Introduction

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese is creamy, cheesy, and comforting—perfect for anyone avoiding gluten without missing out on flavor. This recipe features a rich cheese sauce, tender gluten-free pasta, and a crispy buttery cracker topping for added texture.

Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound gluten-free elbows macaroni (or cavatappi pasta, cooked per box directions, aim for al dente)
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese (freshly grated)
1 cup white Colby cheese (freshly grated, or use mozzarella)
1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
1 1/2 cups gluten-free buttery crackers (like Ritz, crushed into crumbs)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
1 cup white Colby cheese (freshly grated, or use mozzarella) – for topping
1/2 cup cheddar cheese (freshly grated) – for topping
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente. Drain well and run under hot water. Toss pasta with olive oil in a large bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Whisk in the gluten-free flour until fully combined and smooth.
Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Stir in the sour cream until smooth and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Reduce heat to low and gradually add the 2 cups cheddar, 1 cup Colby, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
Step 6: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir gently to combine.
Step 7: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Step 8: For the buttery cracker topping, combine crushed gluten-free crackers with melted butter in a medium bowl. Stir until combined.
Step 9: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1 cup Colby, 1/2 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese over the mac and cheese, then top with the buttery cracker crumbs.
Step 10: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Step 11: Remove from oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter and milk with plant-based alternatives and use dairy-free cheeses.
Use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded for better melting and creaminess.
Add cooked crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra flavor and texture.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess if needed. This dish can also be frozen for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other gluten-free pasta shapes?

Yes, any gluten-free pasta such as penne, rotini, or fusilli will work well. Just be sure to cook it al dente to avoid mushiness in the bake.

Is the sour cream necessary?

Sour cream adds extra creaminess and tang to the cheese sauce, but you can omit it if you prefer or don’t have it on hand. The mac and cheese will still be delicious without it.

Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 601 reviews

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, comforting comfort food twist that’s perfect for those avoiding gluten. It features a rich cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar, white Colby, and Parmesan, combined with gluten-free pasta and topped with a crispy buttery gluten-free cracker crust. Baked until bubbly and golden, it’s an ideal family-friendly dish that satisfies mac and cheese cravings without gluten worry.

Author: Kai
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Macaroni and Cheese

1 pound gluten-free elbows macaroni (or cavatappi pasta), cooked al dente
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
5 cups milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon mustard powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup sour cream (optional but recommended)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1 cup white Colby cheese, freshly grated (or mozzarella)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Buttery Cracker Topping (Optional)

1 1/2 cups gluten-free buttery crackers, crushed into crumbs
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup white Colby cheese, freshly grated (or mozzarella)
1/2 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is perfect to bake the mac and cheese to a bubbly, golden brown finish.
Prepare the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray and set it aside. This will prevent sticking and make serving easier.
Cook the pasta: Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under hot water to stop the cooking process. Toss the pasta with olive oil in a large bowl to keep it from sticking and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce base: In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the gluten-free flour until it forms a smooth roux.
Add milk and seasonings: Gradually pour in 5 cups of milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and optional red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then let it simmer gently for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Incorporate sour cream and cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until smooth and fully combined. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary. Lower the heat to low and add the shredded sharp cheddar, white Colby, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until all the cheese has melted completely.
Mix pasta and cheese sauce: Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked pasta and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 dish, spreading it out evenly.
Prepare the buttery cracker topping (optional): In a medium bowl, combine the crushed gluten-free crackers with melted butter. Mix well using a fork until the crumbs are fully coated.
Add toppings: Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses (1 cup white Colby, 1/2 cup cheddar, 1/2 cup Parmesan) over the macaroni mixture. Then spread the buttery cracker crumb mixture evenly on top.
Bake the casserole: Place the dish uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Rest before serving: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to rest for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps it set for easier serving and enhances the flavors.

Notes

For best flavor, use freshly grated cheeses rather than pre-shredded.
Sour cream is optional but adds extra creaminess and tang; you can omit if desired.
You can substitute mozzarella for the white Colby cheese if preferred.
Be sure to use gluten-free pasta and crackers to keep the dish fully gluten-free.
Do not overcook the pasta initially; al dente keeps it from becoming mushy after baking.
Letting the casserole rest after baking helps the sauce thicken and improves texture.

Keywords: gluten free mac and cheese, gluten free pasta casserole, baked mac and cheese, gluten free comfort food, cheesy pasta bake