Description
This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made completely gluten-free. Featuring a rich cheese sauce with sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with gluten-free pasta and topped with a buttery cracker crumb topping, this baked mac and cheese dish is perfect for family meals or special occasions. It’s easy to prepare, featuring a stovetop cheese sauce and finishing with a golden, bubbly bake for irresistible flavor and texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound gluten-free elbows macaroni or cavatappi pasta (cooked per box directions, 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)
- 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
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray. Set it aside for later.
- Cook pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente texture. Once cooked, drain and rinse under hot water. Toss with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
- Make roux: In a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in the gluten-free all-purpose flour and cook until fully combined to form a smooth roux.
- Add milk and seasonings: Gradually whisk in 5 cups of milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth. Then stir in salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Simmer sauce: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add sour cream: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully incorporated; this adds creaminess and tang. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Melt cheeses: Lower the heat to low and add 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup Colby, and 1 cup Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to coat evenly.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the creamy mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly.
- Prepare topping: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed gluten-free cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted butter. Then sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese. Finally, distribute the remaining cheeses—1 cup Colby, 1/2 cup cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmesan—over the top.
- Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the mac and cheese to rest for 10 to 15 minutes to set before serving. This improves texture and helps it hold together when plated.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheeses for better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
- For extra creaminess, do not skip the sour cream in the sauce; it adds a nice tang and richness.
- If you don’t have gluten-free crackers for the topping, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping entirely.
- Adjust the spice level by omitting the red pepper flakes or adding more paprika for smoky heat.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente as it will continue to cook slightly during baking.
- This recipe can easily be prepared ahead up to the baking step and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: gluten free mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, gluten free comfort food, cheesy pasta casserole, gluten free dinner recipes
