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Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 64 reviews

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made with gluten-free pasta and a rich cheese sauce. Featuring sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses, it is topped with a buttery gluten-free cracker crumb crust for a delightful crunch. Perfect for those with gluten sensitivities, this baked macaroni and cheese is a hearty, irresistible dish that’s ideal for family dinners and special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound gluten-free elbows macaroni (or cavatappi pasta), cooked al dente per box directions
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese Sauce

  • 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 (like Ritz), crushed into crumbs
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup white Colby cheese, freshly grated (or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for baking the mac and cheese casserole.
  2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
  3. Cook Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions, aiming for just al dente. Drain the pasta, then rinse it gently under hot water. Toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  4. Make Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until fully liquid.
  5. Add Flour: Whisk in 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour thoroughly to form a smooth roux without lumps.
  6. Gradually Add Milk: While continuously whisking, slowly pour in 5 cups of milk, blending it into the roux until smooth and well combined.
  7. Season Sauce: Stir in 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon mustard powder, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon salt to flavor the sauce evenly.
  8. Simmer: Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce and simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully combined to enhance creaminess; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  10. Add Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and gradually add 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup white Colby (or mozzarella), and 1 cup Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until all the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
  11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly to coat every piece evenly.
  12. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  13. Prepare Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups gluten-free crushed buttery crackers with 6 tablespoons melted butter, mixing with a fork until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  14. Add Additional Cheese to Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup white Colby cheese, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmesan evenly over the mac and cheese in the dish.
  15. Top with Cracker Mixture: Evenly spread the buttery cracker crumb topping over the cheese layer to create a crispy crust.
  16. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbly.
  17. Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set slightly for easier serving.

Notes

  • Use gluten-free pasta and flour to ensure the recipe is entirely gluten-free.
  • Rinsing cooked pasta with hot water prevents sticking without cooling the noodles too much.
  • Sour cream adds extra creaminess but can be omitted for a lighter version.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste, especially salt and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
  • The buttery cracker crumb topping is optional but adds a pleasant crunch and extra flavor.
  • Letting the mac and cheese rest after baking improves texture and makes serving easier.
  • For best results, freshly grate the cheeses rather than using pre-shredded varieties.

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

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