Whether you are looking for a different flavor in your next creamy pasta dish or you just don’t have milk on hand, learn what to substitute for milk in mac and cheese!
Mac and cheese is a dream come true! It is comforting, loved by everyone, versatile and affordable to make. If you wish to make a glorious batch of this comfort food but either do not have milk on hand or cannot consume cow’s milk, do not fret! You can still enjoy it.
Read on for ideas about what to substitute for regular milk in mac and cheese! There are many delicious options to choose from.
The first hurdle to jump over is figuring out which recipe to make! If you decide to forego box mac & cheese, consider one of the recipes below.
Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
- Crockpot Creamy Mac and Cheese (a Top 5 most popular Pip and Ebby recipe!)
- Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese Dish
- Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
- Chili Mac
- Mac n Cheese Bites
Traditional Mac and Cheese Recipes for Thanksgiving – 13 Delicious Ideas!
Mac and cheese is a Thanksgiving staple! Read on for some ideas for mac and cheese recipes to make on Thanksgiving! You’ll find a ton of options to choose from in this roundup.
Cheese Options For This Dish
Cheddar, Parmesan and Velveeta are my absolute favorite combination of cheeses to use for mac and cheese. This combo produces such a creamy texture. Feel free to replace them with equal amounts of American, mozzarella and/or sharp or white cheddar cheese. Monterey jack works great, too!
How Long Does Mac and Cheese Last
If you have leftovers and you are wondering whether to toss or eat, read this article for information about how long macaroni and cheese lasts.
How To Reheat Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese leftovers are inevitable since most recipes make huge batches. Learn how to reheat macaroni and cheese, while retaining moisture and flavor!
What To Serve With Macaroni And Cheese – 16 Delicious Ideas!
Traditional mac and cheese is a comfort food favorite! But what goes with it?! This roundup provides 16 delicious ideas about what to serve with macaroni and cheese to create a complete, satisfying meal!
Which Type of Milk To Use
First, let’s chat about the fact that many varieties of cow’s milk can be used. Whole milk, skim, 1% or 2% all work great, with the whole variety providing the most cream and flavor and skim providing the least.
Substitute for Milk in Mac and Cheese
In a nutshell, any of the options below are adequate replacements for cow’s milk. Some of the recommendations contain dairy products and others are dairy-free, so read on to find a few options that work for you, your family, possible allergies and/or a diet plan you’re trying to follow.
Note: Using milk substitutes will change the overall texture and flavor of the dish, but will not necessarily diminish the delicious flavors and quality.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is one of the best substitutes, producing a creamy end result with good flavor and creamy consistency. It produces a more complex flavor and a thick sauce, but will taste delicious.
Use a variety with a higher fat content, as opposed to a reduced-fat variety for the best flavor.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.
Flavor profile: On the tangy side, so sweeten as needed.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 4
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is an excellent substitute for milk. It produces a tasty, creamy dish that you will love. This is my own personal preference when I find I do not have milk on hand.
The consistency of cream cheese is obviously much thicker, which produces a thicker mixture once it’s been cooked. The flavor is out of this world delicious and you may never want to go back!
Use a variety with a higher fat content, as opposed to a reduced-fat variety for the best flavor.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.
Flavor profile: Definitely sweet, so replace a portion of it with yogurt or sour cream for a richer flavor.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 4
Butter
Using butter as a replacement is not ideal, but can work ok in a pinch. First, melt 1/4 cup of butter and add 1/4 flour. Whisk until smooth. Increase the amount of butter to 1/2 cup (with equal parts flour) for a larger batch. Season as desired and add to the pasta and cheeses.
Substitution ratio: Do not exceed 1/2 cup butter total in a recipe.
Flavor profile: Rich, so do not use more than 1/2 cup total.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 2
Evaporated Milk
To use evaporated milk as a replacement, combine equal parts of this ingredient and water. The final measurement should reflect the amount of milk called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe calls for 2 cups of milk, mix 1 cup of evaporated milk with 1 cup of water.
Using this variety as a replacement will produce a sweeter end result, so counter with seasonings, herbs and spices as desired.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.
Flavor profile: Sweet, so replace a portion of it with yogurt or sour cream, if desired.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 3
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream for Milk in Mac and Cheese
Heavy whipping cream (or half and half) is the perfect substitute for milk in mac and cheese. This is actually a great option! The thicker consistency will produce a dreamy, creamy sauce that everyone will love. The flavor is bolder and richer, too, and you may enjoy it more than the original.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts OR 3/4 quarter cup heavy cream plus 1/4 cup water.
Flavor profile: Rich, hence the above recommendation for adding water to cut back on richness.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 5
Plain Yogurt or Greek Yogurt
Plain and Greek yogurt are two of the best options to use in this classic dish. I recommend using a full-fat variety to achieve optimal flavor and creaminess. For best results, let it sit at room temperature before adding to the recipe.
Yogurt can add a more tangy flavor to any dish it is added to. To offset this, add a bit of cream cheese or even consider a few tablespoons of your favorite sweetener.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.
Flavor profile: Tangy, so sweeten as needed.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 4
Can You Substitute Almond Milk for Milk in Mac and Cheese
Almond milk is a good option for macaroni and cheese for people who are lactose intolerant or who are following a dairy-free diet. It does not carry a creamy consistency or super flavorful texture, so be aware of this.
Use a sweetened variety in order to add flavor and use salted butter (if called for in the recipe) to add a touch of salt.
To add creaminess to the dish, add extra cheese or create a butter-flour roux as noted above under the “Butter” section.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.
Flavor profile: Mild or sweeter (when using sweetened varieties), so add extra flavor to your liking.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 2
Coconut Milk, Soy Milk, Oat Milk, Rice Milk, Cashew Milk, Hemp Seed Milk
Coconut, soy, oat, cashew and rice milks can be used in place of milk for this meal, but note that each carries its own distinct flavorings. These options will also not produce super creamy end products, so be aware of this.They can, however, provide a healthy alternative to an otherwise not-so-healthy dish.
Use a sweetened varieties to add flavor and use salted butter (if called for in the recipe) to add a touch of salt. You can also consider adding seasonings, herbs, spices and/or sweeteners to enhance the overall flavor.
To add creaminess to the dish, add extra cheese or create a butter-flour roux as noted above under the “Butter” section.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.
Flavor profile: Mostly mild with some of these varieties providing a distinct flavor that may need to be tempered with other seasonings, sweeteners and/or salt.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 2
Water or Chicken Broth
In a pinch, water or chicken broth can be a replacement, but will yield a non-creamy dish with little flavor or consistency. Add seasonings and sweeteners to bulk up the flavor profile.
Also, consider using the pasta water from the pot of boiled noodles instead of water from the tap for an extra boost of texture and flavor.
Substitution ratio: Use equal parts.
Flavor profile: Little to no added flavor. Add flavor and extra butter as desired.
Creaminess (on a scale of 1-5): 1
FAQ About Mac and Cheese
You can definitely freeze mac and cheese! Place in a freezer resealable bag or air-tight container and store in the freezer for 3 to 4 months. When defrosting it, let it thaw in the refrigerator for 12 to 24 hours before heating and serving.
To reheat mac and cheese, transfer it to a saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk and stir. Place the saucepan on a stove top over medium-low heat and stir until consistency is smooth and noodles are warmed through. If microwaving, heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring after each, until cheese has melted and the noodles are heated through.
Just about anything can be served alongside mac and cheese. Here are a few great options: steamed veggies such as broccoli or cauliflower, chopped salad, spinach or a Ceasar salad. Or how about roasted tomatoes or sauteed mushrooms?!
Mac and cheese can be made ahead of time. Make the recipe in its entirety the day before, then reheat until hot and serve.
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