummy. Still tasted ok. Just texturally not like normal boiling and draining. Gonna try again tho. Cuz I enjoy no draining.