Improve your mac & cheese with almond milk, a low-calorie, lactose-free substitute for dairy milk. This recipe is ideal for every occasion because of the numerous add-in possibilities and serving recommendations.
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An Introduction to Mac And Cheese With Almond Milk
Mac & cheese with almond milk is a dairy-free version of the popular macaroni and cheese recipe that substitutes almond milk for ordinary milk. It consists of preparing elbow macaroni and then mixing it with a creamy cheese sauce consisting of almond milk, cheese, and other components including butter, flour, and seasonings.
As a consequence, this delicious and creamy mac and cheese meal is perfect for individuals who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or just searching for a healthier alternative to the conventional recipe.
Benefits of Using Almond Milk in Mac And Cheese: A Healthier Alternative to Dairy
When compared to typical dairy milk, using almond milk in mac and cheese has various advantages:
- Reduced in calories: Almond milk has fewer calories than dairy milk. Making it an excellent choice for people limiting their calorie intake
- Dairy-free: Because almond milk is dairy-free, it is excellent for persons who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or follow a vegan diet
- Low in saturated fat: Almond milk is naturally low in saturated fat. Which is good for your heart and can help decrease your cholesterol
- Nutrient-dense: It is high in vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from harm. It is also high in calcium, which is essential for bone health
- Almond milk may give a faintly nutty flavor to mac and cheese, which can improve the overall taste of the meal
Overall, using almond milk in mac and cheese is a terrific method to make the dish healthier and more accommodating to a wider range of dietary needs.
Tips for Getting The Perfect Texture And Consistency With Almond Milk
Almond milk may be a terrific substitute for dairy milk in mac and cheese. But it can also be difficult to work with due to its thinner consistency and lower fat content. Here are some pointers for attaining the proper texture and consistency when making mac and cheese using almond milk:
- Select the proper almond milk: Seek unsweetened almond milk with a creamy texture and calcium and vitamin fortification. Use unsweetened or flavored almond milk to avoid changing the flavor and consistency of the mac and cheese
- Add a thickener: Before adding the almond milk. Add a pinch of cornflour or flour to the melted butter to help thicken the sauce. This will aid in the creation of a creamy, rich sauce that uniformly covers the macaroni
- Employ a high-fat cheese: Because dairy milk has less fat than cheese. Using high-fat cheese like cheddar or Gouda can assist to make a creamier and richer sauce
- Be patient: When using almond milk, the sauce may take a bit longer to thicken, so be patient and continue to whisk the sauce over low heat until it reaches the required consistency
You can make a wonderful and creamy mac and cheese with almond milk that has the correct texture and consistency by following these recommendations.
Variations And Add-Ins
There are several ways to make it unique, from using different varieties of cheese to combining other veggies or proteins. Here are some variants and add-ins to consider:
- Cooked broccoli, spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers provide a nutritious and savory addition to your mac and cheese
- Try different varieties of cheese, such as Gouda, feta, or Parmesan, to bring distinct flavors and textures to your recipe
- To make your mac & cheese more full and fulfilling, add a little grilled chicken, bacon, or prawn
- Spice it up: To add some flavor to the cheese sauce, mix in some garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder
- Employ alternative pasta shapes: Instead of the conventional elbow macaroni, try penne, fusilli, or shells
- Make it gluten-free: To make your mac and cheese gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour (such as rice flour)
- Finish it off: Before baking, sprinkle breadcrumbs, broken crackers, or shredded cheese on top of your mac and cheese for a crispy topping
You can simply personalize your mac and cheese with almond milk to fit your taste preferences and nutritional needs with these variants and add-ins.
Recipe to Make Mac And Cheese With Almond Milk
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 Tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- 3/4 to 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- A dash of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
- 2 cups Almond Breeze Almondmilk Original
- 1 1/4 cups freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Swiss gruyere cheese
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water with salt added to a boil. Cook pasta according to the directions on the package
- While boiling, melt butter in another pot on medium heat. Add ground mustard, salt, pepper, and ground nutmeg and mix in flour. Constantly stir and mix the flour mixture in the pot for about 3 to 4 minutes, creating a roux and cooking the flour
- Slowly whisk in Almond Breeze Almondmilk, and carefully mix it into the flour mixture. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, while whisking the mixture. Add cheese and mix, and turn the heat off. Add the drained pasta to the pot with the cheese sauce. Mix together to coat the pasta and serve immediately
Serving Suggestions
It is a delightful comfort food that can be served as a main meal or as a side dish. Here are some ideas for serving your mac & cheese with almond milk:
- Serve as a main meal: As a fulfilling main course, serve a warm and soothing bowl of mac & cheese with almond milk. To round off the dish, serve with a salad on the side or roasted veggies
- Serve with grilled chicken, beef, or fish as a side dish: Serve as a dipping sauce with grilled chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also delicious with roasted veggies or a simple green salad
- Individual portions: For a fun and convenient serving alternative, make your mac & cheese with almond milk in individual ramekins or muffin pans. This method is also excellent for portion control
- Make it a party dish: Prepare a large batch and set up a toppings station with alternatives like crispy bacon, sliced tomatoes, and chopped scallions for your next party or gathering
- Either way, you serve, it will be a crowd-pleasing recipe that is both comfortable and gratifying
Why Almond Milk Makes Mac And Cheese More Nutritious
For a variety of reasons, almond milk can make mac and cheese more healthful. For starters, almond milk is naturally lower in calories and fat than dairy milk. Making it a better alternative for people trying to cut calories or restrict saturated fat consumption. Moreover, almond milk contains vitamin E, which is an antioxidant that can help protect cells from free radical damage.
Using almond milk instead of dairy milk in mac and cheese might make the recipe more suited for persons with gluten sensitivity or milk allergies. Almond milk is also high in calcium, which is essential for keeping healthy bones and teeth.
Moreover, substituting almond milk for dairy milk might make it more suited for vegan or plant-based diets. Almond milk is a popular vegan and vegetarian milk substitute since it is devoid of animal ingredients while still providing some nutritional advantages.
Overall, including almond milk in it can improve its nutritional value and suitability for a wide range of dietary needs and tastes.
A Gluten-Free Option For Comfort Food Lovers
It is a great gluten-free option for those who want comfort cuisine. Traditional mac and cheese are often made using gluten-containing wheat pasta. Nevertheless, you can make a gluten-free version of this popular meal using gluten-free spaghetti and almond milk instead of dairy milk.
Apart from being gluten-free, using it has numerous other advantages. As previously said, almond milk has fewer calories and fat than dairy milk. Making it a better alternative for people controlling their weight or attempting to maintain a balanced diet. Furthermore, almond milk is naturally lactose-free, making it a perfect choice for individuals who are lactose intolerant.
Gluten-free pasta is now commonly available in most supermarkets and may be produced from a range of grains, including rice, quinoa, and maize. You may enjoy mac and cheese even without bloat, cramping, as well as other unpleasant symptoms. That gluten can cause in those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease by using gluten-free pasta.
Overall, It is a delightful and healthy gluten-free or lactose-free alternative to regular mac and cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food for anyone who is gluten or lactose intolerant.
Conclusion
Finally, it may be a healthy and tasty alternative to dairy milk in mac and cheese, providing reduced calories. A lower fat choice that is ideal for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. Almond milk is also high in vitamin E, calcium, and other elements that promote a balanced diet.
It may also be a delightful and comfortable choice for individuals on a gluten-free or lactose-free diet using gluten-free macaroni. It may be a flexible and enjoyable dinner for any occasion because it can be customized with numerous add-ins and serving ideas.
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FAQs
Instead of regular milk, use plant-based milk like almond, soy, oat, or cashew for this mac and cheese.
I have been trying my hand at baking and cooking with almond milk so this was exciting for me to try. It took a couple of tries and tweaks to get it right but I can yes, it can be done! It’s so creamy and cheesy, I love it!
You can use any milk you prefer in your macaroni and cheese; this includes almond milk. Almond milk is a great substitute for someone who doesn’t have or cannot consume normal milk. It has an extremely similar consistency and won’t change the flavor if you use unsweetened almond milk.
Almond milk can be used 1:1 in place of 2% milk and whole milk when baking. When using it in place of whole milk, confections may bake a little faster, as there is more water in almond milk than in dairy milk. This water evaporates causing the baked good to rise and set more quickly.