Ever wonder what you can use instead of milk when making Kraft Mac and Cheese?
Believe it or not, this American favorite doesn’t actually need milk. In fact, Kraft Mac and Cheese first became popular during the Great Depression because it could “feed a family of four for 19 cents”.
Needless to say, milk was not a part of the equation when Mac and Cheese first hit the market. It became popular later, mainly as a way to make the dish creamier.
So, can you make Mac and Cheese without milk? Absolutely! Read on to learn more about the best milk substitutes for Kraft’s timeless classic.
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Dairy Substitutes for Mac and Cheese
The following options make great dairy-based milk substitutes for Kraft macaroni. For non-dairy and vegan/plant-based options, please skip ahead to the next sections.
Shredded Cheese
Finely shredded cheese is one of the most popular regular milk substitutes in Kraft Mac and Cheese. Shredded cheese as a milk substitute will make your recipe taste even better.
American cheese, cheddar cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and a cheese mix work well as a substitute.
Substitution: Use ¼ cup finely shredded cheese with a standard 7.25 oz box of mac and cheese.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese has a richer, thicker consistency with a more flavorful extra creamy taste. There is a subtle cheesiness to the cream cheese that boosts the flavor of the cheese sauce. Plus, you can add a flavored cream cheese if you are feeling adventurous!
Substitution: First mix the 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with 4 tablespoons of warm water. Then, use in place of the 3 tablespoons milk.
Alternatively, you can melt the cream cheese in the microwave or in a saucepan with the rest of the cheese ingredients before adding it to the pasta.
Evaporated Milk
When used with water, evaporated milk will create a very similar outcome as regular milk. Simply combine 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk with 2 tablespoons of water in a bowl. Mix together, then add to the recipe.
Note: Evaporated milk is not the same as what is known as condensed milk. A can of condensed milk is sweetened with sugar.
Substitution: Use 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk and 2 tablespoons of water in place of the milk.
Cream or Heavy Cream
Cream and heavy whipping cream are similar to milk with a slightly richer taste because of the much higher fat content. Using it as a substitute for milk is undetectable by the taster. Keep in mind that they will make the dish very thick if used alone, so you will want to combine it with a little water.
Substitution: Use 2 tablespoons of cream and 2 tablespoons of water for a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese.
Half and Half
Half and Half is a great substitute when a richer and creamier taste is desired. If the recipe calls for 1 cup of milk, use ¾ cup half and half with ¼ cup water. Since half and half has twice the fat content you may want to skip the butter in the recipe.
Substitution: ¾ cup Half and Half with ¼ cup water for every 1 cup milk.
Butter
As the saying goes, “butter makes it better.” You will get a richer mac and cheese by using butter. Be careful with the amount of butter you add. Too much butter will overpower the cheese taste. Melt the butter called for on the box then add 2 tablespoons.
Substitution: Use a 1:2 ratio of butter to milk.
Goat Milk
Goat milk is similar in flavor and texture to cow’s milk. This makes it a great substitute for regular milk. Goat milk is easier to digest for some due to a lower amount of lactose. It also will produce a smooth flavor in a mac and cheese dish which some find more desirable than cow’s milk.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of goat milk.
Sour Cream
Sour Cream as a substitute for milk will make a fuller and thicker Kraft dinner. However, keep in mind that sour cream has a thicker consistency and a tart taste.
That said, you can always add a little water to reduce the thickness of the consistency. Sour cream can create a tangy taste which is not necessarily a bad thing. Some prefer this taste for mac and cheese. Greek yogurt will have a similar effect on your dish.
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until desired taste is achieved.
Powdered Milk
Powdered milk, or dry milk, is a pantry staple that can be combined with water to create milk. This will create an almost perfect substitute. The taste and texture are the same as regular milk. Follow the instructions on the package to create the milk mixture.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio of milk to powdered milk mixture.
Roux
A thick roux will help make a tastier cheese sauce and can thicken the sauce when using water or pasta water as a substitute.
Simply melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet. Then, add 1 tablespoon of flour and whisk together frequently until combined. Cook for about 1 minute then add the roux to the mix.
The roux can be used alone as a substitute. It may require a few tablespoons of water to thin the cheese sauce. If you are using roux to thicken a watery sauce, add the roux directly to the thin sauce and combine.
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until desired taste is achieved. Thin with water, if needed.
Velouté Sauce
This is a fancy name for a roux with some stock (see above description for more information on roux).
Heat 1 tablespoon of butter then add 1 tablespoon of flour and mix for about 1 minute then slowly add stock. Adjust the thickness then add to the mac and cheese.
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until desired taste is achieved. Thin with water, if needed.
Non-dairy Milk Substitutes for Mac and Cheese
Chicken Broth
Stock or chicken broth is a good substitute for those who are not vegan but looking to reduce their dairy intake. The use of chicken broth will yield a different flavor and texture for the mac and cheese.
Note: Cheese sauce will be thinner if using chicken broth or stock.
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until desired taste is achieved.
Water
Water can be used to substitute regular milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese. Using water will produce a thinner, less flavorful Kraft dish. That’s because it lacks the fats of milks, creams, and yogurts that would otherwise carry the flavor of the dish, as well as add to the texture.
Note: Do not add too much water at once. Instead, add it slowly while stirring.
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until desired taste is achieved.
Pasta Water
Pasta water is a better alternative than water. That’s because boiling the macaroni releases starches into the water. This makes it a little thicker, which is a desirable consistency for Kraft macaroni dishes.
Remember: Strain the pasta over an empty pot to save the boiling water.
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon of water at a time until desired taste is achieved.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is one of the easiest and most affordable plant-based milk substitutes to find. This is a great substitute for regular milk because the consistency and taste are similar to cow’s milk.
Many people have allergies to soy, which is something to consider when considering this kind of milk substitute. Tip: Consider using sweetened soy milk to enhance the flavor of the Mac and Cheese.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of soy milk.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is a rich coconut product often found in a can. It contains much less water and much more coconut meat than coconut milk.
Coconut cream can be a good non-dairy substitute for milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese. It will produce a thick, creamy, and rich flavor.
Note: Keep in mind that coconut cream is different from cream of coconut. Cream of coconut is a sweet combination of water, sugar, and coconut.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of coconut cream.
Coconut Milk
Unsweetened coconut milk creates one of the creamiest textures of non-dairy and plant-based milks. It is one of the best substitutes due to its thick and creamy texture. The higher fat content in coconut milk will carry the flavor of the mac and cheese dish.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of coconut milk.
Cashew Milk
Unsweetened cashew milk is another great non-dairy milk substitute in Kraft Mac and Cheese. Like coconut milk, it is rich and creamy. Using it to substitute milk will enhance the flavor and create a smooth texture. Cashew milk can have a nutty taste, so keep that in mind for your dish.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of cashew milk.
Rice Milk
Rice milk is a great alternative for milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese. It tends to be more affordable and readily available.
Some say it produces a similar taste to cow’s milk in recipes, with little to no aftertaste. Unsweetened rice milk is also a good option for nut, soy, and dairy allergies.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of rice milk.
Oat Milk
Oat milk has a thick texture that creates a creamy consistency with Kraft macaroni and cheese. It has become a popular non-dairy milk substitute because it has a more neutral flavor than other milk alternatives. Use whole oat milk to create a full flavor macaroni and cheese.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of oat milk.
Hemp Seed Milk
Hemp seed milk can be used to replace fresh milk in a mac and cheese recipe. The aminos in hemp milk make it a nutritional addition to the recipe.
Hemp milk does not split under heat, making it a popular choice for beverages. This same benefit makes it a great choice for hot dishes like Mac and Cheese.
However, hemp milk has a distinct taste with nutty and earthy notes. This is something to consider when substituting.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio. For every 1 cup of milk, use 1 cup of hemp seed milk.
Plant-based Yogurt
Plain plant-based yogurt has a thick, smooth texture that is a great substitute for milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese. Yogurt will make the mac and cheese a little thicker and a boost of extra protein as well.
Substitution: Use a 1:1 ratio of 1 cup of milk, 1 cup of yogurt. Alternatively, add 1 tablespoon at a time until the ingredients come together.
Olive Oil
Olive oil can also be used although it results in an oily taste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time to the cheese powder and butter until dissolved into a cheesy sauce. You can add a little more oil, less than a tablespoon, if the cheese powder is not completely dissolved.
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is achieved.
The best substitute for milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese is grated cheese. If you are out of milk there are a number of milk based products you can use depending on your taste and of course, what you have available. If you are looking for an alternative to milk or any milk product you have plant based alternatives.
Mayonnaise
Seems most people have a jar of mayo in the refrigerator. You can use mayonnaise in place of milk which will add a creamy taste. Add a tablespoon at a time to find your desired amount and taste. Key here is to remember: It is always easier to add than to subtract!
Substitution: To taste. Add 1 tablespoon at a time until desired taste is achieved.
Keep it Tasty, Without the Milk
There are many options for anyone who wants to ditch the milk when making Kraft macaroni and cheese.
For cheese-lovers, an ideal milk substitute might be as simple as extra cheese. If you want a creamy texture without the lactose from dairy, a vegan milk is your best bet (like soy, coconut, or oat milk).
And if cutting calories is a priority, you can always go with water or pasta water.
No matter what your situation, there are a variety of milk substitutes to choose from!
Do you have any other tried and true substitution recommendations? Please let me know in the comments!
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