Annie’s Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that many people enjoy. However, if you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply trying to cut back on dairy, you might think this cheesy delight is off the menu. The good news is that you can absolutely make Annie’s Mac and Cheese without milk! This article explores different ways to prepare this dish without sacrificing the creamy texture or cheesy flavor.
Standard Preparation with Milk
Before we dive into milk-free options, let’s first take a look at the standard instructions for making Annie’s Mac and Cheese with milk. This will provide a helpful comparison point as we explore alternatives.
- Boil: 6 cups of water in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in: Pasta, bring to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until done, stirring occasionally.
- Drain pasta: In a colander.
- Add: 3 tablespoons of low-fat milk to the warm saucepan. (Optional: add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter for a richer flavor).
- Sprinkle: Cheese over milk; stir to combine.
- Add: Cooked pasta back to the saucepan and stir well. Enjoy!
Is Milk Required for Annie’s Mac and Cheese?
While the standard instructions call for milk, it’s not an essential ingredient. Milk primarily serves to create a creamy sauce when mixed with the cheese powder. However, several alternatives can achieve a similar, and sometimes even better, result.
Interestingly, Annie’s acknowledges the possibility of using alternatives to milk right on their packaging! They suggest adding unsalted butter for a richer flavor or replacing the milk with low-fat yogurt for a creamy, tangy twist.
It’s worth noting that while Annie’s offers gluten-free mac and cheese, their regular cheese packets do contain dairy. So, even if you substitute the milk with a non-dairy option, the cheese powder itself will still have dairy. If you need a completely dairy-free option, check out the “Vegan Annie’s Mac and Cheese” section below.
Milk Alternatives for Annie’s Mac and Cheese
A wide array of liquids can be used in place of milk to make a delicious and creamy sauce for your Annie’s Mac and Cheese. Here’s a table summarizing some popular choices:
| Milk Alternative | Description | Flavor Profile |
| Almond milk | Made from ground almonds and water | Creamy texture with a subtle nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness |
| Soy milk | Made from soybeans | Creamy with a slightly stronger, more “beany” flavor |
| Oat milk | Made from oats | Creamy and slightly sweet, with a mild oat flavor |
| Coconut milk | Made from the flesh of coconuts | Rich and creamy with a hint of tropical sweetness |
| Cashew milk | Made from cashews | Creamy with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor |
| Hemp seed milk | Made from hemp seeds | Nutty flavor that works well in savory dishes |
| Sour cream or yogurt | Dairy-based or plant-based | Tangy flavor that complements the cheese |
| Heavy cream | Dairy-based | Creates an even creamier sauce |
| Water | Plain water | Can be used, but may result in a less creamy and flavorful sauce |
| Broth | Chicken or vegetable broth | Adds a savory depth of flavor |
| Cottage cheese | Blended cottage cheese | Contributes to a creamy texture with a mild tanginess |
For those seeking a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the cheese, almond milk or oat milk are excellent choices. If you prefer a richer, creamier texture, coconut milk is a fantastic option. And if you’re looking for something a little different, cashew milk or hemp seed milk can add unique flavor dimensions to your mac and cheese.
Now that you know about the various milk alternatives, let’s explore some delicious recipes for making Annie’s Mac and Cheese without milk.
Recipes for Annie’s Mac and Cheese Without Milk
Recipe 1: Creamy Almond Milk Mac and Cheese
This recipe uses almond milk and a simple roux to create a lusciously creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups of Annie’s elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons of your favorite vegan butter, such as Earth Balance or Miyoko’s Kitchen
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 2 cups of almond milk
- 2 cups of dairy-free shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite vegan cheeses)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the vegan butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute, stirring constantly, until the roux is light golden brown and fragrant.
- Gradually whisk in the almond milk, ensuring there are no lumps.
- Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for two minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the vegan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe 2: No-Milk Mac and Cheese with a Kick
This recipe uses heavy cream and spices to create a mac and cheese that’s both creamy and flavorful. You can easily swap the dairy milk for your preferred milk alternative.
Ingredients:
- 250g dry macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk (or milk alternative of your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and cook for 2 minutes, stirring frequently, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, milk (or alternative), mustard powder, and smoked paprika. Continue whisking until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Recipe 3: Simple No-Milk Annie’s Mac and Cheese
This recipe demonstrates how to make Annie’s Mac and Cheese without any milk at all, using just water and the cheese packet.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of Annie’s Mac and Cheese
- Water
- Optional: a splash of almond milk for extra creaminess
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a small amount of water in a saucepan. You don’t need much, just enough to melt the cheese powder and create a sauce.
- Add the cheese packet to the warm water and stir until the powder is dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
- If desired, add a splash of almond milk (or your preferred milk alternative) to enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
- Drain the cooked macaroni and add it to the saucepan with the cheese sauce.
- Stir well to combine and serve immediately.
Vegan Annie’s Mac and Cheese
For those seeking a completely dairy-free option, Annie’s offers a vegan version of their mac and cheese. This convenient and delicious option is made with organic pasta and a creamy, cheddar-flavored sauce made from plant-based ingredients. It’s USDA Certified Organic, contains no artificial flavors or synthetic colors, and is both soy-free and cholesterol-free. Annie’s Vegan Mac and Cheese offers a quick and easy way to enjoy a dairy-free and plant-based meal without any artificial flavors or colors.
You can find Annie’s Vegan Mac and Cheese at various retailers, including Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to enjoy the classic comfort of Annie’s Mac and Cheese without using milk. Whether you choose to use a milk alternative, get creative with different flavors and add-ins, or opt for the convenience of Annie’s Vegan Mac and Cheese, you can still savor this cheesy favorite while meeting your dietary needs and preferences.
Why not try one of the recipes above and see for yourself? You might even discover a new favorite way to enjoy this beloved dish!
