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How to Make Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese Lower in Fat with an Instant Pot!

How to Make Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese Lower in Fat with an Instant Pot!

By Mona - Far From The Farm
August 25, 2026
Learn how to make a no-drain boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese in your Instant Pot with fewer calories using one simple pantry swap!
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Makes: 3 ( 2 - 3 as a side dish, 1 as a main dish)
Approximate cost $2.25
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 3 minutes
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings: 3 ( 2 - 3 as a side dish, 1 as a main dish)
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Pasta, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 247
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 7.25 oz box Kraft Mac and Cheese (or similar boxed macaroni and cheese) - 1 box
  • 1 3/4 - 2 cups cold water - depending on preference for more or less sauce
  • 2 tbsp nonfat dry milk powder - skimmed milk powder

Equipment

  • Instant Pot or similar electric pressure cooker
  • Measuring jug and spoon
  • Spoon long handled works best
  • Silicone spatula
  • Scissors

Method
 

  1. Open the box and remove the cheese sauce packet, setting it aside for later. Pour only the dry macaroni into the Instant Pot insert.
  2. 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!
    How to Make Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese Lower in Fat with an Instant Pot!
  3. Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to SEAL.
    Pressure cook on HIGH for 3 minutes.
  4. 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.
  5. When the cooking time finishes, carefully perform a QUICK RELEASE.
    Once the float valve drops, remove the lid.
  6. Immediately stir the cooked macaroni with a silicone spatula to separate the pasta.
  7. Gradually stir the cheese powder and milk powder mixture into the hot macaroni a little at a time until smooth and creamy.
    How to Make Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese Lower in Fat with an Instant Pot!
  8. Allow the macaroni to stand for 1 to 2 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken.
    How to Make Boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese Lower in Fat with an Instant Pot!

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.
 

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Nutrition

Calories: 247kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 11gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 0.02gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 1mgSodium: 559mgPotassium: 224mgSugar: 3gVitamin A: 109IUVitamin C: 0.3mgCalcium: 167mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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