Creamy and Cheesy Instant Pot Bacon Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and cheesy Instant Pot Bacon Macaroni and Cheese recipe. Made with tender macaroni, crispy bacon, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings. The Instant Pot makes it quick and easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck with friends. Get ready to dig into a bowl of pure cheesy goodness!

Ingredients

• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 4 cups water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried mustard

Directions

1. Place the elbow macaroni, water, and salt in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set the valve to sealing position. Select the manual or pressure cook mode and set the timer for 4 minutes.
2. While the macaroni is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
4. Once the macaroni is cooked, perform a quick release of pressure on the Instant Pot. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
5. Return the Instant Pot insert to the base and select the sauté mode. Add the cooked bacon, sautéed onion and garlic mixture, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk, heavy cream, black pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and dried mustard.
6. Stir the mixture until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce in the Instant Pot and stir until well-coated.
8. Serve the creamy Instant Pot Bacon Macaroni and Cheese hot, garnished with additional shredded cheese and bacon bits if desired.

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