Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish perfect for those avoiding gluten without sacrificing flavor. With a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses, it offers a rich, satisfying experience that’s sure to please the whole family.

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 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 mozzarella) for topping
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated for topping
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
2. Step 2: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and run under hot water, then transfer to a large bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Once melted, whisk in the gluten-free flour until fully combined to form a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Step 5: Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Step 6: Remove from heat and stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Step 7: Reduce heat to low and add the sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
8. Step 8: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir to combine evenly.
9. Step 9: Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
10. Step 10: In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed buttery cracker crumbs with the melted butter until well combined.
11. Step 11: Sprinkle the remaining white Colby, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta. Then sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly on top.
12. Step 12: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
13. Step 13: Remove from oven and let the mac and cheese rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• For extra creaminess, use whole milk or add a splash of heavy cream.
• Mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
• Try swapping sharp cheddar with smoked cheddar for a smoky twist.
• If you prefer less spice, omit the red pepper flakes.
• Ensure your gluten-free pasta is cooked al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. The topping may lose its crispness after storage but will still be delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute regular pasta if gluten is not a concern. Just cook it according to package directions and use the same method.

Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?

Sour cream adds creaminess and a slight tang but is optional. You can omit it or replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative.

Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 117 reviews

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made with gluten-free pasta and a rich, flavorful cheese sauce. Topped with a golden buttery cracker crust, it’s baked to bubbly perfection, making it an irresistible dish that everyone can enjoy, even those with gluten sensitivities.

• Author: Yana
• 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 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 1 pound gluten-free elbows macaroni or cavatappi pasta (cooked per box directions, aim for al dente)
• 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 as substitute)
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Buttery Cracker Topping (Optional):

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free buttery crackers (such as Ritz, 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 to prepare for baking the casserole later.
2. Grease the baking dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray and set aside to prevent sticking.
3. Cook the pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions, aiming for al dente texture. Drain and rinse under hot water, then toss with olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking. Set aside in a large bowl.
4. Prepare the cheese sauce – melt butter: Place a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat and melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
5. Whisk in flour: Add the gluten-free flour to the melted butter, whisking until fully combined and smooth, forming a roux.
6. Add milk gradually: While continuously whisking, slowly pour in the milk, ensuring the mixture stays smooth and well combined.
7. Add seasonings: Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, mustard powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt to infuse the sauce with flavor.
8. Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
9. Incorporate sour cream: Stir in sour cream until fully mixed for added creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
10. Add cheeses: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in sharp cheddar, white Colby, and Parmesan cheeses until the sauce is smooth and cheese is completely melted.
11. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
12. Transfer to baking dish: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
13. Prepare buttery cracker topping: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed gluten-free buttery crackers with melted butter until combined.
14. Add topping cheeses: Sprinkle the remaining white Colby, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta in the dish.
15. Add cracker topping: Evenly spread the buttery cracker mixture over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
16. Bake the casserole: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
17. Rest before serving: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set before serving.

Notes

• For extra creaminess, do not skip the sour cream in the cheese sauce.
• Be sure to use freshly grated cheese for the best melting and flavor.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your heat preference or omit entirely for a milder dish.
• Rinsing the cooked pasta under hot water stops cooking and helps prevent sticking for perfectly al dente bites.
• You can substitute mozzarella for the Colby cheese but the flavor will be milder.
• Gluten-free buttery crackers like Ritz are recommended for the topping to maintain the gluten-free status.
• Resting the baked mac and cheese before serving allows it to firm up and makes serving easier.

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