Almond milk is the new dairy alternative that’s growing in popularity in the food world. As more people are becoming vegan, they are looking for cow milk alternatives. Almond milk is an excellent substitute that many people have found works well in many dishes. The question in many peoples’ mind however, is, ‘can you use almond milk in mac and cheese?’.
Well, making mac and cheese is relatively easy, and you can use almond milk. The milk tastes even greater in mac and cheese, making it a perfect addition to the dish. This article will enlighten you on what almond milk is, how almond milk affects the mac and cheese taste, and so much more. So keep reading.
What is almond milk?
Almond milk is plant-based milk with a nutty flavor, usually made from almond nuts. Its cholesterol-free, low in sodium, high in calcium, and has no saturated fat. Almond milk is made by crushing or grinding almonds and mixing them with water or other liquids, such as coconut milk.
The nuts and coconut milk are blended together and then strained, leaving a nutty-tasting liquid used in place of cow’s milk. The result is a creamy alternative to dairy with fewer calories per serving than regular milk.
The milk is packed with many vitamins and minerals. It might have lower calorific value than cow’s milk, but it still contains a good amount of calcium and vitamin D. The vitamins and minerals in almond milk are also more readily absorbed by the body when compared to dairy milk.
These vitamins and minerals are responsible for many functions in the body, from producing energy to building strong bones, to mention a few. Almond milk is an excellent alternative for lactose-intolerant persons as it does not contain lactose.
Can you use almond milk in mac and cheese?
Yes! If it is unsweetened. Almond milk in mac and cheese adds a rich nutty flavor and a creamier texture than conventional milk. It also adds some protein and fat. However, it will not taste like traditional macaroni and cheese made with dairy products.
One advantage of using almond milk in mac and cheese is that some people who are intolerant or have a dairy allergy can eat it. The milk does not contain lactose and should be well tolerated by most people. Also, it has been established that almonds are beneficial for cardiovascular health because of their monounsaturated fatty acids, protein, and vitamin E.
Do mac and cheese taste good with almond milk?
Yes! If you use the right ingredients, then it can be delicious. The trick is to add a nutty flavor that complements all of those yummy cheesy flavors we love in our mac and cheese without overpowering them or having an unpleasant taste. The taste almond milk adds in mac and cheese is delicious, but you will notice it when you make the sauce.
Can you substitute almond milk for milk in mac and cheese?
Yes, as long as they are equal amounts of each other. However, if you want to make it creamier than the original recipe intended, I would recommend using half almond milk and half regular whole-fat cow’s milk. Almond milk is great in adding nuttiness to recipes, but it can be used in all sorts of dishes.
Mac and cheese with almond milk
Almond milk’s mild taste makes it perfect in pairing with mac and cheese. The milk might be slightly thinner, but adding a thickener like flour does the trick of thickening the sauce. You could also choose to add butter and cheese to add creaminess to the sauce.
Consuming mac and cheese can add many calories to your body, coupled with cheese and butter. Using almond milk has no calories. That way, it significantly reduces the calorie intake that would otherwise have been consumed if you used regular milk.
Almond mac and cheese recipe
The Almond mac and cheese recipe is easy to make, and you can try making it for your friends and family.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. macaroni,
- 3 tbsp butter,
- 2 cups almond milk,
- 1.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated,
- 1.5 cup cheddar cheese (grated),
- 1 tsp salt,
- ½ panko bread crumbs,
- ¼ tsp black pepper,
- 1 tsp mustard (ground),
Directions:
- Add a pot of water on the stovetop till it boils to cook the macaroni.
- Heat some butter as the macaroni cooks.
- Add salt, black pepper, and mustard, then mix.
- Pour in your almond milk in ¼ batches.
- Add in your cheese and keep stirring for 3-4 minutes, then turn off the heat.
- Don’t let the macaroni cook thoroughly. Let it be a little tough, then drain the water from it.
- Pour the macaroni into the cheese mixture and mix it well.
- Transfer the mixture into a dish and bake at 350 degrees for a quarter-hour.
- Bake the dish until it gets a golden top.
- Serve and enjoy.
What can you replace milk with in mac and cheese?
Milk makes mac and cheese so creamy; that is why most people reach out for it whenever they prepare the dish. The milk can be substituted with other milk-based and plant-based products and still have the most delicious mac and cheese.
Cheese cream
Cream cheese has a mild taste that maintains the flavor of mac and cheese. You are also guaranteed creaminess as this cheese cream is thick enough and should be added a little at a time. Use a small amount of it as it has a very high-fat content.
Plain yogurt
This is probably the best milk substitute as it adds creaminess more than the milk would. When cooking with plain yogurt, always use low heat settings to keep the water and fat intact. High heat separates water and fat, creating a lumpy mess. And what’s more, is that you will love the creaminess it adds to your food while still enjoying a high level of proteins.
Sour cream
Sour cream will make your mac and cheese creamier. If you do not want it with that extra creamy texture, you can add some little water to make it less creamy. Your mac and cheese flavor might also be affected by sour cream and have a slightly tangy flavor.
Water
Water can substitute milk, only that it won’t add any taste to your dish. Water will also make your mac and cheese runny, but you can correct that by adding more butter to the dish. Add enough butter per how thick you want the dish to be. You can even use starchy water instead of plain water to thicken the sauce and add flavor to your dish.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth is not as creamy as milk, but you can add some thickness by pouring n some flour. You should also know that this broth might affect your mac and cheese texture and taste alike.
Soy milk
Looking for a plant-based alternative? Then soy milk got your back! It has a thick consistency that adds creaminess to your mac and cheese. Using the unflavored varieties ensures you do not tamper with the taste of your mac and cheese.
However, if you would love that vanilla taste in your mac and cheese, then you can go for it. Unflavored varieties might also give the mac and cheese a less robust flavor that can be corrected by adding more butter and salt.
Rice milk
Rice milk is a bit runny and won’t give a thick mac and cheese sauce. Adding some thickener does the trick of adding some creaminess into the dish.
Oat milk
Oat milk contains natural sugars that will add some sweetness to your mac and cheese. Its creaminess is quite similar to cow milk, and it doesn’t have any intense flavor. That makes it a perfect addition to your mac and cheese recipe.
Frequently asked questions(FAQS)
Can you make Kraft mac and cheese with almond milk?
Yes! I was stunned to see how well it turned out. I would highly recommend using vegan margarine in the recipe because other fats might not work as well, but if that is all you have, then go for it. Just keep in mind that vegan butter does not work as well.
I would suggest using a neutral-flavored oil so that your sauce does not take on an off-flavor from the almond milk. Also, I would recommend using sharp cheddar for this recipe to make the cheese pop.
Can you make a cheese sauce with almond milk?
Yes!
Almond milk can be used to substitute regular cow’s milk in mac and cheese. It might not be as creamy or thick, but it should keep a lot of its flavor. If you want to add some extra cheesy flavor without too much fat, I would recommend using vegan cheddar or mozzarella cheese in the mac and cheese.
Conclusion
Now you know you can use almond milk in making your mac and cheese when you have a lactose-intolerant guest. Preparing some at the comfort of your home is the best option, as you are free to omit an ingredient you don’t want in the dish.
