Satisfy Your Cravings with Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese
Get ready to indulge in the most delicious and creamy gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe you’ve ever tasted! As a nutritionist and food blogger, I am passionate about providing healthy and organic recipes that cater to all dietary restrictions. This easy-to-follow gluten-free mac and cheese recipe will satisfy your cravings for the classic comfort food while keeping your stomach happy.
I understand how hard it can be to enjoy your favorite pasta dishes when living with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. That’s why I’ve crafted this recipe with gluten-free elbow macaroni and other high-quality ingredients that make this dish both healthy and enjoyable.
This creamy baked macaroni recipe will remind you of the southern-style mac and cheese that grandma used to make. But instead of using traditional flour, we’ll use gluten-free purpose flour so that everyone can enjoy this cheesy side dish. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just craving some comfort food, this gluten-free mac and cheese recipe will be a crowd-pleaser.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in some irresistible cheesy goodness. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Looking for a delicious, hearty and healthy dinner option that is perfect for the whole family? Look no further than this gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe. Here are just a few reasons why you’ll absolutely love this recipe:
1. Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: This macaroni and cheese recipe is completely free of gluten, dairy products or any other harsh chemicals or preservatives. Instead, it’s packed with wholesome, organic ingredients that are easy to digest and will leave you feeling energized and satisfied.
2. Delicious Ingredients: Made with a combination of sharp cheddar cheese, unsalted butter, rice flour, gluten-free elbow macaroni, 2% milk and other rich ingredients – this macaroni and cheese is full of flavor and perfect for those who crave comfort food without the extra calories.
3. Easy to Make: With only a few steps involved in the process, this recipe is super easy to follow even for beginning cooks without any prior experience.
4. Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe by using your favorite cheese or pasta variations as needed. Whether you’re in the mood for Cajun-style macaroni and cheese or a more traditional baked macaroni casserole with breadcrumbs on top, this recipe can be adapted in countless ways.
5. Perfect for Sharing: Whether you’re cooking for one or preparing dinner for the entire family, this gluten-free macaroni and cheese is an ideal dish to share with loved ones at potlucks, family gatherings, or when hosting a BBQ on a low-key weekend evening.
Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!
Ingredient List
- 12 ounces gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided into 3 tablespoons and 1 tablespoon
- 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 8 ounces)
Creamy Cheese Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups milk
Baked Macaroni Ingredients
- Macaroni noodles cooked according to package instructions, then drained
- Cheese sauce (recipe above)
- Shredded cheese for topping (about 8 oz)
Variations
Vegan Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
Substitute dairy-free, vegan cheese for cheddar cheese. Trader Joe’s “gluten-free rice pasta and cheddar” is a great vegan choice.
Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour used in the creamy ingredients. Top the mac and cheese with bread crumbs before baking.
Dairy-Free Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Use a dairy-free cheese alternative instead of cheddar cheese.
The Recipe How-To
Now, it’s time to cook up this delicious gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe. With simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, this dish can be made in no time.
Ingredients
Before getting started, make sure you have all the ingredients in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 12 oz gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Steps
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Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add macaroni noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
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In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until it mixes well with the butter. Cook for about 1 minute or until slightly browned.
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Gradually add milk to the pot while continuously whisking to create a smooth sauce. Add salt and black pepper while whisking.
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Lower heat to low-medium and continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
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Remove from heat source, add shredded cheddar cheese and mix well until melted.
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Add cooked macaroni noodles into cheese sauce and stir well.
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Grease an oven-proof baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
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Pour the macaroni mixture into the baking dish and sprinkle some bread crumbs on top (optional).
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Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and crispy.
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Remove from oven, let it cool down for a few minutes before serving hot.
This recipe serves four and is a perfect dish for any occasion.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch up this classic macaroni and cheese recipe, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
– Gluten-free pasta: While this recipe calls for gluten-free elbow macaroni, any type of gluten-free pasta will work. Try using penne or rigatoni for a thicker texture.
– Dairy-free: If you can’t have dairy, try making this vegan by using vegan cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese. You can also substitute the butter with olive oil or non-dairy butter.
– Southern baked macaroni and cheese: To make a southern-style baked macaroni and cheese, add some bread crumbs on top before baking. You can also use rice flour in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
– Sharp cheddar: This recipe calls for sharp cheddar cheese, but you can use any type of cheese you prefer. Try using a combination of cheddar and Gouda for a smoky flavor.
– Creamy ingredients: To make the dish creamier, you could add in some heavy cream or sour cream to the cheese sauce.
With these simple substitutions, you can personalize the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions, without sacrificing quality or taste.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have made this scrumptious gluten free macaroni and cheese recipe, it’s time to enjoy it. The creamy and delicious dish can be eaten on its own or paired with other side dishes to complete a full meal.
If you want to keep things simple, serving with a side of salad is an excellent choice. You can go for something light and refreshing like a Caesar salad with fresh greens and a tangy dressing or something more filling like a potato or pasta salad.
For something heartier, serve the macaroni and cheese with grilled vegetables or roasted sweet potatoes. You can even add some grilled chicken or smoked sausage for some added protein.
If you want a more decadent experience, add some seasoned breadcrumb topping and bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven until golden brown. This will give the dish a perfect crunchy texture that will complement the creamy cheese sauce.
This recipe also pairs quite well with wine. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would be perfect for cutting through the richness of the cheese. If you prefer red wine, try a lighter option like Pinot Noir.
Overall, the possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing this delicious gluten-free macaroni and cheese. Experiment with different sides, dressings, toppings, and drinks until you find your perfect combination.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now let me share with you some tips on how to store and reheat this delicious macaroni and cheese recipe.
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. However, before storing the mac and cheese, make sure it is completely cool. Hot or warm food can create moisture inside the container, leading to bacterial growth and spoilage.
To reheat, transfer the mac and cheese into an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Heat it in the oven at 350°F for approximately 15-20 minutes or until it’s heated through. To avoid over-drying the pasta and losing its creaminess, add a few tablespoons of milk before reheating.
Alternatively, you can also reheat small portions of the macaroni and cheese on your stovetop. Add a tablespoon or two of water or milk to a pan over medium-low heat. Then add the macaroni and cheese, stir occasionally until heated thoroughly.
If you want to make ahead of time, simply prepare the recipe as directed but do not bake it. Cover the unbaked dish tightly with an aluminum foil then pop it into the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes before baking.
This homemade macaroni and cheese recipe is great for potlucks or dinners where you need to prepare everything beforehand. By following these simple tips, you can enjoy a cheesy delight that’s just as delicious as when it’s first cooked!
Tips for Perfect Results
To achieve the perfect gluten-free macaroni and cheese texture and flavor, here are a few tips and tricks I recommend following:
1. Cook Gluten-Free Pasta Al Dente – Unlike regular wheat-based pasta, gluten-free pasta can become mushy quickly. Therefore, the best way to prevent overcooked pasta is to cook it al dente. It should be firm to the bite, but not too heavy or chewy.
2. Use Milk at Room Temperature – For a creamy sauce consistency, use milk at room temperature instead of straight off the fridge.
3. Shred Your Cheese Freshly – To prevent pre-shredded cheese from clumping together, shred a block of cheddar cheese fresh before incorporating the ingredients to create the cheese sauce.
4. Experiment with Flour Types – Although I have recommended using gluten-free purpose flour in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of flours like rice flour.
5. Don’t Skimp on Seasonings – To add more dimension to your gluten-free macaroni and cheese sauce, add seasonings like black pepper, garlic powder or even smoked paprika!
6. Make Extra Cheese Sauce – If you find that you enjoy extra sauciness on your mac and cheese (like I do), I suggest making an extra half portion of cheese sauce to pour over while baking.
7. Add Gluten-Free Bread Crumbs for Crunch – Looking for an external crunch when eating your mac and cheese? Just before baking, sprinkle a layer of gluten-free bread crumbs on top!
By following these tips, you’ll achieve an excellent result that tastes even better than its non-gluten-free counterpart!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe is perfect for those who suffer from gluten intolerance or are looking for a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe. With its creamy and cheesy taste, it’s hard to tell that there are no gluten-containing ingredients in this dish.
By following the easy-to-follow recipe instructions and using the recommended ingredients, you can easily whip up this delicious macaroni and cheese dish in no time. It’s a great way to satisfy your cravings without compromising your health.
So if you’re looking for an easy and tasty gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe, give this one a try. Your taste buds (and body) will thank you!
Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dry brown rice pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons rice flour
- 2 1/2 cups almond milk (plain, unsweetened)
- 8 ounces goat cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon gluten free honey mustard
- 2 gluten free waffles
- italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350.
- pre cook the pasta, drain, rinse w/ cold water and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, make the sauce.
- In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat, and stir in the rice flour. Cook and stir the flour about 10 seconds. Slowly add in the almond milk, whisking to blend the flour paste and almond milk. Bring the mixture to a slow bubble- it will thicken as it gets hotter, then reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded cheese, salt, and mustard. Stir. Keep stirring until the cheese melts. Remove from heat.
- Mix pasta and sauce together in a 6 quart baking dish.
- Make bread crumb topping: toast waffles, break them up into food processor, drizzle with a little olive oil, add some italian seasoning, and pulse until they look like bread crumbs. Sprinkle these on top of the mac and cheese before you put it in the oven.
- Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes until its bubbly.
Add Your Own Notes
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