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Instant Pot Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy macaroni and cheese with shredded cheese and herbs.
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The pressure is a great way to make macaroni and cheese quickly, and this Instant Pot bacon version will make you a believer.

Ingredients

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  • 6 strips bacon (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound macaroni
  • 4 cups water
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 3/4 cup evaporated milk
  • 1 pound shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Sauté:
    • Arrange the bacon pieces in the Instant Pot and select the “Sauté” function on the “Low” setting. Cook the bacon, stirring frequently, for 6 to 8 minutes, until crisp. Remove the bacon to paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of drippings in the pot.
    • Add the chopped onion to the drippings in the pot and cook, constantly stirring, until the onion is translucent. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
    • Cancel the saute function and add the macaroni, water, butter, kosher salt, dry mustard, and black pepper to the pot. 
    Onions cooking in the Instant Pot.
  2. Pressure Cook:
    • Secure the lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to sealing. Choose high pressure (manual or pressure cook button) and set the timer for 3 or 4 minutes, or about half the time recommended for boiling on the package of macaroni (for al dente 7-minute macaroni and cheese, I set it for 3 minutes and 5 minutes natural release).
    • When the time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then perform a quick release following the Instant Pot instructions.
    Instant Pot lid showing auto sealing and venting.
  3. Finish the Dish:
    • Stir in the evaporated milk and cheddar cheese. Add the bacon and chopped parsley and stir to blend. 
    Macaroni and cheese with bacon in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.
  4. Serve:
    • Garnish servings with extra chopped parsley, if desired.
    Bacon macaroni and cheese in a bowl with parsley garnish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://classic-recipes.com/instant-pot-bacon-macaroni-and-cheese/