The Best Vegan Milk Substitutes for Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is one of the all-time classic comfort foods but sometimes we require a substitute for regular milk in Mac and Cheese recipes for various reasons.

It's loved by people of all ages and can be made with a variety of different ingredients. The dish is typically made with pasta, cheese, butter, and milk.

However, there are many different ways to make Mac and Cheese, so you can substitute any of those ingredients for something that better suits your dietary needs.

For example, you could substitute yogurt for milk, vegan cheese for regular cheese, or olive oil for butter. There are also many plant-based milk substitutes that you can use instead of dairy milk. These include almond milk, soy milk, hemp milk, rice milk, and coconut milk.

So what's the best substitute for milk in mac and cheese?

It depends on your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. If you're looking for a dairy-free option, almond milk, soy milk, hemp milk, and coconut milk are all great choices.

If you're looking to add some extra protein to your dish, yogurt or vegan cheese are great substitutes. And if you're looking to keep things classic, heavy cream or evaporated milk are always delicious options.

No matter what substitute you choose, Mac and Cheese is sure to be a comfort food favorite!

What Can You Substitute for Milk in Mac and Cheese

1. Soy milk

• Soy milk is a great all-purpose substitute for dairy milk in mac and cheese, as it pairs well with both cheddar and Parmesan cheeses.
• It also provides a creamy consistency that helps hold everything together nicely.
• To get the most out of soy milk when making mac and cheese, be sure to simmer it with butter before adding it to your roux. This will help release more flavor into the dish while still keeping it creamy.

2. Almond milk

• Almond milk is ideal if you want to create a vegan version of your favorite comfort food.
• Its nutty flavor pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar cheeses, giving your macaroni and cheese an extra layer of richness.
• You can also add almond butter to your recipe for an even creamier dish! Keep in mind that almond milk does not thicken like other substitutes so you may need to add additional thickening agents such as cornstarch or arrowroot powder for a thicker sauce.

3. Coconut milk

• Coconut milk adds sweetness to any dish, so it’s perfect if you want a sweeter version of traditional macaroni and cheese.
• It also has a creamy consistency that helps keep everything together without adding thickeners or stabilizers.
• When using coconut milk instead of dairy milk, stir it constantly while cooking so that the flavors have time to blend together before serving!

4. Rice milk

• Rice milk is another great option if you are looking for a vegan alternative or if you want something different than traditional cow's milk.
• It has a milder taste than cow’s milk but can still provide plenty of creaminess when combined with butter or oil during cooking.
• Rice milk is thinner than other substitutes so be sure not to over-cook it when adding it to your roux; this will help ensure that the flavor stays intact instead of getting lost in the sauce!

5. Hemp milk

• Hemp milk is our top pick for substituting milk for vegan mac and cheese. Not only does it provide the same creamy texture as regular milk, but also boasts an impressive nutrient profile.
• Hemp seed milk is rich in Omega 3s, calcium, iron, zinc, Vitamin D, B12, and Vitamin A—all essential vitamins for healthy bones. Source WebMD.
• Additionally, hemp milk has no added sugar so it won't overpower the cheesy flavor of your mac and cheese dish.
• To substitute hemp milk in your recipe, replace one cup of regular cow or goat milk with one cup of hemp milk.

Other Alternatives to Consider for Milk in Mac And Cheese

6. Cream Cheese (check label for vegan)

• Try cream cheese for an extra creamy mac and cheese experience that still tastes like traditional macaroni and cheese!
• Cream cheese adds a thick texture while still allowing the cheesiness of your dish to shine through.
• For this substitution to work best in your recipe you should first melt down ½ cup of cream cheese in a pan with ¼ cup of water before adding it to the mix. This will give you a nice creamy sauce without any lumps or chunks getting stuck in your noodles.

7. Sour Cream (check label for vegan)

• Another great option when substituting dairy-free alternatives is sour cream! Sour cream has a slightly tangy flavor which pairs well with many different types of cheeses like cheddar or Monterey jack.
• Use ½ cup of sour cream per every two cups of regular cow's or goat's milk called for in your recipe for optimal results—this way there’ll be plenty of creaminess without overpowering the flavor profiles from the other ingredients used. And don’t forget to add a pinch of salt to balance out the tartness from the sour cream!

8. Plain Yogurt

• Greek yogurt can also be used as an excellent replacement for regular cow's or goat's milk when making macaroni & cheese dishes!
• Plain yogurt not only adds richness but also provides probiotics which are beneficial to gut health—a bonus when eating vegan!
• When substituting yogurt in place of animal milk use equal parts yogurt as you would use regular cow’s or goat’s milk; however, keep in mind that plain yogurt will impart more tartness than other dairy substitutes so be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly if needed.

9. Whipping Cream (check the label for vegan)

• Whipping cream is another great substitution option when creating vegan macaroni and cheese recipe because it creates an incredibly rich texture that is difficult to achieve with non dairy milk substitutes like almond milk or soymilk alone.
• Whipping cream can be substituted 1:1 for regular cow's or goat's milk called for in recipes; however keep in mind that whipping cream contains fatter than other dairy options so adjust seasonings accordingly if needed (ie: add more salt).
• Also, note that whipping cream will result in fewer servings since each serving contains more fat than other dairy options; so plan accordingly when feeding larger crowds! 

10. Powdered or Evaporated Milk (check the label for vegan)

• Powdered milk is a great substitute for milk because it has a long shelf life and is easy to store.
• It can also be reconstituted with water to create a milk-like consistency.
• Evaporated milk is another great alternative for milk in mac and cheese because evaporated milk has a high-fat content and a thick consistency that closely resembles dairy milk.
• For a sweeter and thicker option try using condensed milk.

11. Oat Milk

• The best non-dairy milk substitute for mac and cheese is to include Oat milk.
• It works as a great substitute for cow's milk, and it has some health benefits too.
• Oat milk is an excellent source of fiber and vitamin B, helping with bone health and reducing cholesterol levels. Source: (Healthline)

12. Cashew Milk

• Cashew milk is a dairy-free, vegan-friendly substitute for cow’s milk. It is made by blending cashews with water and straining the mixture through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag.
• Cashew milk is rich in protein and essential minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and zinc. It also contains healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids. Source: MedicalNewsToday
• Cashew milk is a good substitute for milk in mac and cheese because it has a creamy texture and a mild flavor that pairs well with cheese.

13. Quinoa Milk

• You can replace milk with quinoa milk while baking mac and cheese.
• Quinoa milk is a good substitute because it is high in protein and has a slightly sweet taste.
• It also has a thicker consistency than other plant-based milk, which can help prevent the cheese sauce from becoming too thin while baking.

14. Vegetable Broth for a Richer Flavor

You can replace the milk in your mac and cheese with vegetable broth for a richer flavor. This will give the meal additional flavor and make it even more delicious. You may also top the dish with shredded cheese for a more cheesy flavor. 

15. Add Nutritional Yeast for a Cheesy Flavor

When it comes to adding cheesy flavor to mac and cheese, nutritional yeast is a great option. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that is often used as a vegan cheese substitute. It is high in B-complex vitamins, including thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, and B6. It is also a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals such as zinc and selenium.

16. Cauliflower or Butternut Squash

Cauliflower or butternut squash can be used to create a creamy sauce that can make mac and cheese delicious. Because of their high starch content, they cook up creamy. This starch thickens the sauce and adds a creamy consistency to it. Cauliflower is a cruciferous vegetable that is low in calories and high in nutrition. Butternut squash is also a good source of nutrients, including vitamins A, C, and E and potassium.

17. Vegan butter or olive oil

Using vegan butter or olive oil can be a good alternative to regular milk in mac and cheese. Both vegan butter and olive oil are high in monounsaturated fats, which give them a creamy texture that helps thicken the sauce. In addition, they both have a mild flavor that pairs well with cheese.

18. Make Your Own Vegan Cheese Sauce

• Whisk together flour and milk in a pan over medium heat until it thickens.
• Add nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Stir constantly for about five minutes until the mixture is fully combined.
• Once cooked through, you have a rich vegan cheese sauce ready to serve with those taste buds tantalizing cheese recipes!
• For the full recipe - check out the recipe card below.

Experiment with different types of pasta, such as gluten-free or high-protein pasta

You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as gluten-free or high-protein pasta. Gluten-free pasta is made from grains that do not contain gluten protein, such as corn, quinoa, rice, or soy. High-protein pasta is made from beans, lentils, peas, or chickpeas, and contains more protein than traditional pasta.

Wrap up: Substitute for Milk in Mac and Cheese

• We hope you found this article helpful in answering the question of what substitute for regular milk to use when cooking mac and cheese.
• We also included some FAQs about substitute ingredients and a quick vegan cheese sauce recipe that will make your taste buds happy!
• This is one dish where experimentation will lead to success - find out which substitute ingredient works best with your palate. Let us know how it goes; we're looking forward to hearing from you.
• No matter what type of substitute you choose, plenty of options are available when making macaroni and cheese without dairy products! Soy, almond, coconut, and rice milk all provide their own unique flavors that pair perfectly with cheesy goodness – remember to simmer them with butter beforehand for maximum flavor release! With these tips in mind, you can create delicious vegan versions of everyone’s favorite comfort food in no time at all!