15 Best Substitutes for Butter in Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is one of the ultimate comfort foods. Luckily, there are many different alternatives to butter to use in macaroni and cheese when no butter is to be found. Learn about 15 substitutes for butter in mac and cheese here!

What Can You Substitute for Butter in Macaroni and Cheese?

1. Margarine

Margarine is the closest to butter in terms of taste and texture (and calories!), so if you’re looking for a vegan or dairy-free alternative without sacrificing that buttery flavor, it’s your best bet. Made from vegetable oils, it lessens ‘bad’ cholesterol in the recipe, which in turn lessens fat consumption. Just make sure to check the labels, as not all margarine is created equal. Read: some do contain trans fat, so it’s best to be mindful. 

2. Cream Cheese

Cream cheese in place of butter makes for a gooey, cheesy mac and cheese dish. Because of the flavor profile of this substitute, you can also cut out the milk—without sacrificing the creaminess you’re used to. Keep in mind that this has a slightly thicker texture, so you might want to add oil or margarine to avoid macaroni that sticks and also avoid adding too much cream cheese.

3. Plant-Based Oils

Speaking of oil, certain options like coconut oil make a great butter substitute in terms of texture. They take some finesse to get right, though — too much can throw off the cheese sauce. The key is to balance it with other ingredients, such as cream or coconut cream, to round out the flavor. Another option is to use plant-based butter instead.

4. Olive Oil

Olive oil can be a little tricky. Some people like it, while others prefer to avoid it. You can use it as a substitute, but add it gradually and adjust to taste. Choose extra-virgin olive oil so the flavor stays mild and doesn’t overpower the cheese sauce. If you want something more neutral, canola oil is a good alternative.

5. Avocado

This butter substitute leans more toward the world of plant-based oils. Avocado has become popular for good reason — its natural creaminess adds richness to nearly any dish. If you’re in a pinch or feeling experimental, you can swap in mashed avocado for butter. As always, adjust to taste.

6. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream is the stuff that makes butter, so it makes sense to use it as a substitute. Heavy cream makes it, well, heavy—richer, creamier, and, since it’s relatively tamer in flavor, good for when you want to experiment with adding flavoring. Use this for a more decadent take on a classic. Use the same amount of tablespoons you would normally use in butter.

7. Sour Cream

Much like heavy cream, sour cream adds richness to mac and cheese. It also brings a tangy flavor, so if you’re not used to using it, start with a small amount and adjust as you go. If you already love sour cream, feel free to add more to taste. 

8. Plain Greek Yogurt

Yogurt is a popular substitute — even a great add-on — for mac and cheese. It’s similar to sour cream in the tang it brings, but it’s a bit thicker, so take care to mix everything well for a smooth consistency. You can even skip the milk if you prefer. Just be sure to use plain yogurt.Select 44 more words to run Humanizer.

9. Peanut Butter

“Peanut butter? Really?” Yes, really. Peanut butter can work as a butter substitute in mac and cheese, adding a nutty flavor along with creaminess. Nut butters in general make great vegan alternatives. The taste will change a bit, but it’s an easy way to switch things up. Almond butter is another popular option.

10. Ghee

If you like the nutty element but feel unsure about using peanut butter, try ghee instead. Ghee is clarified butter, meaning it’s been simmered and strained to remove water and lactose, making it a good option for those with certain dairy restrictions. Like regular butter, it has a higher fat content than many substitutes, but it also contains less overall moisture.

11. Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is another alternative to try. Like some of the options here, cottage cheese has a thicker texture, which can make for a slightly richer cheese sauce. But fret not! Cottage cheese doesn’t have an overwhelming flavor profile, which makes it a great alternative.

12. Ricotta

Here’s another cheese-based substitute for butter: ricotta. Like cottage cheese, ricotta adds a rich, creamy texture without overwhelming the dish. Use a little less than you would butter if you want a thinner sauce, though a 1:1 swap usually works well. It also brings a subtle sweetness that enhances the overall flavor.Select 46 more words to run Humanizer.

13. Mayonnaise

Here’s where it gets a little controversial. Some people add mayonnaise to their macaroni and cheese, sure, but as a butter alternative? People are of two minds. It’s not a strict butter replacement, but it does act as a sauce thickener with the added bonus of lending a slight sweetness to the dish. This is one of my personal fave butter alternatives!

14. Tahini

Looking for another vegan substitute? Give tahini a try. Tahini is made from toasted ground hulled sesame seeds and is a staple in Middle Eastern cuisine. It has a slightly nutty flavor that, like some of the options here, and certainly elevates your standard pasta.

15. Pumpkin Puree

A fan of sweetness in your mac and cheese? Try this one. Thick and creamy, it’s a great alternative for those looking to add vegetables to an otherwise decadent dish. Do take note that pumpkin has a prominent flavor that alters the taste by quite a bit, so substitute with caution.

So there you have it! Whether you’re out of ingredients, looking for vegan alternatives, or just plain looking to experiment on regular mac and cheese, there’s something for you here. If you enjoyed this post, I would so appreciate you dropping me a line in the comments below or sharing this post on social media. Thank you!

You Might Also Like These Ingredient Guides