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instant pot pimento mac and cheese

Pimento Mac and Cheese

The quickest of comfort foods is the perfect dish for chillier weather.

Equipment

  • 1 Instant Pot

Ingredients  

  • 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock (or water)
  • 1 seven-ounce jar diced pimentos, drained
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups half and half, at room temperature
  • 1 eight-ounce block cream cheese, at room temperature, cut into chunks
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar, grated
  • 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, grated
  • salt and pepper
  • 2 cups bread crumbs (optional)
  • ¼ cup (½ stick) melted butter (optional)

Directions 

  • Add the stock or water to the Instant Pot and stir in pimentos, cayenne, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt, then add the macaroni.
  • Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 4 minutes, with the Keep Warm setting on. Release the pressure manually.
  • Add the half and half, followed by the cream cheese. Stir, breaking up the clumps of noodles, until melted. A handful at a time, add the grated cheese, stirring to melt. (It will melt slowly; if you need to speed it up, you can switch to the sauté function. Just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t scorch.) Add salt and pepper to taste. If you plan on serving it from the Instant Pot, you’re good to go.
  • If you prefer a bread-crumb topping, use a rubber spatula to pour the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9-by-13 baking dish. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and butter, stirring until the butter is evenly distributed. (If the bread crumbs are unseasoned, add salt and pepper to taste.) Sprinkle the bread crumbs evenly over the macaroni and cheese; if you prefer a lighter touch, don’t use all of the mixture. Broil until golden, about 2–3 minutes; watch closely because it broils quickly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If you’d like to make the mac and cheese in advance, reduce Instant Pot pressure-cook time to 3 minutes. Add to a greased baking dish and cover, refrigerating for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, heat an oven to 375 and bake, uncovered, until golden and bubbling, 25–30 minutes.