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Plate of Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Mac & Cheese With Spicy Crust

Kick up your Instant Pot Mac & Cheese with this easy recipe with a spicy crumb topping, all done in under 30 minutes!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 4 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch & Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups dry packaged elbow macaroni
  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup fresh parmesan cheese, shredded (not powdered)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup plain panko bread crumbs* (See note)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh Italian parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Method
 

  1. Place the dry elbow macaroni, evaporated milk, water, onion, garlic powder, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cheddar cheese, Gruyere, Gouda, mozzarella and parmesan in a 6-quart Instant Pot (electric pressure cooker) and stir completely together until well incorporated.
  2. Lock lid into place and set vent to on. Turn cook setting on high / manual pressure for 4 minutes.
  3. Once the timer has gone off, let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes (the timer will count this for you).
  4. Carefully release any remaining pressure by turning or unlocking the vent.
  5. Carefully open the lid and stir.
  6. For the crispy topping: Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Melt the butter, add panko bread crumbs and cook until a deep golden brown - about 2 - 3 minutes.
  7. Stir in the parsley and paprika.
  8. Sprinkle the finished bread crumb topping over the macaroni in the Instant Pot to your taste (I got a little heavy-handed with it in the photos above).

Notes

  • If you want to kick up the flavor even more, swap the plain panko breadcrumbs with "Italian" or "parmesan herb" or any of the other varieties of panko breadcrumbs available in the grocery store.