

Using cream cheese instead of butter will result in a thicker and creamier blend of mac and cheese that has a rich flavor. In recipes that aren’t influenced by the reduced fat content, however, you can use cream cheese as a butter substitute. For recipes that require making a roux, butter, oil, ghee, or margarine is still best. Cream cheese is one option, but it’s not recommended for recipes that require fat. The following are milk substitutes for butter.īutter substitutes are typically used if you want to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet. You can get the same richness and taste without the butter by using cream cheese or heavy cream. The key reason for using butter in mac and cheese is to add flavor.

This article will go through the options for replacing butter in mac and cheese without losing the texture and taste of this comfort food staple. In addition, nut butters such as tahini, homemade peanut butter, and coconut oil are vegan alternatives. These alternatives will not only substitute butter in your mac and cheese but will also give it a distinct flavor. Margarine, oil, ghee, cream cheese, or heavy cream can all be used as substitutes for butter in mac and cheese. So, what are the best substitutes for butter in mac and cheese? But, do you know what gives mac and cheese that incredible taste and texture (aside from the cheese)? Butter! Butter has been traditionally known as a must-have for making delicious mac and cheese, but thankfully, there are a few alternatives you can use that can be equally scrumptious. Macaroni and cheese is without a doubt one of the most popular comfort foods in the United States. ** If you have a 15” cast iron skillet or ovenproof braiser, you can follow steps 3-7 and make this a one pot dish.We may earn compensation from the products mentioned in this post. Bake in the oven until the macaroni and cheese is golden and bubbling, about 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and panko on top of the noodles. In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 1/2 cup butter (this can also be done in the microwave) and toss with the panko in a small bowl. If you are not working in an ovenproof braiser or Dutch oven, transfer the sauce and noodles to a 9 x 13 baking dish that has been greased with cooking spray. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, mustard powder to the sauce, stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened. Stir in all but 1 ½ cups of the cheese (reserve that for the topping). The slower you add the milk the quicker the sauce will thicken. If your milk is very cold straight out of the fridge take this step very slowly. Stir until a thick paste is formed, about 1-2 minutes. In a large braiser, or any large ovenproof pot set over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup of the butter until it is beginning to bubble. Heat oven to 400° F with a rack placed in the middle of the oven.Ĭook the pasta according to the package directions until it is 1 minute shy of “al dente”.
