12 Best Vegan Mac & Cheese Recipes [Easy Dairy-Free Ideas] (2024)

FAQs

What is a good substitute for milk in mac and cheese? ›

To make mac and cheese without milk, the best choice is to find something that has a similar texture and a milk flavor. Things like heavy cream, almond milk, oat milk, yogurt, cream cheese, and even pasta water all work very well in boxed mac and cheese.

Nutritional yeast is a popular ingredient that gives a cheesy flavor without the dairy. Cashew cream is another great alternative that can be used as a base for a creamy sauce. And, there are many non-dairy cheese alternatives on the market now that actually taste pretty darn good.

Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.

Yes, almond milk works great for mac and cheese! Just be sure to get an unsweetened version. If it doesn't say “unsweetened” or “no sugar”, it is likely that it's a sweetened version. Do NOT use regular/sweetened almond milk since this will make the mac and cheese sweet, which is hard to neutralize.

Key #2: Use Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a highly concentrated source of milk protein micelles—bundles of proteins that can act as powerful emulsifying agents—which help to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Yes, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese can be made without milk or butter. Instead, you can use water as a substitute. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking the macaroni, then drain it and mix in the cheese powder and a small amount of water to create the sauce.

Nut-Based Vegan Cheeses: Cashew, almond, and macadamia nut-based cheeses are common. They can be spreadable or used for grating and melting. Soy-Based Vegan Cheeses: Soy-based cheeses come in various forms, including slices, shreds, and blocks. They are often used as a direct substitute for dairy cheese in recipes.

Butternut Squash or Pumpkin: Pureed butternut squash or pumpkin can create a creamy texture and add a slightly sweet note to your mac and cheese. This is a healthier alternative that also contributes to the vibrant color. Tofu: Silken tofu can be blended with other ingredients to create a creamy sauce.

You can certainly make a tasty mac and cheese without milk! Using chicken broth and half, you create a velvety smooth sauce that coats the noodles perfectly. I've found these two ingredients are the best alternative since most of us have them on hand, and they make a great “solution” that blends well with the cheese.

How do you thicken mac and cheese? ›

Flour or cornstarch can both thicken a liquid. In a small separate bowl, mix a tablespoon of either flour or cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cheese sauce until the mixture is smooth.

While I was cooking the pasta, I noticed a tip listed on the very bottom of the box: If you want a creamier mac and cheese, try replacing the butter and milk with a few spoonfuls of Greek yogurt.

Almond milk is a popular plant-based milk that's a great substitute for regular cow's milk. It has a nutty flavor, which can add a subtle richness to your mac and cheese. As it's used as a common milk substitute, you can simply put the same amount of almond milk as you'd put regular milk.

Re: Vanilla Almond Milk + Mac & Cheese

It's ok. Not really much of a difference, except you can smell it much more than taste it, so it could be confusing if you're easily fooled between the dynamics of the smell/taste relationship.

almond milk – I used unsweetened almond milk for this recipe instead of cream or regular milk, but any type of milk will work. If you're going the dairy-free route I recommend using unsweetened milk as many milk alternatives will have sugar and this will change the flavor of the mac & cheese.

Chicken broth isn't commonly used to make mac and cheese, but we find it works great in place of half the milk and adds more flavor.

Mayonnaise doesn't have any milk products in it, so that means it doesn't have dairy. Eggs aren't considered a dairy product, even though they are an animal product. That means if you have a dairy allergy or lactose intolerance, it's safe to eat eggs, as well as mayonnaise, because they don't contain any lactose.

While you technically can use water instead of milk in your mac and cheese recipe, it may result in a less creamy and flavorful sauce. Dairy-free milk substitutes, such as almond milk or oat milk, offer a more satisfying alternative that helps maintain the desired texture and taste.