Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
732 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese
Description
The recipe combines cooked gluten-free macaroni or cavatappi pasta with a cheese sauce made by creating a roux of butter and gluten-free flour, then whisking in milk and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This sauce simmers until thickened, then sour cream can be added for creaminess before mixing in sharp cheddar, Colby (or mozzarella), and Parmesan cheeses to melt fully. The cheese sauce’s smooth texture coats the pasta thoroughly.
Optionally, a topping of gluten-free cracker crumbs combined with melted butter is spread on top and baked in the oven until golden and crisp. Additional cheese can be sprinkled on top for extra richness. This baked casserole style mac and cheese offers a creamy, cheesy interior with a contrasting crunchy topping. It’s a comforting dish suitable as a side or main course for those avoiding gluten.
The recipe emphasizes cooking pasta al dente and rinsing it with hot water to prevent sticking. Using freshly grated cheese ensures better melting and flavor. The spice blend in the sauce adds depth without overwhelming the cheese’s richness.
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni or cavatappi pasta - cooked per box directions, aim for al dente, gluten-free elbows
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour gluten-free
- 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
- 2 cups cheddar cheese freshly grated, sharp
- 1 cup colby cheese freshly grated - or use mozzarella, white
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Buttery Cracker Topping (Optional):
- 1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs gluten-free
- 6 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
Toppings:
- 1 cup colby cheese freshly grated - or use mozzarella, white
- 1 cup cheddar cheese freshly grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with olive oil or with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- Cook pasta per box directions, aim for al dente. Drain and run it under hot water. Add to a large bowl, mix with olive oil, and set aside.
Cheese Sauce:
- Place a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat and once it's hot add the butter. Melt it.
- Add the flour and whisk until fully combined.
- Still whisking, gradually add the milk, do not rush, and whisk continuously until fully combined.
- Add onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, mustard powder, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Over medium heat, bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 2 minutes.
- If desired, stir in sour cream until fully combined. Taste and adjust for salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and add cheddar cheese, Colby, and Parmesan. Stir to combine, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Add to the cooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish.
Buttery Cracker Topping (Optional):
- In a medium bowl combine cracker crumbs with melted butter and stir using a fork until fully combined.
Toppings:
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese (check the Toppings section) evenly over the top.
- Sprinkle the Buttery Cracker Topping (if using) evenly over the surface.
Bake:
- Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. Until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Remove from oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 732 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 732kcal | 37% |
| Carbohydrates | 63g | 21% |
| Protein | 39g | 78% |
| Fat | 46g | 71% |
| Saturated Fat | 24g | 120% |
| Cholesterol | 106mg | 35% |
| Sodium | 1159mg | 48% |
| Potassium | 471mg | 10% |
| Fiber | 2g | 8% |
| Sugar | 11g | 22% |
| Vitamin A | 1620IU | 32% |
| Vitamin C | 0.2mg | 0% |
| Calcium | 962mg | 96% |
| Iron | 2.1mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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