Traditional mac and cheese can be very satisfying, but it also contains a lot of artery-clogging saturated fat. It’s also often full of preservatives and other chemicals that don’t do your body any favors.
Luckily, there are a number of different milk substitutes that can be used to make mac and cheese. You can find one that fits your dietary needs and taste preferences.
Soy Milk
There are many different types of milk substitutes that can be used in mac and cheese. You can choose from a variety of options that will best suit your dietary needs and taste preferences. Some milk substitutes are more nutritious than others, so be sure to check the nutritional breakdown of each item before you decide on a replacement for the milk in your macaroni and cheese.
If you have a lot of extra dairy on hand, you can use heavy cream as a substitute for the milk in your macaroni and chese recipe. This will add a richness to the dish that isn’t too overpowering.
You can also substitute powdered milk for the regular milk in your mac and cheese recipe. This is a good option to have on hand because it lasts longer than regular milk and doesn’t need to be refrigerated. When using this ingredient, be sure to follow the box instructions for mixing it into a liquid before adding it to your macaroni and cheese.
Almond Milk
This dairy free alternative is great for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. Simply add 4 cups of almonds to a high-speed blender, along with 4 cups of water, and blend until smooth. Strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove the solids. This creates a liquid that is similar to regular milk but with a slightly nutty flavor. You can use this in mac and cheese at a 1:1 ratio.
Another option is to replace the milk in your recipe with sour cream or heavy cream. This will thicken the sauce and add a little extra richness without altering the flavor too much.
To make your mac and cheese even tastier, add diced ham or shredded chicken for protein. Then top it with bread crumbs and bake until browned for a delicious and satisfying meal. You can serve this with a green salad or as a side dish to other meals like roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, or pulled pork.
Cashew Milk
Using cashew milk in mac and cheese can be an excellent dairy-free alternative. It also contains a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats, which can lower blood pressure levels. In addition, it contains anacardic acid, a bioactive compound that helps limit fat accumulation during adipogenesis (2).
Alternatively, you can use coconut milk or another non-dairy option like almond milk. These milk alternatives are rich and creamy, so they will create a nice sauce for your macaroni and cheese. They are also healthy and contain a high amount of calcium.
You can also make mac and cheese without milk by using a combination of other liquids, such as chicken broth or pasta water, and cream cheese. This will give you a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your family.
Organic Milk
Milk is an essential ingredient in mac and cheese because it forms the base of the sauce. But if you want to make this comforting dish without dairy, there are plenty of substitutes that will work. Try using chicken broth, sour cream, yogurt, oat milk, or even pasta water in place of the milk in your recipe.
Organic milk is a good option for making mac and cheese because it is made from cows that are fed on grains and grass that have been pesticide free. Use it in place of regular milk at a 1:1 ratio.
If you’re looking for a more savory flavor, try adding in some nutritional yeast or mustard. It will add a cheesy, umami taste to your dish. Other popular add-ins include ham, bacon bits, and ground sausage. You can also add vegetables like cooked peas and jalapenos to spice up your mac and cheese. If you’re making a baked version of this classic dish, try baking it with a topping of breadcrumbs to give it a crunchier texture.
Instant Dry Milk
Milk powder may not seem like the most appetizing ingredient, but it’s a key component in many recipes and a staple in food storage. This is because it has an extremely long shelf life compared to liquid milk, allowing it to stay fresh for years. It’s also a common ingredient in emergency preparedness kits since it’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, calcium and vitamin A.
Most emergency food suppliers carry instant nonfat dry milk in #10 cans and food-grade plastic pails. It’s made from real skim milk, with no additives or preservatives. Its innovative drying process results in a product that’s virtually indistinguishable from liquid milk and tastes great in every recipe.
It also has a more fine crystal structure, making it easier to dissolve. This makes it ideal for drink mixes, nutrient supplements or in dry blends that can be used as a substitute for dairy-based sauces and dressings.
Half & Half
Milk, or a similar liquid, is often an essential component of mac and cheese recipes. However, it is easy to make the dish without milk using a few simple substitutions.
One popular option is to use half and half, which is a combination of dairy milk and cream. This is a convenient option for those who want to enjoy the flavor and consistency of traditional mac and cheese but don’t have access to dairy milk.
Another option is to use powdered milk, which is available in many grocery stores and can be used as a substitute for regular milk in mac and cheese. You can mix it with water or chicken broth to thin it out before adding it to the recipe, and a 1:1 ratio works well.
You can also try using a non-dairy plant-based milk, such as soy, oat, or rice milk. However, be sure to choose a plain variety and avoid flavored milks, as these will add an unwanted taste to the dish.
Coffee Creamer
Many people use coffee creamer as a milk substitute in mac and cheese because it has enough starch to thicken the sauce. Just make sure it is unsweetened, and not hazelnut or other flavored coffee creamer. Adding chicken broth or butter also helps to add flavor and richness to the sauce.
You can even use sour cream to make mac and cheese without milk, but this will definitely add more calories and fat. Another option is to use a homemade roux made from equal parts of flour and fat. Ghee is a good option because it has a higher fat content than regular dairy butter, and it has a more neutral flavor.
You can also try using mac and cheese powder, which has a cheesy taste and is gluten free. Just be sure to follow the box instructions for mixing, and use a 1:1 substitution ratio. If you want to add more protein to your mac and cheese, try using shredded chicken or bacon bits.
Buttermilk Powder
There are a number of non-dairy milk alternatives that can be used for mac and cheese. One option is buttermilk powder, which can be mixed with a little water and used in place of dairy milk in recipes. You can find buttermilk powder at most grocery stores. Another option is to use a non-dairy creamer such as half and half or cream of tartar. These options can be added to a recipe in the same way as milk, but they have a different flavor than regular milk.
You can also add some sort of liquid fat, such as ghee or butter. This will create a rich and creamy sauce that is similar to mac and cheese. Another way to make mac and cheese without milk is to use a flour-based roux. This involves cooking and whisking together a mixture of butter and flour, which creates a thick and creamy sauce.
You can even use chicken broth as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. This will add a savory flavor and is a good dairy free choice.
Rice Milk
While it may not be as creamy as milk, rice milk is a great option for those who can’t tolerate dairy products. However, it’s important to note that this ingredient will thicken as the mac and cheese sits, so it may need to be stirred in a bit of water or chicken broth when reheating to return to a creamier consistency.
Another great substitute for milk is organic milk, which comes from cows that haven’t been exposed to pesticides or fertilizers. It’s also an excellent choice for those with allergies or sensitivities to dairy. This ingredient should be used at a 1:1 ratio when replacing regular milk in mac and cheese.
If you’re making mac and cheese without milk, try adding a little extra flavor to the sauce by melting in some butter or cooking in some sliced sauteed garlic and onions before pouring over your noodles. You can even add a bit of mustard or sour cream for added tangy flavor.
