Here at Tastessence, we’ve already offered some of our best picks on what to substitute for milk in mac and cheese. But today, we’re providing four more options (including one non-dairy ingredient) to replace milk in this delicious dish.
Continue reading to find out what you can use as a substitute for milk in mac and cheese, including cream cheese, plain yogurt, and even chicken broth.
Cream cheese
If you’re looking to maintain the creaminess of mac and cheese without milk, then cream cheese could be an excellent replacement. Not only is cream cheese incredibly rich, but it also pairs well with macaroni and easily blends in with the other ingredients.
In fact, many homemade mac and cheese recipes already call for cream cheese to add flavor and thick texture. You shouldn’t notice a massive difference in taste when compared to milk. But you should be aware that cream cheese is high in fat and calories, so it isn’t the best milk alternative for health-conscious chefs.
Plain yogurt
Yogurt is already a popular substitute in many baked goods since it can easily replace vegetable oil or butter. But you can also use it as a substitute for milk in mac and cheese, especially if you enjoy a thick and tangy dish.
Feel free to use regular yogurt or Greek yogurt — just make sure it isn’t flavored. If you swap in Greek yogurt for milk, your meal will turn out extra thick and creamy. This is one of the more nutritious substitutes on the list, so it could be a good choice if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
Evaporated milk
If you’re a baker, you might already have a container of evaporated milk sitting on your pantry shelf. Fortunately for you, evaporated or powdered milk is a quick and easy substitute for milk in mac and cheese. Some people even consider evaporated milk a must-have ingredient in their macaroni recipes.
Since evaporated milk contains less water than regular milk, you’ll end up with a smooth and creamy sauce. It’s a simple swap if you don’t have any milk on hand or you’re looking to amp up the creaminess of your dish.
Chicken broth
Finally, it may surprise you to discover that chicken broth works as a substitute for milk in mac and cheese. It won’t replicate the creaminess of milk and other dairy products, but it will add a savory flavor.
Chicken broth is a non-dairy substitute, which should work for lactose-intolerant people. However, it will alter the taste and texture of your mac and cheese. Try adding small quantities first or making a test batch before serving chicken broth mac and cheese to guests.
Even without milk, you can still create a mouth-watering mac and cheese that will please everyone at the dinner table. It could take some experimenting to see which milk alternative you prefer, but any of these options should do the trick.
For more recipe suggestions and ingredient substitute ideas, check out the Tastessence blog.