Instant Pot Mac and Cheese (Gluten-Free + Kid-Approved!)

Looking for a quick dinner the entire family will love? Look no further! Your kids will love this delicious Instant Pot mac and cheese recipe.

There are few foods less universally loved by kids than mac and cheese. This homemade version is mom-approved too as it’s a hands-off recipe that’s done in under 15 minutes thanks to the Instant Pot!

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

If you’re trying to get your family eating healthier and enjoy more homemade meals, it doesn’t mean your kids have to give up their favorite mac and cheese.

This delicious Instant Pot recipe is both kid-tested and approved.

It’s based on my wildly popular Kid-Friendly Easy Homemade Mac and Cheese recipe thousands of moms and kids have given a two-thumbs up. Except this version is gluten-free and you can make it in your instant pot!

Seriously, homemade mac and cheese is quicker and easier than ever!

The beauty of cooking with an Instant Pot is that the appliance does the heavy lifting for you. For this recipe, you’ll use the sautee function to cook a crushed pretzel crust (trust me, it’s worth the extra step!)

Then, all you need to do is measure the ingredients, add them to the IP, and push a couple of buttons. A few short minutes later, you’ve got perfectly cooked Instant Pot mac and cheese!

If you love your IP as much as I do, make sure to check out these 19 Instant Pot uses that might surprise you.

Tips for Making This Gluten Free Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

These quick tips will help you get the best results possible.

• To make the pretzel topping, add 10-12 gluten free pretzels into a ziplock bag, along with a teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Squeeze any excess air out of the bag, then use a rolling pin to crush it. Alternatively, you could also add the pretzels and seasoning to a food processor and pulse until fine.
• You can use any gluten-free pasta for this recipe. I tend to keep it classic and go with elbow pasta, but other shapes work too. My kids prefer rice flour pasta, but I’ll also make this with chickpea pasta to amp up the protein.
• You’ll need to allow extra time for this dish. Although the Instant Pot mac and cheese will cook in the IP for 4 minutes, it will take about 10 minutes for the machine to get to the right pressure before counting down.
• Make sure to do a quick release. Right when the timer goes off at the four-minute mark, release the pressure. If you leave it in any longer, the pasta becomes overly cooked.

What cheese should I use in this recipe?

There are so many cheeses that work well in this recipe! I usually use a cheese blend with jack and mild cheddar. I’ve also used sharp cheddar, gouda, and parmesan in the past.

How to Make Instant Pot Mac and Cheese

Let’s chat about how to make this deliciously creamy, cheesy recipe!

Ingredients Needed:

• Gluten-free pretzels
• Italian seasoning
• Butter
• Gluten-free macaroni
• Salt and pepper
• Milk
• Shredded cheese

Cooking Directions Summary

You can view and print the full instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

You’ll start by making the pretzel topping. This is well worth the extra step because your kids will LOVE it!

Crush large gluten-free pretzels in a large zipped bag with a rolling pin. Then, stir in Italian seasoning and give the bag a shake.

Next, add butter in your Instant Pot and select “Saute.” Once the butter is melted, add the pretzel mixture and stir occasionally while you’re pulling out the remaining ingredients – about 3-5 minutes.

Remove the pretzels from the instant pot, cover, and set aside. Rinse out and dry off your instant pot.

Pour water, gluten-free elbow macaroni, salt, pepper, and butter into the Instant Pot.

Secure the lid of your instant pot and select “manual”, and adjust the time to be 4 minutes.

When the Instant Pot beeps done, do quick-release.

Open the lid when the pressure is released. Then, immediately stir in cheese (you can use cheddar or any combination you/your kids prefer) along with milk.

It will melt quickly.

Spoon your gluten-free instant pot mac and cheese into bowls…

..and serve with the pretzel crumb topping sprinkled on top.

What should I serve mac and cheese with?

Of course, mac and cheese is a meal by itself! However, it can also serve as an excellent side. Pair your Instant Pot mac and cheese with a salad and roasted chicken for a well-rounded meal. Pork chops and roasted veggies also work well.

How to Store Mac and Cheese

Have leftovers? My favorite thing to do with them is pre-portion them into glass containers for my kids’ lunches the following day. Even if you don’t get to it that day, it will keep in the fridge in an airtight container for 2-3 days.

You can also freeze the gluten free mac and cheese in airtight containers or zip topped bags. It will stay good for about three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just reheat!

More Kid-Approved Dinner Ideas:

• The Best Easy Taco Pizza
• Gluten-Free Beef and Broccoli
• Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes
• Healthy Baked Chicken Nuggets

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