Creamy Lactose-Free Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 12 oz elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp lactose-free butter (or ghee)
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups lactose-free whole milk (Lactaid or equivalent)
• 2 cups aged cheddar, shredded (naturally very low lactose)
• ½ tsp mustard powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes to form a roux.
3. Gradually pour in lactose-free milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar until fully melted. Add mustard powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Add cooked pasta and stir to coat. Serve immediately.

Notes

Aged cheddar (12+ months) is naturally very low in lactose and safe for most LI people. For extra richness, stir in 2 tbsp of lactose-free cream cheese at the end. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of LF milk to loosen the sauce.