How to Make Mac and Cheese Without Milk Recipe

Craving a comforting bowl of mac and cheese but find yourself out of milk and cream? No problem! It’s the ultimate comfort food.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: 30 minute meal, comfort food, easy side dish, holiday side dish, lunch recipe

Servings: Servings

Calories: 468kcal

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8 Ounces Elbow Macaroni or your preferred pasta, about 2 cups
2 Tablespoons Butter or a non-dairy butter substitute
2 Tablespoons Flour
2 Cups Water or vegetable broth
1 Cup Chicken Broth or unsweetened plant-based milk (soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or almond milk), or heavy cream
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder optional
1 Teaspoon Onion Powder optional
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard optional, for extra flavor
8 Ounces Cream Cheese or sour cream or plain yogurt
1 ½ Cups Shredded Cheese or use dairy-free cheese if avoiding dairy completely

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
8 Ounces Elbow Macaroni
Prepare the Sauce: In the same pot over medium-high heat, melt the butter or non-dairy substitute over medium heat. If using flour for thickening, add it to the butter and stir constantly for about 1 minute to form a roux.
2 Tablespoons Butter, 2 Tablespoons Flour
Add the water and chicken broth or plant-based milk. Slowly whisk making sure there are no lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
2 Cups Water, 1 Cup Chicken Broth
Add the seasonings and cheese: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cream cheese. Stirring frequently until fully melted.
1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder, Salt and pepper to taste, 1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 8 Ounces Cream Cheese
Gradually add the shredded cheese (or dairy-free cheese), stirring until fully melted and smooth. If using, add the Dijon mustard.
1 ½ Cups Shredded Cheese
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the pot and stir until the pasta is well coated with the cheese sauce.
Serve: Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with more nutritional yeast or fresh herbs.