How to Make Mac and Cheese Without Milk: Easy Steps
Discover how to make creamy Mac and Cheese Without Milk using pantry staples and simple swaps for a rich, dairy-free comfort meal in minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni or preferred pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter or neutral oil
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ to ½ cup milk substitute choose one or combine:
- Reserved pasta cooking water
- Cream cheese 2–4 Tbsp
- Greek yogurt or sour cream ¼–½ cup
- Unsweetened plant-based milk ½ cup
- Vegetable or chicken broth ½ cup
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional add-ins: garlic powder onion powder, Dijon mustard, nutritional yeast
- Optional topping for bake: breadcrumbs, extra cheese
Instructions
Cook Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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- Add pasta and cook until al dente (7–8 minutes).
- Reserve 1 cup pasta water; drain and keep pasta warm.
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Prepare Sauce Base
- Melt butter or heat oil over medium heat.
- Stir in optional seasonings (garlic or onion powder).
- Whisk in ¼ to ½ cup chosen substitute until smooth and warm.
Melt Cheese
- Reduce heat to low.
- Gradually stir in shredded cheddar until fully melted and silky.
- Thin with reserved pasta water or broth if needed.
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Combine & Season
- Return drained pasta to pot; gently fold into cheese sauce.
- Taste and adjust with salt and pepper.
Optional Bake
- Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
- Transfer to greased dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese.
- Bake 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Coat cheese with cornstarch to prevent separation and ensure a silky sauce—toss shredded cheese in 1–2 tsp cornstarch before melting
- Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid anti-caking agents that can lead to a grainy texture
- Reserve pasta water wisely: add a little at a time to adjust sauce thickness and improve adhesion
- Serve immediately for peak creaminess; cheese sauce firms up as it cools and will thicken in the fridge
- Store leftovers in an airtight container, then reheat gently with a splash of broth or pasta water to revive creaminess