Can You Make Kraft Mac & Cheese Without Milk? Solved (2023)

Last Updated on August 25, 2023 by Shari Mason

Ever run out of milk but still craving that cheesy Kraft Mac & Cheese?

Most people on the internet claim you can make Kraft mac and cheese without milk, but is it true?

Can you make Kraft Mac & Cheese without milk?

I explored milk alternatives through several kitchen tests to see if they work out and still deliver their creamy goodness.

Can You Make Kraft Mac & Cheese With No Milk?

Yes, you can make a Kraft Mac and Cheese without milk.

Some Kraft mac and cheese milk substitutes will be almond milk, butter, sour cream, heavy whipping cream, and different cheese varieties like feta cheese, sharp cheddar, or cream cheese.

“In the wintertime, I like macaroni and cheese.”

— Jami Attenberg, American Writer

From dairy to non-dairy products, there are various options to choose from if you don’t have milk to use. Or you’re simply looking for a new twist to your food.

There are canned coconut, plain oat milk, soy, cashew, or beef broth for non-dairy choices.

Read: How Long Do Kraft Singles Last?

Top 20 Milk Substitutes

1. Pasta Water

Pasta water is always available for you to use as a Kraft Mac and cheese milk substitute. It is the leftover water used for boiling the noodles and loaded with starch.

Due to its thin texture, I can slowly mix the mac and cheese with a 1:1 ratio. It is less cheesy than mac and cheese but can do the work.

Find out if Kraft mac and cheese is halal here.

2. Cream

A non-dairy cream is made of vegetable oil and has a creamy consistency that can be a Kraft mac and cheese milk substitute for vegans.

I first thin the texture before adding it to the dish at 1:1. Its rich and full blend with cheese creates a creamy cheese sauce for the pasta.

Read: Can You Make A Roux With Almond Milk?

3. Butter

I love that butter does not alter the dish’s flavor so much, so I use it as a milk substitute for Kraft macaroni and cheese. Slowly mix the butter and water to ensure the ingredients will blend properly.

You can use a butter-to-milk ratio 1:2 to avoid making the dish too greasy. But since I want my mac and cheese to be creamy, I use pasta water instead of plain water while melting the butter.

Read: Can You Make Kraft Mac And Cheese Without Butter?

4. Olive Oil

Although it may not be everyone’s favorite substitute, Olive oil is one of the best milk substitutes for mac and cheese as it is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties [1].

Mix one tablespoon of olive oil, cheese powder, and butter until thoroughly blended. You must be careful about adding the cooking liquid to a 1:1 ratio, as it can make the mac and cheese too oily if you’ve gone overboard.

Read: Can I Use Oat Milk In Mac And Cheese?

5. Sour Cream

Like plain yogurt, sour cream also imparts a tangy flavor to Kraft mac and cheese. Although it may not be the best choice for health-conscious individuals, sour cream gives similar creaminess as milk does to mac and cheese.

I use a 1:1 ratio of sour cream, but since it has a thicker consistency than milk, it sometimes needs to be thinned slightly.

6. Shredded Cheese

Shredded cheese is an even better mac and cheese recipe than milk for some people.

Also, you buy a pre-shredded cheddar cheese because the anti-caking agents will prevent the cheese from melting properly.

You can substitute milk for cheese powder for the savory flavor, but dissolve it in low heat and water or rice milk.

Also, instead of shredded cheese and powdered cheese, you can incorporate parmesan cheese or vegan cheese slices at 1:1 to substitute the milk.

7. Mayonnaise

You can make Kraft mac and cheese without milk by substituting milk with mayonnaise. It will give a creamy texture to your mac n cheese.

You can start by substituting a tablespoon of mayonnaise or a 1:1 ratio. Then, add another tablespoon for more flavor or add a little water to thin the mayo.

8. Soya Milk

Aside from having almost the same protein level as regular cow’s milk, soya milk is also a safe choice for lactose-intolerant people [2]. 

Due to their similarities, you can use a 1:1 milk and soy milk [3] ratio for the mac and cheese dish. However, when I tried the recipe, it imparts a slightly sweet taste to the dish.

9. Almond Milk

Like goat milk, almond milk is packed with nutrients but has a distinctive taste you may or may not like.

Start using a 1:2 ratio of unsweetened almond milk to plain milk so the taste will not alter so much. However, depending on your preference, you can increase the amount of almond milk.

10. Roux

Roux uses butter and flour and is often used as a thickening agent for a sauce or dish. You can make it by heating 1 tbsp of butter and whisking 1 tbsp of flour in a saucepan [4].

After cooking roux for at least 60 seconds, you can add the mac and cheese and other ingredients. The mac and cheese will have a thicker and slightly richer flavor than when you use milk.

11. Stock

You can also exchange milk for a non-dairy milk substitute like stock. It does not have the extra calories and fat of cream cheese or sour cream.

A stock incorporates a richer meaty flavor using a 1:1 ratio to replace milk. You can also dilute the stock if you don’t want too much flavor.

Using chicken broth is also a convenient alternative.

12. Cream Cheese

For cheese lovers, there is no such thing as too much cheese. That is why cream cheese can be your best milk substitute for Kraft mac and cheese.

Due to its thickness, you should thin it before adding it to your dish at 1:1. You may also combine the sweetness of cream cheese with sour cream for a more balanced flavor and creamy texture.

13. Powdered Milk

The powdered milk substitute is slightly sweeter than regular milk because it is dehydrated and pasteurized.

You must rehydrate the powdered milk and turn it into a liquid before adding it to your mac and cheese.

At a 1:1 ratio of powdered milk and regular milk, you would barely notice the change in the taste and texture.

14. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream holds about 36% milk fat and adds a richer dimension to the cheese, making it smooth and nice without altering the flavor.

Like most milk replacements, use a 1:1 ratio of heavy cream while preparing the mac and cheese. There’s no noticeable difference if you don’t tell anybody you use heavy cream.

15. Evaporated Milk

Unlike sweet and syrupy condensed milk, evaporated milk is more suitable for a Kraft mac and cheese recipe.

For a better result, reconstitute evaporated milk by combining the same amount of water and evaporated milk. Then, mix it with a 1:1 ratio, just like the plain milk.

It results in a delectably delicious meal similar to the original recipe.

16. Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt can be an excellent option when making Kraft Mac and Cheese. I’ve personally tried it and found that it adds a tangy flavor to the dish, which is unique but delicious.

The texture is also creamier than regular milk, making the mac and cheese feel indulgent. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative that provides a good dose of probiotics. Try mixing it with a 1:2 ratio, just like a regular milk

17. Half and Half

Using half and half as a substitute for milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese creates a richer, creamier texture that tastes amazing.

I’ve used it several times (1:1 ratio), and each time, it never fails to deliver a decadent flavor that hits the spot. The only downside is that it’s not the healthiest option but is worth indulging in occasionally.

18. Coffee Creamer

I ran out of milk once and had to make Kraft Mac and Cheese, so I decided to use coffee creamer instead.

Surprisingly, it turned out quite well! The creamer gave the mac and cheese a sweet flavor and silky smooth texture, making it irresistible. It’s not a substitute I’d use often, but it’s definitely an option in a pinch.

19. Organic Milk

Organic milk is an excellent substitute for regular milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese, and I use it frequently.

It provides a creamier, richer flavor that enhances the dish’s overall taste. Plus, it’s a healthier option free from added hormones or antibiotics. The only downside is that it can be pricier than regular milk.

20. Coconut Milk

Using coconut milk in Kraft Mac and Cheese is a great way to add a tropical twist to the dish. I’ve tried it with canned coconut milk and found that it gives the mac and cheese a creamy, nutty flavor that differs from the standard version.

It’s also a dairy-free alternative for lactose intolerant or vegans. The only thing to remember is that it might be someone else’s cup of tea.

Can I Use Water Instead of Milk for Kraft Mac & Cheese?

Yes, you can use water instead of milk for Kraft Mac and Cheese. But remember that replacing milk with plain water will produce a different taste for the dish.

Some people are accustomed to adding water instead of milk, which can make the cheese flavor shine through. But some people want a more flavorful approach to mac and cheese than simply adding plain water.

How To Make Kraft Mac & Cheese Without Milk

It is easy to make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese without milk.

For the Kraft mac and cheese without milk recipe, cook the pasta before mixing the butter, powdered cheese, cream cheese, oat milk, heavy cream, cashew milk, or any other chosen milk replacement.

“Mac & cheese minus milk? Kraft Mac, still a comforting bite.”

–Eat Pallet Restaurant & Food Advice

You can follow our recommended measurements or follow yours until you achieve your desired consistency and flavor.

Just remember always to substitute milk with the right ratio to maintain consistency.

FAQs

Key Takeaways

People on the internet are correct that you can make Kraft mac and cheese without milk.

You can enjoy Kraft mac and cheese without milk using sour cream, cheese, soy milk, or butter in your Kraft Mac and Cheese recipes.

The main idea is always to use a liquid milk replacement. Some ingredients, like heavy whipping cream, almond milk, cheese powder, and mayonnaise, need more water to thin the texture.

While pasta water, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or any non-dairy milk requires a thickening agent like roux for a better result, these Kraft mac and cheese milk substitute ideas work.

So, fear not the absence of milk, for the creamy comfort of mac and cheese can still be yours to savor.

References:

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-proven-benefits-of-olive-oil
2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/food-science/soya-milk
3. https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/pros-cons-soy-milk/
4. https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-make-roux