What is the Best Milk for Mac and Cheese?

Although there are only a few core ingredients in mac and cheese, one of the most important is milk. You could have a bland and flat dish if you choose the wrong type. So, what is the best milk for mac and cheese?

The best milk for mac and cheese is usually whole milk due to its high-fat content, which contributes to a rich and creamy sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, 2% milk can work well too, but avoid using skimmed milk.

Why Whole Milk is Best for Mac and Cheese

Whole milk is often preferred for mac and cheese due to its high-fat content, which directly contributes to a rich, creamy texture.

The fats in whole milk act as an emulsifier, helping to blend the cheese into a smooth sauce. This prevents the proteins in the cheese from clumping together, resulting in a creamier sauce rather than a stringy or grainy one.

Ultimately, you want mac and cheese with a silky smooth and buttery sauce.

Practically, whole milk also provides a more stable base for the cheese sauce. Milk fats help to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling under heat, which can be an issue with lower-fat or non-dairy milk.

While other milk options or substitutes can be used based on dietary needs or preferences, whole milk is often considered the best choice for achieving creamy, flavourful mac and cheese.

What Other Milk Works for Mac and Cheese?

If you would rather steer clear of the full-fat version then what other milk types can you use?

1. Semi-Skimmed Milk
   This milk has a moderate fat content (around 1.7% in the UK). It can work well in mac and cheese, but the sauce might not be as rich and creamy as when using whole milk.
2. Skimmed Milk
   This is essentially fat-free milk. While it can be used in mac and cheese, the resulting dish may lack the full, rich taste and creaminess of milk fats. It might also result in a thinner sauce.
3. 1% Fat Milk
   This has a lower fat content than semi-skimmed milk but more than skimmed milk. It’s a balance between the two, but the sauce might not be as creamy as with skimmed milk.

What Dairy-Free Milk is Best for Mac and Cheese?

Of course, more and more people choose to consume a plant-based diet. But, is it possible to get a creamy, unctuous mac and cheese without dairy milk?

Here are several dairy-free milk alternatives you can use for mac and cheese:

1. Almond Milk
   This is a popular dairy-free choice. Its mild, nutty flavour works well in mac and cheese, but choose the unsweetened variety to avoid adding unwanted sweetness.
2. Soy Milk
   Soy milk has a creamy consistency similar to cow’s milk, making it a good choice for mac and cheese. It has a stronger flavour than other milk alternatives but is still relatively neutral.
3. Oat Milk
   This milk alternative is known for its creamy texture and mild flavour, making it a suitable option for mac and cheese. Like with almond milk, go for the unsweetened version.
4. Cashew Milk
   It has a rich and creamy consistency, ideal for mac and cheese. Its mild, sweet flavour pairs well with the cheese.
5. Rice Milk
   It’s thinner and sweeter than most dairy-free milk, so while it can be used in mac and cheese, it might not yield a creamy sauce.
6. Coconut Milk
   It’s rich and creamy but has a distinct coconut flavour that could influence the dish’s taste, so use it if you don’t mind a hint of coconut in your mac and cheese.

Remember, each of these alternatives has its own unique flavour profile, so the final taste of your mac and cheese will vary depending on which one you choose.

Also, non-dairy milk doesn’t always behave the same way under heat as regular milk, and some may curdle, so add them last and heat gently.