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Instant Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy meal the whole family will love. Rich and creamy mac and cheese cooks quickly in your Instant Pot and is mixed together with your favorite vegetables creating a calcium, protein rich dish.
INSTANT POT VEGETABLE MAC AND CHEESE
Any other Instant Pot lovers out there?
If you have one or are thinking of getting one, today’s Instant Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese is a recipe you have to add to your list to try!
I am parting with American Dairy Association Mideast to celebrate Dairy Month coming up in June.
It is a great time to take a moment to celebrate America’s dairy farmers, who provide us with healthy dairy foods.
There is no better way to celebrate than to eat a big bowl of mac and cheese filled with nutritious dairy. Who doesn’t love a creamy, cheesy bowl of comfort?
We eat mac and cheese on repeat like this Baked Mac and Cheese with Bread Crumbs Recipe and this Pumpkin Mac and Cheese.
Today’s Instant Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese is made in a pressure cooker, or Instant Pot.
I have grown to love my Instant Pot more and more each time I use it.
I have to admit at first I was a bit scared of that powerful kitchen helper.
When that steam was releasing from the pressure cooker I would run the other direction.
But after using it over the past six months I have gained a lot of confidence with it and it is a lifesaver when you need a quick bowl of soup, a side dish, breakfast or a snack.
The Instant Pot really does so many things and is a great appliance to have in your kitchen if you are one of those people with limited time to cook meals.
With three boys under the age of 6 I am all about short cuts and quick meals.
Now I can hear some of you asking why in the world I would add vegetables to a bowl of mac and cheese.
I hear you.
For those that don’t want veggies in their mac and cheese just leave them out.
But I will say that my family loved the addition of the vegetables and I like it gives the dish color and added vitamins and nutrients.
HOW TO MAKE THIS MAC & CHEESE?
Start by putting the pasta, broth and spices in the pressure cooker.
Give it a good stir to combine everything and then seal the lid.
Make sure your steam vent it sealed when you are ready to start the pressure cooker.
Set your Instant Pot to Manual HIGH Pressure for 4 minutes and let it go to work.
When the time runs down and it switches to the warm mode you are ready to do a quick release of your steam.
Once all of the steam is released go ahead and use a towel or oven mit to open the lid {making sure it is opened away from you}.
Stir in the milk, cheese and frozen vegetables and seal the lid for about 3 to 4 more minutes, or until the frozen vegetables are soft.
Not only does this mac and cheese taste delicious it offers you a good dose of protein and essential nutrients.
One serving of milk, cheese or yogurt provides 8 grams of high-quality protein and a powerful package of 9 essential nutrients.
Experts recommend 3 servings of low fat or fat-free dairy foods every day. But keep in mind that just because it says “milk” doesn’t mean it’s milk.
Nondairy milks like soy, almond and coconut do not naturally contain the same nutrients as cow’s milk.
Go inside the dairy case at the grocery store, and see how cow’s milk compares to milk alternatives.
Did you know that if you drink milk it probably comes from Ohio or West Virginia? One dairy farmer actually lives near me in Cleveland.
Frank Burkett is a 5th generation dairy farmer in Canal Fulton, just about an hour outside of Cleveland.
He works alongside his three uncles and several cousins at Clardale Farms.
Together the family cares for 690 dairy cows and farms 900 acres of cropland.
Watch Frank explain to fellow food blogger Shugary Sweets how he cares for cows and calves on his farm.
RECIPE TIPS AND MODIFICATIONS:
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I like to use a mixture of cheese in this recipe. You can really do whatever you want. If you just want to use one cheese that works perfectly fine. Sometimes I will get a little adventurous and do a smoked gouda or a spicy pepper jack cheese.
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I like to use small frozen vegetables in my mac and cheese. I try to find the mixed veggies to give it color and added nutrients. You can also use corn and peas on their own, or whatever you family likes.
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If you like a little crunch on top of your mac and cheese sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs on top after it is done cooking.
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Are you a fan of spice? Have you ever added a few squirts of sriracha? You have to try it! I love spicy and this kind of mac and cheese makes me so happy.
Looking for more amazing Instant Pot recipes? Try our Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta
Instant Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese
Instant Pot Vegetable Mac and Cheese is a quick and easy meal the whole family will love. Rich and creamy mac and cheese cooks quickly in your Instant Pot and is mixed together with your favorite vegetables creating a calcium, protein rich dish.
Ingredients
For the mac & cheese:
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth or water
- 16 ounces medium pasta {I like using elbow macaroni}
- 3 Tablespoons butter, cut into four small pieces
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk {or use milk of your choice}
- 1 1/2 cups small frozen vegetables {I used mixed vegetables}
- 1 cup shredded extra-sharp cheddar
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Put the broth {or water}, pasta, butter, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker and give it a good stir until everything is mixed.
- Seal the lid and set the Instant Pot to Manual HIGH Pressure for 4 minutes. Once the Instant Pot or pressure cooker is done cooking do a quick release. Once all of the steam has been released unplug the Instant Pot and slowly remove the lid making sure to keep the lid facing away from you and using a towel or oven mit.
- Stir in the milk, cheese and the frozen vegetables until combined. Seal the lid back on and let the mac and cheese sit for 4-5 minutes, or until the frozen vegetables are soft.
- Serve warm with fresh parsley to garnish.
Notes
You can use whatever small vegetables you want. I like to use frozen because they quickly cook once you re-seal the Instant Pot. If you don't like mixed vegetables, small corn and peas work great.
I like to use whole milk to create a more flavorful, rich mac & cheese but you can use whatever milk you like.
For cheese I like to use a variety mixed together but once again this is a preference as to what cheese you like in your mac and cheese. Sometimes I will try adding asiago or even a smoked gouda for a little different variation.
If you like a little crunch with your mac & cheese you can sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top before serving.
This makes a good portion of mac & cheese. You can easily cut this recipe in half if you have a small family or don't want a lot of leftovers.
Today’s post is sponsored by ADA Mideast. As always all opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that allow me to create new and exciting recipes.
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