Instant Pot Ultimate Bacon Mac with Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar

Looking for the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist? This Instant Pot Ultimate Bacon Mac with Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar is everything you love about creamy mac and cheese — made faster and better in the pressure cooker.

With crispy bacon, melty cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, this one-pot wonder is an easy weeknight win that tastes like something from your favorite bistro.

If you’re a fan of bold flavors in your mac & cheese, don’t miss our Instant Pot Chicken Chipotle Mac and Cheese — it’s smoky, spicy, and just as weeknight-friendly.

Instant Pot Chicken Chipotle Mac and Cheese

Instant Pot Chicken Chipotle Mac and Cheese

But if bacon and cheddar speak your love language, this Trader Joe’s version is your new go-to.

What Makes Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar So Special?

If you’ve never tried Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar, you’re in for a treat.

Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheese

It starts off tasting like a sharp aged cheddar but finishes like a Parmesan — tangy, crumbly, and full of nutty depth.

This cheese has become a fan-favorite item only available at Trader Joe’s, and it’s no surprise why.

It melts beautifully when combined with creamy Gruyère and freshly grated Parmesan, giving this Instant Pot mac a sharp, rich flavor with layers of complexity you won’t get from basic cheddar.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pot meal — no draining, no mess
  • Ready in 20 minutes from start to finish
  • Includes crispy bacon for smoky crunch
  • Uses three gourmet cheeses for maximum flavor
  • Crowd-pleasing, freezer-friendly, and Instant Pot beginner-approved

What You’ll Need And How To Cook Instant Pot Ultimate Bacon Mac with Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar

12 oz casarecce pasta * See Cook’s Notes

4 cups water or low-sodium broth

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 tablespoon butter (or olive oil)

Cheese Sauce:

1 cup shredded Gruyère

3/4 cup grated Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar

1/4 cup fresh Parmesan, finely grated

1/2 cup milk or cream

2/3 cup reserved pasta water (for adjusting creaminess)

Topping:

4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled

Optional: fresh parsley, chili flakes, or smoked paprika

Equipment:

Instant Pot (6 or 8 qt)

Wooden spoon

Cheese grater

Measuring cups

Cook’s Notes

Why Casarecce Pasta?

Casarecce (pronounced kah-zah-RECH-ee) is a twisted, scroll-like pasta that’s practically made for mac & cheese.

Casarecce Pasta

Holds Sauce Beautifully: Its open folds and curved edges trap creamy sauces inside and out — every bite is loaded with cheesy goodness.

Ideal for Hearty Add-ins: It stands up well to crispy bacon, robust cheeses, and add-ins like mushrooms or roasted veggies without getting lost.

Great Mouthfeel: Casarecce gives you that perfect mix of chewy and creamy, unlike softer shapes that can turn mushy in the Instant Pot.

Visual Appeal: Its shape adds rustic charm and texture — perfect for a dish that’s as comforting as it is photo-worthy.

While you can use any short pasta, casarecce gives this dish a gourmet edge — and helps the Unexpected Cheddar shine through in every swirl.

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon

Set Instant Pot to Sauté.

Add bacon slices and cook until crispy, 5–7 minutes.

Remove bacon and drain on paper towel.

Crumble and set aside. Leave 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the pot (for flavor!).

2. Pressure Cook the Pasta

Add pasta, water or broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and butter to the pot. Stir well.

Seal lid and set to Pressure Cook (High) for 4 minutes.

Once done, do a Quick Release and carefully open the lid.

3. Reserve and Stir

Scoop out 2/3 cup of the pasta water and set aside. Stir the cooked pasta (no need to drain).

4. Add the Cheese

Set pot to Keep Warm (or Low Sauté). Add milk, Gruyère, Unexpected Cheddar, and Parmesan. Stir until cheese melts into a creamy sauce.

Adjust texture by adding splashes of reserved pasta water until smooth and glossy.

5. Finish with Bacon

Stir in most of the crumbled bacon. Sprinkle the rest on top, with optional parsley, chili flakes, or smoked paprika.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with one of the following:

Chickpea Carrot & Arugula Salad

Parmesan Crusted Brussels Sprouts

Why Instant Pot Recipes Are So Popular

Instant Pot recipes continue to trend because they offer speed, convenience, and incredible flavor.

With one-touch cooking, families can enjoy homemade meals without stress—making the Instant Pot a must-have kitchen tool.

Great food isn’t just about flavor — it’s about the stories we create around the table. 

Every Plate Of Food Tells A Story – explore more Instant Pot recipes that nourish, comfort, and connect.

Let Instant Pot help create your next culinary story.

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