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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. Mix pasta and cheese sauce: Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked pasta and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
  8. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 dish, spreading it out evenly.
  9. 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.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. 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

Find it online: https://kitchenwithkai.com/best-gluten-free-mac-and-cheese-recipe/