How To Make Mac and Cheese Without Milk

Learn how to make mac and cheese without milk so you can enjoy this indulgent side even if you've run out of milk! These substitutions and tricks are so fantastic that you won't even know it was made without milk. You'll even get an amazing recipe for milk-free macaroni and cheese.

Try out these tips with some of my favorite mac and cheese recipes, like my sour cream macaroni, Instant Pot macaroni, or white cheddar mac and cheese.

Jump to:

• Making Kraft Macaroni & Cheese With No Milk
• Making Homemade Macaroni & Cheese With No Milk
• Best Milk Substitutes For Mac & Cheese
• Can I Use Water Instead of Milk For Mac & Cheese?
• How To Make Mac & Cheese Without Milk
• Dairy-Free Mac & Cheese
• 📖 Recipe Card
• 💬 Reviews

I don't know about you, but milk is one of the items that always seems to run out too quickly in my house. Without having to trek all the way to the store, you can still enjoy this family favorite side dish!

I'm going to give you some simple substitutions using items you already have on hand for when you're in a pinch. Additionally, I'll throw in a delicious made-from-scratch recipe that shows you how to make macaroni and cheese with no milk in the ingredients!

Making Kraft Macaroni & Cheese With No Milk

If you've got a box of store-bought macaroni and cheese in your pantry, you've probably noticed that it calls for some butter and milk. Don't worry, you can still whip up without having to run to the store for milk!

Since Kraft uses cheese powder, the milk is added to contribute to the creaminess, and the butter adds some extra richness. Of course, any liquid can turn the powder into melted cheese, but some work better than others!

Honestly, the best option is to replace your milk with extra butter. This will make it so ridiculously rich and creamy that you may never want to use milk again!

For a thicker consistency, use half & half or heavy cream instead of milk. If you want some extra tanginess, use the same amount of sour cream as you would milk!

Finally, another great choice is to use your preferred dairy milk alternative. Try your macaroni and cheese with almond milk, coconut milk, or soy milk. Just make sure it is unsweetened.

Making Homemade Macaroni & Cheese With No Milk

Homemade macaroni and cheese is a little different since it uses freshly grated cheese instead of orange powder. Don't worry, you don't have to hunt for the best milk-free recipe, as you can use these tips and substitutions for any of your favorite recipes (even if they include milk in the ingredients!)

Best Milk Substitutes For Mac & Cheese

When it comes to swapping out milk in macaroni and cheese, there are two categories. The first one is dairy-free, which is great if you have any type of dietary restrictions. The second category is that you, for any reason, don't have the milk needed but can still use dairy-based ingredients.

Dairy-Based Milk Substitutes

If you run out of milk and need some ASAP to finish up your mac and cheese, try out these delicious options!

1. Sour Cream

Using sour cream will make your mac & cheese wonderfully creamy but will also add a bit of tanginess to the flavor. Start off with 1 tablespoon of sour cream, and then add more as needed.

2. Shredded Cheese

Add your preferred variety of shredded cheese in a 1:1 ratio for the milk. This won't alter the flavor of your dish but can help to thicken it.

3. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese will help to thicken your sauce, add creaminess, and doesn't have a flavor that is too overpowering. Swap the milk for cream cheese in a 1:1 ratio.

4. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is a great alternative as the flavor will be the same but with an added bit of richness. Swap them out in a 1:1 exchange.

5. Butter

Even if your recipe already uses butter, you can always add more to replace the milk! It will add richness and won't mess up the flavor, but go ahead and start with only half the amount that you would need of milk to make sure it doesn't become overly greasy.

6. Evaporated Milk

To substitute evaporated milk, start with only 2 tablespoons and use some pasta water to help dilute it.

7. Roux

Many milk-free macaroni and cheese recipes incorporate a roux to help thicken the cheese sauce. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and whisk in 2 tablespoons of flour.

This can then be used as a substitute for your milk. Keep your pasta water to help thin out the cheese sauce as needed.

Dairy-Free Milk Substitutes

Try out these swaps if you need an option that does not contain dairy.

1. Pasta Water

After you're done boiling your noodles, go ahead and save some of the water. You can use this as a replacement for milk, but start small so that it doesn't thin it out too much.

2. Soy Milk

You can easily use soy milk instead of typical milk, but keep in mind that it does have a sweeter flavor. Use it in a 1:1 exchange.

3. Almond Milk

Almond milk is another great alternative, but it definitely tastes like almonds (so don't use it if you don't like that flavor!) Start by using only half the amount of milk so that you don't alter the flavor too much.

4. Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is dairy-free and has a tasty savory flavor that works wonderfully with macaroni and cheese. Start with only a few tablespoons, and then you can add more if needed.

5. Oat Milk

If you choose to use oat milk, make sure it is the unflavored and unsweetened kind. Adding vanilla or other flavors might not pair too well with your macaroni. Then, you can swap it in a 1:1 exchange.

6. Other Milk Alternatives

There are a ton of dairy-free milk alternatives on the market, and you can feel free to use your favorite ones! Kinds of milk such as cashew milk, goat milk, coconut milk, rice milk, and more can all be used.

How To Make Mac & Cheese Without Milk

If you want to make your own mac and cheese without milk, I have two recipes just for you.

Ingredients

To get started, you'll need some dry macaroni pasta, cheese, and water. From there, you can decide if you want to keep it really simple and use evaporated milk or elevate it just a little more by using cream cheese and butter. You pick!

How To Make Macaroni & Cheese Without Milk

Option 1:

Step 1: Place your 6 ounces of macaroni into a saucepan and add only enough water to just cover the noodles. Bring to a boil and stir frequently until the pasta is almost al dente (about 6 minutes).

Step 2: Immediately add in 6 ounces of evaporated milk and return it to a boil. Then, add 6 ounces of shredded cheese and reduce the heat to low. Stir for another 2 minutes until the cheese has melted.

Step 3: Season as desired and serve immediately.

Option 2:

Step 1: Boil your 2 cups of macaroni as directed on the packaging, drain it, and set it aside.

Step 2: In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Reduce the heat to low and add 8 ounces of cream cheese. Stir until melted.

Step 3: Add 2 cups of shredded cheese as well as the cooked macaroni into the saucepan and cook while stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Serve immediately.

Dairy-Free Mac & Cheese

Obviously, aside from the milk, macaroni and cheese typically contain a few other dairy-based ingredients like butter or cheese. If you need the entire dish to be dairy-free, you can easily swap the butter and cheese out for your favorite dairy-free versions.

I hope I've helped you out with making some macaroni and cheese without milk. Leave me a comment down below, and let me know which substitution is your favorite.

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Originally published September 5, 2023