Mac and cheese is a classic American dish that everybody loves.
In addition to being delicious, it’s really easy to make. However, not everyone has a stove or even a microwave in their dorm room or apartment. In such cases, a rice cooker can come to the rescue. Who knew that one could make mac and cheese in a rice cooker?
This article explains how to make mac and cheese in a rice cooker, with a detailed recipe and instructions, and whether it’s healthy or not.
Making mac and cheese in a rice cooker is really easy, and it’s a great way to prepare a quick meal when you’re pressed for time. To make this dish, all you need is a few ingredients and a rice cooker. It’s a great recipe for college students, busy professionals, or anyone in a hurry.
Table of Contents
Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Rinse the macaroni under cold water and drain.
2. Add the macaroni, water, salt, and black pepper to the rice cooker pot.
3. Press the “cook” button on the rice cooker and let it cook for 15-20 minutes or until cooked
4. When the macaroni is cooked, turn off the rice cooker and drain any excess water.
5. Add the butter to the rice cooker pot and stir until it’s melted.
6. Add the flour and stir until it’s combined with the butter.
7. Add the milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth.
8. Press the “cook” button again and let it cook until the sauce thickens (about 5-10 minutes).
9. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts and combines with the sauce.
10. Turn off the rice cooker and let the mac and cheese sit for 5-10 minutes before serving.
11. Enjoy!
That’s it! You now know how to make mac and cheese in a rice cooker.
Vegetarian Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Vegetarians can enjoy rice cooker mac and cheese too!
This recipe is vegetarian-friendly and easy to make, for all you need are a few simple ingredients: elbow macaroni, water, salt, black pepper, butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese.
To make it, follow the instructions above, and replace the butter with margarine to make it vegan. Serve it with some steamed vegetables, and you’ve got a complete vegetarian meal.
Extra Creamy Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
If you’re a fan of indulgent, creamy mac and cheese, then this recipe variation is sure to please. To take your mac and cheese to the next level of creaminess, try adding some heavy cream to the recipe in addition to the milk. This will give the dish a velvety texture that will melt in your mouth with every bite.
If you really want to go all out, you can also add some cream cheese or sour cream to the mix for even more decadence. For example, one Rice Cooker Junkie reader, Karen, shared that she likes to add a dollop of sour cream to her mac and cheese mixture right before serving. She says it adds a tangy, creamy element that takes the dish to a whole new level.
Another reader, Chris, shared that he likes to add a few spoonfuls of cream cheese to his mac and cheese while the sauce is thickening up in the rice cooker. He says it makes the dish extra creamy and gives it a slightly tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the cheddar cheese.
Whether you opt for heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, or a combination of all three, adding some extra creaminess to your mac and cheese is a great way to
Cheesy Rice Cooker Macaroni and Cheese
If you’re a cheese lover, you’re in for a treat with this recipe. It’s bursting with cheesy goodness that will make your taste buds dance with joy. To start, simply follow the recipe above and add a generous amount of shredded cheese to the mix. But why stop there? Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.
I love to add a blend of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese to my rice cooker mac and cheese. I reckon that the nutty flavor of Gruyere and the sharpness of Parmesan complement each other perfectly and take the dish to a whole new level.
Another friend, John, swears by adding blue cheese to his mac and cheese mixture. He says the pungent and tangy flavor of blue cheese adds a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. Not for me though!
So go ahead and get creative with your cheese choices. You never know what delicious combinations you might come up with. And who doesn’t love a good excuse to indulge in some cheesy goodness?
Healthier Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe
Let’s be real, mac and cheese may not be the healthiest option out there, but it’s darn delicious. Luckily, there are some simple ways to make it a bit healthier.
Swap out regular macaroni for whole wheat or gluten-free options, and use almond or soy milk instead of regular milk to make it dairy-free.
You can also replace butter with olive or coconut oil for a healthier fat option. And hey, why not toss in some steamed broccoli or carrots for a little extra nutrition?
Dairy-Free Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese
Some people can’t tolerate dairy or choose to live a vegan lifestyle. If you’re one of them, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy mac and cheese. All you need is a dairy-free recipe. To make it dairy-free, replace the milk with almond milk or coconut milk, and use margarine instead of butter. You can also add some vegan cheese to make it taste like the real thing.
If you’re lactose intolerant or simply out of milk, there’s no need to worry. You can still enjoy mac and cheese in a rice cooker. To replace the milk, you can use water or chicken broth. Alternatively, you can use coconut milk or almond milk for a creamier texture.
Slow Cooker vs. Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese
When it comes to cooking, having the right appliance can make all the difference. Slow cookers and rice cookers are both popular choices for busy individuals who want to prepare meals with minimal effort. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are actually some notable differences between the two.
One of the main differences is the cooking time. Slow cookers are designed to cook food slowly over a period of several hours, usually between 4-8 hours. This is great for recipes that require longer cooking times, such as stews or roasts. On the other hand, rice cookers are built to cook rice quickly and efficiently, with some models capable of cooking a batch of rice in as little as 15-20 minutes.
Another difference between the two appliances is the quantity of food they can prepare. Slow cookers are typically larger than rice cookers and can make larger quantities of food, making them great for feeding larger groups of people. Rice cookers, on the other hand, are more compact and perfect for smaller households or individuals.
While slow cookers are great for preparing one-pot meals, rice cookers are much more versatile and can be used to cook a variety of different dishes. In addition to cooking rice, they can also be used to steam vegetables, prepare soup, and even make oatmeal. This makes them a great all-in-one appliance for those who want to cook a variety of meals with minimal fuss.
Ultimately, the choice between a slow cooker and a rice cooker depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you frequently cook large meals for family or friends, a slow cooker may be the better choice. However, if you want a versatile appliance that can cook a variety of dishes quickly and efficiently, a rice cooker may be the way to go. Regardless of your choice, both appliances can make meal prep
Conclusion
Mac and cheese is a classic dish that everyone loves. However, not everyone has a stove or the time to prepare it. Thankfully, rice cookers are a great alternative. With a rice cooker, you can make mac and cheese in minutes. This article provided a detailed recipe and instructions to make mac and cheese in a rice cooker. It also included variations of the recipe to suit different dietary requirements and preferences. Whether you’re a cheese lover or a vegan, there’s a rice cooker mac and cheese recipe that you can try. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your rice cooker and start cooking!
