An Easy Instant Pot Recipe For Making Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese Lower In Fat Without Butter Or Fresh Milk!
“Comfort food doesn’t have to disappear just because you’re watching calories. This simple Instant Pot method keeps everything you love about boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese while cutting out the butter, using pantry staples, and getting dinner on the table in minutes.”
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Every few months my husband starts trimming down before another military PT test. Rather than banning all the foods he enjoys, we simply make small changes that add up over time.
As a Brit, boxed macaroni and cheese wasn’t something I grew up eating. It definitely wasn’t a cupboard staple back home. After moving to America though, I quickly discovered why so many families always seem to have a box or two in the pantry. It’s delicious, convenient and budget-friendly!
Around here it’s always Kraft. According to my husband there simply isn’t another brand worth buying! So instead of making it exactly as the box suggests, I leave out the butter and stir the cheese sauce together with nonfat dry milk powder instead.
It still comes out thick, creamy, and satisfying, but cuts out hundreds of calories compared to the traditional butter-and-milk version.
One thing that always makes me smile is the serving suggestion on the side of the box. Apparently one box serves several people. Maybe if you’re serving it as a side dish!
Around here though, one box is definitely dinner for one hungry adult, especially after a day at work or a tough PT session. I’m sure plenty of you are nodding along because your family is exactly the same.
Another reason I love making it this way is that I don’t need fresh milk in the fridge. I nearly always have nonfat dry milk powder sitting in the pantry, so if we’ve run out of milk or I simply don’t fancy another trip to the grocery store, dinner can still be on the table in minutes.
It’s one of those pantry staples that doesn’t get talked about enough, but it’s incredibly handy to keep around.
Making boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot makes life even easier. There’s no draining the pasta, no extra saucepan to wash afterwards, and hardly any hands-on cooking.
Everything cooks together in one pot, making it perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, military families, college students, or anyone who wants a hot meal without creating a pile of washing up afterwards.
As a military family working through Baby Step 2 of our debt-free journey, we’re making more meals at home these days and looking for simple ways to stretch our grocery budget that little bit further.
Recipes like this won’t completely transform your food budget overnight, but small savings soon add up. If I can shave a few dollars off the grocery bill, save some calories, and still put a meal on the table that my husband genuinely enjoys eating, that’s a win in my book.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No AI recipe images or staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So grab that blue box from the pantry, pull out your Instant Pot, and I’ll show you how to make one of our favourite quick comfort food dinners just a little lighter, without giving up that thick, creamy bowl of mac and cheese everyone loves!
Recipe Disclaimer
All Far From The Farm recipes are shared as a guide based on what works in my home kitchen. Results may vary depending on your ingredients, equipment, and cooking setup, so always use your own judgement. Please check all ingredients for allergies, intolerances, or dietary needs before making any recipe. Far From The Farm is not responsible for any reactions or outcomes from the use of these recipes. Nutritional information is an estimate only.
Mona – Far From The Farm
Equipment
- Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker
- Measuring jug and spoon
- Spoon
- Silicone spatula
- Scissors
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Ingredients
Makes 1 box (officially about 3 servings, although we find one box is a satisfying main meal for one hungry adult or serves 2 to 3 people as a side dish).
- 1 (7.25 oz) box Kraft Mac and Cheese, or similar boxed macaroni and cheese
- 1 3/4 – 2 cups cold water (depending on your preference)
- 2 tbsp nonfat dry milk powder (skimmed milk powder)
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Step-By-Step Instructions
Step One: Separate the cheese packet and add the macaroni
Open the box and remove the cheese sauce packet, setting it aside for later.
Pour only the dry macaroni into the Instant Pot insert.
Step Two: Add the water
Pour the 1 3/4 – 2 cups of cold water over the macaroni, depending on your preference. Our family enjoys having a little more sauce with the pasta so we go for 2 cups. 1 3/4 cups will give you a thicker, cheesier sauce.
Give it a quick stir so all of the pasta is sitting below the water.
Step Three: Pressure cook
Secure the lid and make sure the steam release valve is set to SEAL, not VENT.
Pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes.
Step Four: Prepare the cheese mixture
While the pasta cooks, use your scissors to carefully snip one corner off the cheese sauce packet.
Keeping it inside the packet saves washing another bowl afterwards.
Add the nonfat dry milk powder directly into the cheese packet and stir everything together with a spoon until evenly combined.
If you prefer, you can mix everything together in a small bowl instead.
Step Five: Quick release
As soon as the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a QUICK RELEASE.
Once the float valve drops, remove the lid.
Step Six: Stir the pasta
Immediately give the macaroni a good stir with a silicone spatula.
Freshly pressure cooked pasta likes to stick together if it’s left sitting for too long, so don’t skip this step.
Step Seven: Add the cheese mixture
Gradually sprinkle the cheese and milk powder mixture into the hot pasta while stirring continuously.
Adding it a little at a time helps everything dissolve evenly into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Step Eight: Let it thicken
Leave the macaroni to sit in the Instant Pot for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it stands, giving you that rich, creamy texture without needing butter.
Serve and enjoy!
How to Make This Dairy-Free!
If you’re avoiding dairy, it’s still easy to make this recipe.
Simply buy your favourite boxed plant-based macaroni and cheese and follow exactly the same cooking method.
Instead of nonfat dry milk powder, use your preferred plant-based milk powder, mixing it with the cheese sauce packet before stirring it into the cooked pasta.
As always, if you’re cooking for someone with allergies or intolerances, check every ingredient label carefully. Manufacturers can change ingredients at any time, so never assume a product is still suitable based on previous purchases.
Notes
- This recipe is designed as a lighter version of boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese.
- If calories aren’t a concern, you can still stir in a little butter or powdered butter for an even richer flavour.
- Nonfat dry milk powder is a brilliant pantry staple to keep on hand for recipes like this when you’ve run out of fresh milk.
- Stirring continuously while adding the cheese mixture gives the smoothest sauce.
Troubleshooting
Add a splash of hot water and stir until it reaches the consistency you like.
Leave it to sit for another minute or two. It thickens surprisingly quickly.
Make sure you stir it immediately after opening the lid before adding the cheese mixture.
Keep stirring. Adding the powder gradually instead of all at once helps it dissolve much more evenly.
Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one. If the sauce has thickened too much, add a splash of water or a little extra prepared nonfat milk to loosen it up.
- I don’t recommend freezing boxed macaroni and cheese, as the texture of the pasta can become quite soft after thawing.
Serving Ideas
This lighter boxed mac and cheese is great on its own, but it also makes an easy side dish alongside plenty of family favourites.
Try serving it with:
- Grilled chicken breast
- Air fryer chicken tenders
- Hot dogs
- Burgers
- BBQ pulled pork
- Meatloaf
- Baked ham
- A simple side salad
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- Rotisserie chicken
It’s also perfect for quick military family dinners, college students, busy weeknights, or anyone who needs something filling without spending ages in the kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Ready in just a few minutes using the Instant Pot
- No draining the pasta
- Fewer dishes to wash afterwards
- Cuts hundreds of calories by skipping the butter
- Great if you’ve run out of fresh milk
- Uses inexpensive pantry ingredients
- Budget friendly for families
- A simple lower calorie comfort food swap for those on a weight loss journey
- A great pantry meal idea for many people using GLP-1 medications who still want familiar comfort foods in sensible portions
- Easy to make after work, the gym, or military PT training
- Can easily be adapted using boxed dairy-free macaroni and cheese
- Thick, creamy comfort food with very little effort
FAQ
Absolutely. This recipe is simply a lighter option. If you’re not trying to reduce calories, stir in a little butter or even powdered butter to make it even richer.
Yes. If you prefer, you can stir in a splash of milk after pressure cooking. I use nonfat dry milk powder because it’s always in my pantry and means I never have to worry about running out of fresh milk.
Usually, yes. Most boxed macaroni and cheese products with similar pasta sizes work well using this method, although cooking times may vary slightly between brands.
Yes, provided your Instant Pot is large enough. Double all of the ingredients and keep the pressure cooking time at 3 minutes. The pot will simply take a little longer to come up to pressure.
How to Make Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese Lower in Fat with an Instant Pot!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Open the box and remove the cheese sauce packet, setting it aside for later. Pour only the dry macaroni into the Instant Pot insert.
- Pour the cold water over the macaroni and stir briefly so all of the pasta is sitting below the water.1 3/4 cups of water will give you a thick, cheesier sauce. 2 cups of water will give more sauce. Both work great!
- Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to SEAL.Pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes.
- While the pasta cooks, snip one corner off the cheese sauce packet with scissors.Add the nonfat dry milk powder directly into the packet and stir until well combined. Alternatively, mix both together in a small bowl.
- When the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a QUICK RELEASE.Once the float valve drops, remove the lid.
- Immediately stir the cooked macaroni with a silicone spatula to separate the pasta.
- Gradually stir the cheese powder and milk powder mixture into the hot macaroni a little at a time until smooth and creamy.
- Allow the macaroni to stand for 1 to 2 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken.
Notes
- This recipe is designed as a lighter version of boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese.
- If calories aren’t a concern, stir in a little butter or powdered butter for an even richer flavour.
- Nonfat dry milk powder is a fantastic pantry staple for recipes like this when you’ve run out of fresh milk.
- Stir continuously while adding the cheese mixture for the smoothest sauce.
Dairy-Free Version
Use your favourite boxed plant-based macaroni and cheese and substitute a plant-based milk powder for the nonfat dry milk powder. Follow the cooking method exactly as written.Storage
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each one.
- Add a splash of water or prepared nonfat milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing is not recommended as the pasta becomes quite soft after thawing.
Related Recipes
- Browse all the Pasta Recipes!
- Check out the Instant Pot 101 Beginner Recipes!
- All Instant Pot Recipes!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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The Takeaway
Comfort food doesn’t have to disappear just because you’re trying to eat a little lighter or save a little money.
Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference. Swapping out the butter, keeping nonfat dry milk powder in the pantry, and letting the Instant Pot do the work means dinner is on the table in minutes with hardly any washing up afterwards.
It’s still the same creamy bowl of Kraft Mac and Cheese we enjoy in our house. Just a little lighter, a little more budget friendly, and every bit as comforting after a long day!
What To Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If this lighter boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese becomes one of your go-to quick dinners, I’d love to hear what you think!
Last update on 2026-08-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
