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Instant Pot Irish Cheddar Bacon Mac and Cheese. Celebrating the Irish today, with a seriously good (and easy) “Irish” Cheddar Pasta. Made completely in the Instant Pot…crisp the bacon, sauté the brussels sprouts, add the pasta shells, butter, and water, and cook for 3 minutes. Then simply stir in some sharp Irish cheddar cheese, and you’re ready to eat. I like to call this the Easiest Mac and Cheese ever. With some bacon on top for extra flavor, and some brussels sprouts mixed throughout for balance, every bite is cheesy, creamy, and perfect.
I’m going to be honest, St. Patrick’s Day really snuck up on me this year. Anyone else? It feels like New Year’s was just yesterday. But then it also feels like New Year’s was a life time ago. It’s been busy and crazy. But after a very productive few days, I’m finally feeling confident and back on my A game. It’s crazy what a couple good days can do for one’s self confidence, I surely needed them! Love ending the week on a strong note, and what could be better than a cozy mac and cheese!
And yes, I do know it’s only Thursday, but we’re so close, and tomorrow’s post is GOOD one too. So I’m just a little excited.
Anyway, in year’s past, I’ve shared many good Irish inspired recipes. Including these 8 ingredient brownies, this over the top Irish whiskey burger, a fun brisket burrito recipe, and even soda bread. But this year it’s all about the instant pot mac and cheese…with some delicious Irish cheddar, bacon, and brussels sprouts too. Why use Irish cheddar? Because it’s extra delicious.
Also because, other than potatoes, corned beef, and Guinness beer, I for the life of me could not think of another good Irish ingredient. Yes, I know they’re out there, and please feel free to share them with me if you happen to be Irish. But the sound of a sharp Irish cheddar mac and cheese just sounded too delicious, so I went for it.
Verdict? It’s really good, really simple, and a new favorite Instant Pot recipe.
If you’ve never had Irish cheddar, you must find some at your grocers and give it a try. Most carry some form of Irish cheddar, it’s just a step above other types of cheddars. Irish Cheddar is made from cows raised in southeast Ireland, also known as the “Garden of Ireland.” Its flavor is buttery with hints of sweetness, and when melted? Ah, it’s the creamiest, most delicious cheese. It’s probably my favorite variety of cheddar, and it’s perfect for a simple mac and cheese.
OK, now on to the mac and cheese details.
First start by crisping up the bacon in the instant pot. I included bacon for a nice salty, rich flavor. I also love the combo of bacon, brussels sprouts, and cheddar. Of course if you’re vegetarian you can simply omit the bacon. Once the bacon is crisp, add the brussels sprouts, and then the pasta, butter, and water. Cook for 3 minutes and let the instant pot do its thing. Release the steam, add some milk, add all that delicious cheese, stir, and DONE!
Instant Pot mac and cheese in under 20 minutes. And honestly, it’s one of the creamiest mac and cheese recipes I’ve created. The cheese adds all the flavor, while the brussels sprouts add a nice touch of green color. It’s indulgent, but not overly so, since we’ve actually made this with way less butter, no flour, and no cream.
So…a kind of healthier mac and cheese? Hey, it’s all about balance.
If you’re not a fan of brussels sprouts, I’d recommend using broccoli or another green vegetable you do love. I think the pop of color is really nice! Or if you don’t do vegetables in your mac and cheese, simply leave the brussels sprouts out!
For those of you who may not own the Instant Pot, I included stove-top directions for you guys too! This recipe is too good not to make, and it would be something fun for St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday. Serve it up as a main, or along side your favorite Irish roast, either way, just make it. I have full confidence you’re going to love this one.
If you make this instant pot mac and cheese, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
So, mine came out like mac n cheese soup. It doesn’t say to drain the pasta after cooking in the instructions but I feel like that might have helped? I made it in an instapot and followed the directions but it was not creamy at all, very watery, and the cheese started to congeal.
Hi Maureen, what brand pasta and cheese are you using? You should not need to drain off any water, so I am thinking it might be the brand of pasta and or cheese that is affecting the results. Sometimes different ingredients can affect the outcome of certain recipes. Any details you can give would be helpful! xTieghan
Tieghan
This is one of the best Mac and Cheese recipes we’ve ever done. So easy! We’ll be doing this one often.
Thanks so much for sharing your talent with us
Larry
I am so glad you loved this Larry! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I’m pregnant and have been craving Velveeta Mac and cheese with broccoli but resisting the urge to eat all those calories. This was the perfect substitution! I omitted the bacon and did the broccoli substitution the first time to get my fix, but I’ll definitely make this again with Brussels sprouts! So yummy and a great way to pack some extra veg into our family meals!
YES!! I love that you chose to make this instead! Thank you Ileana! xTieghan
Easiest, yummiest thing I’ve ever made!!
Thank you Emily! xTieghan
I made this for dinner tonight…holy crap it was delicious! I had to let the noodles cook longer but was so freaking good. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much for trying this Brittanie! I am so glad you loved this! xTieghan
Cooking isn’t my strong suit, but I made this with ease and it was delicious! This is a great winter warmup meal.
That is amazing that this turned out well for you Sara! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I made this with stove top instructions. Perfect. Used English mature cheddar as I’m in London for work and that’s all I could find. Delicious as written.
Thank you so much Kiara! xTieghan
Could you please try your hand at making some Irish brown bread next year? And maybe some root veggie soup or stew? Love your recipes!
YES! Thank you Cori! xTieghan
St. Patrick’s Day totally snuck up! This mac and cheese looks perfect!
Thank you! xTieghan
Can I double the recipe and still follow the instant pot directions?
HI! I don’t recommend that. All of the pasta will not fit well into the instant pot. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
So easy to make (with a food processor) and plenty of complexity in the flavors. Thanks for another instapot recipe.
Thank you Paul! xTieghan
OMGOSH! This creamy dish of mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food and who doesn’t need a little comfort now and then? I love how simple but luscious this recipe is. I can’t remember the last time I had mac and cheese. But you have definitely stirred my hunger desire for it again. Thanks for sharing.
Agreed!! I am so glad you like this Linger, thank you! xTieghan
Yummy and happy for an Instant Pot. other Irish dishes, lamb stew, colcannon, parsnips, Any desserts using Baily’s Irish Cream, chocolate cream pie with Baily’s whipped cream, Chocolate truffles, use in cream cheese brownies, etc. I think a Baily’s chocolate mousse would be great.
Thank you so much! xTieghan
Yum. Other Irish things, lamb stew…maybe in an Instant Pot, Bailey’ Irish Creme in desserts: chocolate cream pie, chocolate truffles, cream cheese brownies, colcanan for a few examples
Thank you Joyce! xTieghan
I would never have thought of putting veggies in mac and cheese, but… this looks pretty tasty.
Thank you Charlotte! xTieghan