No Milk For Mac And Cheese
Posted : admin On 11/6/2019- Homemade Mac And Cheese
- Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
- Kraft Mac And Cheese No Milk
- Mac And Cheese Without Milk Recipe
- No Milk For Box Mac And Cheese
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The best, quick and easy slow cooker mac and cheese recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Super creamy, loaded with cheese (cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan). No Velveeta and requires no boil pasta/ uncooked noodles.
If you are crazy about this Instant Pot Mac and Cheese and One Pot Mac and Cheese as much as me, you have to try today’s recipe immediately.
This is the easiest meal you will ever make that kids and adults, both enjoy. You just throw everything in a crockpot, cook and dig in! Tender macaronis are loaded with the most creamy cheese sauce ever, composed of 3 cheeses!
- This stovetop mac and cheese is a one pot dish of tender macaroni in an ultra creamy cheese sauce. The best macaroni and cheese recipe! After you try this homemade one pot mac and cheese, you’ll never turn to the boxed version again. Serve your mac and cheese with roasted broccoli or glazed carrots for a complete meal.
- Easy No-Bake Homemade Macaroni and Cheese is a faster version of the popular oven-baked pasta dish. This mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a busy week night or a bowl of simple comfort food.
- The best, quick and easy slow cooker mac and cheese recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Super creamy, loaded with cheese (cream cheese, cheddar, mozzarella, parmesan). No Velveeta and requires no boil pasta/ uncooked noodles. If you are crazy.
- Instant Pot Mac and Cheese. Macaroni and cheese is one of the major comfort foods. For all the homemade meals I ate as a kid, I never had homemade mac and cheese until I was a teenager. Baker, from our church, made some for us and it was amazing! It tasted way different than the kind we made from the box!
How to make slow cooker mac and cheese (macaroni and cheese)?
- Add uncooked pasta, seasonings, cheeses, milk in crockpot.
- Cover and cook.
- Mix often.
- Garnish with parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
No Boil Homemade Macaroni and Cheese! The easiest, creamiest homemade macaroni and cheese ever. No boiling the noodles first and it is made all in one pan! NO-BOIL HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE. Is there anything more comforting than mac and cheese? I have been making this recipe for years now and it is one of our favorites.
What sides to serve with best slow cooker mac and cheese recipe?
This is a very heavy meal and side dishes that accompany this meal should be kept simple such as:
- Crusty bread
- Breadsticks
- Garlic bread
- Salad
- Dinner rolls
- Cheese sticks
What cheese to use in creamy macaroni and cheese?
This is a personal preference. After multiple trials, I recommend using cream cheese, mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar. However, you can also use a blend of other cheeses for a different flavor profile
- Gouda
- Gruyere
- Ricotta
- Parmesan
- Feta
- Pepper jack
- Colby jack
- Swiss
- Mexican cheese blend
- Blue cheese
Variations
Make it with ham– Mix in 1 cup cooked ham at the end (cut into small slices)
Make it with bacon– Sprinkle in 1/2 cup cooked crumbled bacon on top, prior to serving.
Make it with buffalo chicken– Mix in 1 cup shredded buffalo chicken at the end.
Make it healthy– This is really not meant to be a healthy meal but you can substitute full-fat ingredients with low fat ones, although it would reduce the creaminess and cheesiness in this recipe and I don’t recommend it.
Make it even more creamy and cheesy– By using Velveeta instead of cream cheese.
Add breadcrumbs topping- You will have to make this topping separately. Mix together seasoned 1 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a nonstick pan. Virtual box for mac. Cook on medium-high heat, stirring often until crumbs are nicely toasted and crispy. Sprinkle this on top of the pasta, prior to serving to add a nice crunch.
Make it spicy– By adding some red chili flakes or finely chopped jalapenos.
Tips and Techniques
What kind of milk to use? After trying various types of milk, the best results came with evaporated milk and whole milk. You can play around with other milks of your choice to see how it affects this recipe. Some people make this without evaporated milk and replace that with water or additional whole milk. Try and see what you think.
What herbs and spices to use? I like to add some mustards, garlic, salt, pepper, paprika and parsley to enhance the flavor profile. Some people just add salt and pepper but I find that to be too bland.
Adjust herbs and seasonings- This is based on your preference. Add more or less salt, pepper, paprika, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder.
Use uncooked pasta– Because this recipe uses a lot of milk that would cook the pasta in the slow cooker. You don’t have to pre-cook or boil it first.
Use freshly grated cheese- Rather than packaged shredded cheeses because those tend to add a grainy texture to this dish.
Use full fat ingredients- This is especially with regards to milk and cheeses. The higher the fat content, the more rich and creamy this pasta recipe would be.
What type of pasta to use? Elbow macaroni is the classic choice. Don’t use whole wheat pasta because it requires additional liquid for it to cook through.
Pasta thickens as it cools– This is normal and nothing to worry about. It will be slightly runny but it will continue to thicken as it cools down because the pasta absorbs all the liquid and moisture, making it feel very dry. You can add more or less milk to thicken it or thin it out.
Cooking time may vary- This depends on the brand of slow cooker you use and how old and worn out it is. Some crockpots tend to run hotter than others. If that’s the case, keep a close eye on it and check every 30 minutes to prevent it from becoming over-cooked and “mushy.”
How to avoid dry pasta? Don’t open the slow cooker too many dimes during cooking because you will loose steam which cooks the macaroni and retains moisture.
Can you freeze mac and cheese? No, it does not taste as good when it thaws and the texture is different.
Serve a crowd– By doubling this recipe and making it in 2 separate slow cookers.
More One Pot Pasta Meals
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
Quick and easy slow cooker mac and cheese recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Super creamy, loaded with cheese, no velveeta and needs no boil pasta.
Ingredients
- 1poundMacaroniUncooked
- 2cupsMozzarella cheeseShredded
- 1/2cupParmesan cheeseShredded
- 1.5cupsCheddar cheeseShredded
- 4oz.Cream cheeseFull fat
- 2.5cupsMilkWhole
- 1canEvaporated milk12 oz. can
- 1tbspMustard
- 1tspPaprika
- 1tspGarlic powder
- 1tspOnion powder
- SaltTo taste
- PepperTo taste
- 1-2tbspParsleyFresh, Finely chopped
Instructions
Add pasta, mozzarella cheese, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, cream cheese in a crockpot.
Add mustard, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper. Mix.
Cover and cook on low heat for 1.5 hours to 2 hours, stirring every 30-40 minutes, until pasta is fully cooked and cheese is all meted.
Note: If the mixture is too thick, add more milk.
Garnish with parsley and serve immediately (I skipped the garnish because my kiddo does not like it).
Recipe Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- Tastes best when served immediately but leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Happy cooking everyone!
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
Quick and easy instant pot mac and cheese recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Super creamy and loaded with cheese. No evaporated milk! No Velveeta!
This meal is ready in only 10 minutes and perfect for busy days. It screams comfort food just like these other Instant pot meals:
Tender macaronis are loaded with creamy cheese sauce (made of 3 cheeses!) and simple seasonings. You will surely be coming back for more and leftovers are perfect for school lunches that kids will love!
How to make easy instant pot mac and cheese recipe?
- Add uncooked pasta, seasonings and broth.
- Cover and cook.
- Release pressure.
- Add cheese and milk.
- Mix until smooth and you are done.
What cheeses to use for best mac and cheese (instant pot)?
The best combination is sharp cheddar, mozzarella and parmesan, hands down. However, you can also use a blend of other cheeses for a different flavor profile
- Gouda
- Gruyere
- Ricotta
- Parmesan
- Feta
- Pepper jack
- Colby jack
- Swiss
- Mexican cheese blend
- Blue cheese
Tips and Techniques
-Adjust amount of seasonings– This can be done, based on your preference. Add more or less of salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, mustard, Sriracha.
-Use low sodium ingredients– Because this prevents the meal from becoming too salty. This is especially with regards to butter and broth.
Pasta thickens as it cools– This is normal and nothing to worry about. It will be slightly runny but it will continue to thicken as it cools down. Also, you can add more or less milk, based on your preference.
-Use small sized pastas- Such as elbows, daltini or shells. If you use jumbo pastas, the quantity of broth and water may have to be adjusted.
-Use full fat ingredients-For maximum richness and creaminess, use full fat cheeses and whole milk. However, my mom likes to use evaporated milk and that works really well too.
-Can you freeze this meal? No, it does not taste as good when it thaws.
-What type of milk to use? Can you use evaporated milk instead of milk? The best choice is whole milk since it yields the creamiest results. However, you can also use 2% milk or even evaporated milk or even a combination of heavy cream, 2% milk and evaporated milk. Test it out and see what works best for your palette.
-Make baked mac and cheese- This is very popular. Spread the prepared pasta in a large oven-safe dish. Top off with shredded cheddar cheese and crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs. Bake at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes or until top is toasted and golden brown.
Homemade Mac And Cheese
What sides to serve?
Since this is such a heavy meal, I highly recommend keeping the sides simple such as :
- Crusty bread
- Breadsticks
- Garlic bread
- Sald
How to reheat macaroni and cheese?
Honestly, it tastes the best when served fresh, all warm, cheesy and ooey gooey. However, this meal has a tendency to become thick, as it cools down because the pasta absorbs all the liquid and moisture, making it feel very dry.
Thankfully, this can easily be fixed. Before you reheat in the microwave, just add a splash of milk, heat, and then, mix everything together until creamy again.
Baked Mac And Cheese Recipe
What can I add to mac and cheese?
Kraft Mac And Cheese No Milk
You can try many flavor variations, just by the addition of a few simple ingredients.
– Use your favorite cheeses– I like to use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella but my son loves the Mexican cheese blend. Get creative!
-Bacon– Everything is better with bacon. When pasta is ready, sprinkle cooked crumbled bacon on top to add a little crunch.
-Sausage– Slice it into small round pieces and cook it first on the “Saute” setting. Then, add all the other ingredients and cook, as per instructions below.
-Ground beef- Cook it first on the “Saute” setting and drain fat. Then, add all the other ingredients and cook, as per instructions below.
-Chicken- Mix in The easiest choice is rotisserie chicken or leftover baked/grilled chicken from a previous meal. Shred it cut it into cubes and mix it into the prepare pasta at the end.
-Spinach– Use frozen but be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before adding it into the pot.
-Get creative with garnish– The classic choice is parsley but you can also use finely chopped green onions or cilantro or basil or chives.
-Seasonings– There are so many pre-made seasonings in the market these days. Use an Italian spice blend or Cajun seasoning or Mexican taco seasoning to really take this dish over the top.
-Jalapenos– This jalapeno popper version is my personal favorite. I only add 1 large jalapeno. Make sure it’s finely chopped. De-seed if you don’t want it too spicy.
-Make it spicy- Do this by adding some red chili flakes or even finely chopped green chilies.
– Make this meal vegan– Use vegan milk (almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, cashew milk) and vegan cheese.
-Make it smoky- You can do this by adding a little liquid smoke or using a smoker.
-Make it healthier– This can be done by using low fat milk and cheeses or even cauliflower cheese sauce (although I must admit that I really don’t like the cauliflower version).
Mac And Cheese Without Milk Recipe
Other One Pot Pasta Recipes
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Quick and easy instant pot mac and cheese recipe, homemade with simple ingredients. Super creamy and loaded with cheese. No evaporated milk! No Velveeta!
Ingredients
- 1boxMacaroni16 oz. box, Uncooked
- 4cupsChicken brothOr vegetable broth, Low sodium
- 2tbspButterUnsalted
- 1tspGarlic powder
- 1tspOnion powder
- SaltTo taste
- PepperTo taste
- 1tspDijon mustard
- 1tspSriracha sauce Or hot sauce, Optional
- 1cupCheddar cheeseShredded
- 1cupMozzarella cheeseShredded
- 1/3cupParmesan cheeseShredded
- 1/2 – 1cupMilkWhole
Instructions
Add the macaroni, broth, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, mustard, sriracha sauce or hot sauce (optional) in the instant pot and mix everything together.
Put the lid on and turn up the the valve to “Sealing.” Select “Manual” mode and set the time for 5 minutes.
When the cook time is over, let the pressure release by turning the valve to “Venting.”
Remove lid and mix in all the cheeses and milk until smooth and creamy.
Note: Start off by adding 1/2 cup milk and add more, as necessary, until you are satisfied with the consistency.Garnish with finely chopped parsley (optional) and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- Read all my tips above.
- This tastes best when served fresh but leftovers can be stored in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It can be reheated in the microwave with a splash of milk.
No Milk For Box Mac And Cheese
Happy cooking everyone!