11 best butter substitute for mac and cheese & way to use

Macaroni and cheese is an iconic comfort food for many people, but it can be made healthier by using a butter substitute.

With a variety of options available, finding the best substitute for butter in macaroni and cheese can be confusing.

Fortunately, there are some good alternatives that not only make your favorite dish healthier but also add flavor to the mix.

From vegan-friendly choices like olive oil and coconut oil to more traditional spreads like margarine and cream cheese, this guide will help you find the perfect replacement for butter in your macaroni and cheese recipes. 

Not only will these substitutes help you get creative with your cooking, but they’ll also provide essential nutrition while keeping your dish delicious!

We’ll also discuss tips for getting the perfect consistency with your Mac and cheese, no matter which substitutes you choose.

So, let’s explore the best butter substitute for Mac and cheese.

Can you make kraft mac and cheese without butter and Milk?

There are plenty of ways to make kraft mac and cheese without butter or Milk. You can use alternatives like coconut oil, olive oil, or any other cooking oil in place of the butter.

For the Milk, you can use a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or soy milk instead. There are also some recipes that call for a combination of butter and Milk.

If you like to stick with the traditional kraft mac and cheese recipe, you can also just reduce the amount of butter or Milk that is called for in the recipe.

This will allow you to make it without using any dairy products while still creating a delicious dish!

To further enhance its flavor, add some paprika or garlic powder during the cooking process. Consider also trying different types of noodles for some additional texture and flavor.

All-in-all, with a few minor reviews, you can enjoy a tasty meatless meal in no time!

Butter substitute for Mac and cheese

1. Olive oil

Olive oil is a healthier option to butter when it comes to cooking your Mac and cheese. Not only does olive oil have less saturated fat than butter, but it also has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor or avocado oil for a rich and creamy taste.

However, if you’re looking for an easy swap that will also boost the nutritional content of your dish, then olive oil is definitely the way to go!

Not only will it add extra flavor to your Mac and cheese, but it will also help keep you healthy by reducing your risk of heart disease and lowering cholesterol levels.

So why not give it an attempt tonight? Your taste buds will thank you!

2. Margarine

Margarine is a healthier alternative to butter. It contains less saturated fat and cholesterol than butter, making it a better choice for people who are trying to reduce their intake of these unhealthy substances.

Additionally, margarine can be used in recipes where butter would typically be used, such as macaroni and cheese.

If you replace the butter with margarine when preparing your own Mac and cheese at home, you will enjoy all the delicious flavors but with fewer negative health effects!

3. Try Milk to replace butter for Mac and cheese

Mac and cheese is a delicious meal that can be made with Milk instead of butter. Using Milk in place of butter will not only give the dish a creamier texture but also provide essential nutrients such as calcium and protein.

To make Mac and cheese using Milk, begin by bringing two cups of water to a boil in a large pot.

Once boiling, add one cup of elbow macaroni noodles and cook until al dente. Drain the noodles once cooked and return them to the pot.

Add two tablespoons of olive oil or butter substitute, one teaspoon garlic powder, one cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 cup of Milk to the pot.

Stir until all ingredients are combined and the cheese is melted. Serve hot, and enjoy!

4. Cream

The cream is a great substitute for butter when making Mac and Cheese. It adds a richness that you won’t get with butter while still providing the creamy texture everyone loves.

To use cream in your Mac and Cheese, replace one-half cup of butter with one-half cup of cream.

This will give you a much denser and richer dish than using all butter.

If you don’t have any half-and-half on hand, try using heavy cream instead – just bear in mind that it will make your Mac and cheese slightly thicker than using half-and-half.

Top off your dish with plenty of cheese for an extra cheesy flavor!

5. Mac and cheese with oil instead of butter

Mac and cheese with oil instead of butter is a healthier, more flavorful version of classic macaroni and cheese. This dish uses olive oil to replace the traditional butter, giving it an added richness and nutty flavor.

Olive oil also adds a good dose of healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to the meal. 

For best results, use extra-virgin olive oil for this recipe; its robust flavor will really shine!

In addition to the oil, you can easily customize your Mac and cheese by adding in whatever mix-ins you like – try diced bell peppers or mushrooms for some extra veggie goodness.

Serve up your creation on its own or with a side salad for a full meal that’s sure to be a hit!

6. Heavy Cream

Adding heavy cream instead of butter to the dish will result in a more rich and more creamy flavor. The amount of cream you use should be equal to the amount of butter that would normally be used in the recipe.

Heavy cream is also great for making sauces, gravies, and other creamy dishes like mashed potatoes or alfredo sauce.

For dishes such as these, start with a small amount of heavy cream and gradually add more until desired consistency is achieved.

Keep in mind that using too much will make your sauce overly thick, so it’s best to find a balance between adding enough cream and not going overboard.

When substituting heavy cream for butter, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly since heavy cream has a higher moisture content.

This means that dishes may take a bit longer to cook if heavy cream is substituted for butter in the recipe.

Ensure to keep an eye on the dish while it’s cooking to ensure that everything comes out perfectly.

Alternatively, you can also use heavy cream instead of mayonnaise for a richer version of this classic dish.

Heavy cream is made from cows’ Milk that is higher in fat than regular Milk and has a thicker texture than mayonnaise or butter.

To make macaroni and cheese using heavy cream, you will need two cups of uncooked elbow macaroni, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, one cup of heavy cream, salt to taste, and optional seasonings such as garlic powder or paprika.

Start by boiling your macaroni according to the directions on the package. Once cooked and drained, stir in the heavy cream until completely combined with the macaroni.

Sprinkle in the cheese, salt, and optional seasonings. Mix all the ingredients together until evenly blended and heated through. Serve warm, and enjoy!

7. Mac and cheese with mayo instead of butter

Use mayonnaise in place of butter in Mac and cheese. Not only does it make the dish creamier, but it also adds a hint of tanginess to the flavor.

Mayonnaise can also be used in egg salad and tuna salad recipes, adding a richer taste without making the salads too heavy.

You can even use mayonnaise to coat chicken before baking or frying, giving it an extra layer of flavor!

Finally, you can use mayonnaise in place of other condiments like mustard or ketchup when making sandwiches or burgers; this will give your meal a unique and delicious twist.

With so many uses for mayonnaise, it’s definitely a pantry staple that you shouldn’t overlook. Give these recipes a try and see what delicious creations you come up with!

To make macaroni and cheese using mayonnaise, you will need 1 cup of uncooked elbow macaroni, 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/3 cup of mayonnaise, salt to taste, and optional seasonings such as garlic powder or paprika.

8. Tahini 

Tahini is a great alternative to traditional butter when making Mac and Cheese. It gives a nutty flavor to the dish, as well as a Creamy texture that compliments the cheese and pasta perfectly.

To get started, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your favorite type of macaroni noodles and cook until al dente. Drain off any excess liquid and keep it in a bowl.

In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of tahini on medium heat. Be sure to monitor it carefully, so it does not burn or turn bitter.

Once melted, slowly incorporate 3 cups of warm Milk into the tahini mixture while stirring continuously until fully combined.

Turn the heat to low and add 2 cups of your favorite grated cheese, stirring until the cheese is fully melted.

Finally, add the cooked macaroni noodles to the pot and gently mix everything together until combined. If desired, you can season with salt and pepper or top with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

9. Ghee

Use Ghee instead of Butter to make Mac and Cheese. Try adding garam masala or cumin powder to your Mac and Cheese. This will give it a unique flavor while also providing additional health benefits. 

You can also apply other spices like turmeric, coriander, and cardamom to enhance the flavor. To create a healthier version of Mac and Cheese, use whole wheat macaroni instead of the classic white variety.

Additionally, try using low-fat cheese for an even better nutritional profile.

For a vegan alternative, use unsweetened almond milk in place of cow’s Milk and vegan cheese instead of regular cheese. 

Finally, mix in some cooked vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower to get more nutrition into your meal! Enjoy your delicious, healthier Mac and Cheese!

10. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a wonderful substitute for butter in Mac and cheese. Not only does it provide the creamy texture that’s necessary for a delicious dish, but it also adds a subtle nutty flavor.

To use coconut oil in your Mac and cheese, start by melting one tablespoon of virgin coconut oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Then, add two cups of uncooked elbow macaroni to the pan and stir to cover with the melted coconut oil.

Next, pour 2 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth into the pan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes or until the liquid has been absorbed and the pasta is cooked al dente.

Finally, stir in 2 tablespoons of coconut oil and 1/2 cup shredded cheese (or vegan cheese alternative) and season with salt & pepper to taste.

Serve hot! Enjoy your delicious Mac and cheese made with coconut oil.

You can also utilize coconut oil in place of butter to make cheesy sauces for other pasta dishes like lasagna or baked ziti.

11. Plain Yogurt

Plain yogurt adds a creamy texture and tangy flavor to Mac and cheese without all of the added fat from butter. It also helps bind the cheese sauce together, making it thicker and more flavorful.

To use plain yogurt in your mac and cheese recipes, simply replace the amount of butter called for with an equal amount of plain yogurt.

You may require to add a bit more liquid if needed, as yogurt is thinner than melted butter. Give your Mac and cheese a healthier spin while still enjoying its delicious cheesy taste! Enjoy!

FAQs on butter substitute for Mac and cheese