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Instant Pot Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese

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Family mealtimes are so incredibly important, even when things get busy. Between work, school and extracurricular activities with the kids, there isn’t much time for meal prep. This Instant Pot Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is the perfect meal to serve at the end of a busy day.

mac and cheese topped with parsley in a white bowl on a table next to an instant pot

It isn’t a surprise that macaroni and cheese is usually a family recipe staple. Kids love it, parents love it and it is generally easy to make.

Sometimes though, the traditional macaroni and cheese recipe can become boring. Maybe it is time to think out of the box, like trying my Copycat Chick fil A Mac and Cheese recipe.

This Instant Pot Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese is a zesty alternative to a family favorite without straying too far away from what they are used to.

mac and cheese topped with parsley on a table next to a spoon and an instant pot

Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is done and ready to serve in almost no time. Your family will be glad to gather around the table when this is on the menu.

How to Make Instant Pot Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese

A few delicious ingredients and a little time make for a fantastic twist on this traditional recipe. Not only is it simple to make, but you won’t have to convince your family to eat it.

Ingredients Needed

  • 3 cups dry elbow noodles
  • 3 ¼ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ jalapeno pepper, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¾ cup milk
a measuring cup with elbow noodles in it, pepper jack cheese, a pepper, shredded cheese, and instant pot all on a white table

Just like the traditional recipe, you are going to want to use elbow noodles to create this dish.

The seasonings and spices you put into this are critical to the flavors you want to achieve. Do not skimp on adding anything.

You will want to include cream cheese, pepper jack cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese to achieve the creaminess and flavor your desire.

Directions

In your instant pot’s inner pot, combine the first 7 ingredients. We won’t add the cheeses or milk yet until later.

an instant pot with elbow noodles, jalapeno peppers, butter and water in it

Close the lid to your pot and seal the pressure valve. Cook the ingredients on manual high pressure until 6 minutes has passed.

Allow the Instant pot to perform a quick pressure release and then add the cheeses to the pot.

an instant pot filled with cooked elbow noodles and 3 different kinds of cheese

Add in the milk a little at a time, not all at once.

milk being poured from a measuring cup into an instant pot filled with elbow noodles and cheese

Stir the macaroni, cheese, and milk together as you add the milk until the cheese has melted and all the noodles are coated.

a spoon in an instant pot filled with macaroni and cheese

Remove from the instant pot and serve to your family.

a white bowl of mac and cheese topped with parsley on a brown table next to an instant pot

This recipe makes 8 Servings but can be used as a main course or side dish.

Instant Pot Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese Recipe

📋 Recipe

Instant Pot Pepper Jack Mac n Cheese

Corinne Schmitt
If you love mac and cheese but also love some spice, this recipe will be perfect.
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Pressure Build 10 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 373 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 3 ¼ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper
  • ½ jalapeno pepper chopped
  • 1 Tbs butter
  • 3 oz cream cheese
  • 2 cups Pepperjack cheese shredded
  • 1 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ¾ cup milk

Instructions
 

  • Combine first 7 ingredients in Instant Pot.
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid and turn pressure valve to sealing. Cook on manual high pressure for 6 minutes.
  • Quick pressure release the pressure when the cook time ends. Remove the lid and add the cheeses. Pour in the milk a little at a time, stirring to melt the cheese and coat all the noodles..
  • Serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 17gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 58mgSodium: 303mgPotassium: 169mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 592IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 360mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
a white bowl of mac and cheese topped with parsley on a brown table next to an instant pot

What Should I Serve with Instant Pot Pepper Jack Mac and Cheese?

This recipe serves well as a main course. The best part is that it pairs well with pretty much anything.

You can serve it with a side salad, roasted broccoli or even asparagus.

If you are serving it as a side dish, it makes an amazing accompaniment to ribs, chicken and even pork.

a collage of a bowl of mac and cheese with title text reading Instant Pot Pepperjack Mac & Cheese

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