If you’ve ever wished you could make ultra-creamy, comforting mac and cheese without babysitting a pot on the stove, this Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe is about to become your new kitchen favorite. Using a simple rice cooker, you’ll get perfectly tender pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce — all with minimal effort and barely any cleanup. This recipe is ideal for beginners, busy home cooks, college students, and anyone who loves fast, reliable comfort food. Just add your ingredients, let the rice cooker work its magic, and enjoy a velvety, crowd-pleasing dish in minutes.
Duration / Prep Time
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Yield: 4 bowls of creamy mac and cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 2 cups water (or enough to just cover the pasta)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1 ½ to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional add-ins:
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- 2 ounces cream cheese for extra creaminess
- Paprika or smoked paprika for flavor
- Cooked bacon, diced ham, or steamed broccoli
Directions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Place the dry macaroni and water into your rice cooker. Add the salt and stir to prevent sticking. Close the lid and press Cook. Allow the pasta to cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring once halfway through. When the cooker switches to Warm, check the pasta:
- If more liquid is needed, add ¼ cup water and continue cooking.
- If extra water remains, do not drain it — the starch helps thicken your cheese sauce.
Step 2: Add the dairy and seasonings
Once the pasta is tender, add butter and stir until melted. Pour in the milk and add cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly to create a smooth sauce. Add black pepper and any optional seasonings.
Step 3: Let it thicken
Close the rice cooker lid and let the mac and cheese sit on Warm for 3–5 minutes. This allows the sauce to thicken and coat every noodle.
Step 4: Serve and customize
Stir again before serving. Add mix-ins like bacon, broccoli, or extra spices if desired. Adjust the thickness by adding a splash of milk or removing the lid to reduce moisture.
Tip: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties that contain anti-caking agents. If your sauce is grainy, switch to block cheese.
Warning: Do not overfill your rice cooker with pasta and liquid. Pasta expands significantly and can overflow smaller models.
Nutrition Facts (per serving) — Estimated values
- Calories: 420
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Sodium: 560mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 46g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 16g
Pro-Tip:
For the creamiest and most consistent results, using a high-quality rice cooker can make all the difference in your Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese. Modern rice cookers heat more evenly, prevent sticking, and automatically switch to Warm at the perfect time — meaning you get smooth, melt-in-your-mouth mac and cheese with almost zero effort. If you don’t own a rice cooker yet or you’re thinking about upgrading to a newer, more efficient model, now is the perfect time. Click the button below to explore top-rated Rice Cookers on Amazon and find the perfect one for your kitchen.
Conclusion
This Rice Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe delivers everything you love about classic mac and cheese — creamy sauce, tender pasta, and rich cheesy flavor — with a fraction of the effort. It’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, easy lunches, or comforting sides without heating up the stove. Whether you keep it simple or customize it with mix-ins, this recipe proves that your rice cooker can be used for far more than rice. Enjoy every warm, cheesy bite!
