can you boil milk instead of water for mac and cheese

This One Pot Macaroni and Cheese is so simple that you will wonder why you haven’t always made it this way. Ready in 15 minutes and only one pot to clean – I’m sold!

I have all kinds of macaroni and cheese recipes on the blog, from a Crock-Pot version to green mac and cheese, and today I have a Creamy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese to add to the collection.

My other stove-top macaroni and cheese recipe is still a favorite, but I don’t always have canned milk. The difference is that this recipe makes a thick and sticky macaroni and cheese (it almost has the texture and taste of baked macaroni to me), while the other recipe has almost a runny sauce.

This stovetop mac and cheese is the creamiest version! The secret to this recipe is that the pasta is boiled in milk (which means only one pot for easy clean up). It’s as easy as 1,2,3!
can you boil milk instead of water for mac and cheese

How to Make One Pot Mac and Cheese

  • Add milk, butter, and macaroni noodles to a large pot.
  • Cook on medium, stirring often, until the noodles are cooked, about 15-18 minutes.
  • Add the cheese and salt, stirring until melted.
  • Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more cheese if desired.

I prefer elbow macaroni, but bow tie, fusilli, and penne pasta also work well.

You can use water instead, but your mac n cheese will be less creamy.

If you end up having too much liquid in your macaroni and cheese, bring the contents back to a boil and cook until the desired consistency. Be sure to stir constantly to keep the milk and cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

This stuff in the blue box is not ideal for leftovers. The sauce gets powdery and has a weird texture. But this one-pot mac and cheese tastes SO good reheated. You still have the creamy factor, and the flavors have a chance to deepen. I recommend eating the leftovers within 1-2 days and storing them properly in the refrigerator.

can you boil milk instead of water for mac and cheese

  • You don’t need to drain the pasta in this recipe. Cooking the pasta directly in the milk makes it extra creamy, and the sauce sticks to it much better.
  • To get the full creaminess factor, I recommend using whole milk or at least 2%.
  • Use mild or sharp cheddar, adding more cheese if needed to achieve the true cheesy taste you’re looking for.

can you boil milk instead of water for mac and cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and simple 20-minute meal
  • Extra easy because you cook the macaroni right in the milk, which helps to make the sauce
  • Ultimate creamy comfort food
  • Perfect for lunches or suppers and sure to be a family favorite!
  • Milk – whole milk will be the creamiest
  • Butter
  • Elbow macaroni – or another similar pasta
  • Cheddar cheese – mild or sharp, your choice!
  • Salt and pepper

See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.

can you boil milk instead of water for mac and cheese

Kraft Mac And Cheese Changing their Recipe #food

FAQ

Can you use milk instead of water for mac and cheese?

Many call for cooking pasta directly in milk, a technique that works okay, but it can lead to scorching if you’re not super careful with stirring. I prefer the evaporated-milk route because it ensures a clean pan with no burnt bits on the bottom.

Is it okay to boil macaroni in milk?

Simply swap the water for milk. Here’s the catch, you do have to babysit your noodles a bit more than you would have to if you are cooking in water. First, you want to make sure you have enough milk to allow for evaporation. Second, keep the milk at a simmer rather than a full boil to prevent from burning.

Does milk thicken mac and cheese?

Step 3, Whisk in the milk and thicken the sauce. As the milk heats up with the roux, it thickens and turns silky smooth.

Can milk curdle when making mac and cheese?

This is a phenomenon that happens quite frequently, especially in baked mac and cheese. So how do we prevent it from happening? Well, the science behind curdling is simple. Dairy, in particular, is prone to curdling easily due to three things: Fat, protein, and water.

Can you use water instead of milk in Mac and cheese?

Milk adds richness and creaminess to the dish, which water cannot replicate entirely. If you use water though, here’s what you can expect. When you replace milk with water in mac and cheese, it will lose some of its creamy and dairy-rich flavors. Milk contributes a mild sweetness and a subtle dairy tang that enhances the overall taste.

Can one eat mac and cheese powder?

Mac and cheese powder is not a healthy food, as it is industrially processed and contains high concentrations of potentially dangerous chemicals. So you must have it occasionally.

What is the difference between milk and water in Mac & Cheese?

We think added cheese is the best option. Texture is the most significant difference between milk and water in mac and cheese. Milk adds creaminess and thickness to the cheese sauce, resulting in a smoother, silkier texture. On the other hand, water will result in a thinner and less creamy sauce.

Can you add milk to Mac & Cheese?

Be cautious not to brown the butter, as this can alter the flavor and color of your mac and cheese. Adjust the Consistency: To replace the liquid volume of milk, you can add a small amount of water, broth, or another milk substitute. Start by adding a tablespoon at a time while whisking continuously until you achieve the desired creaminess.

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