Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, comforting dish perfect for anyone avoiding gluten. With a rich cheese sauce and a crunchy buttery cracker topping, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that will satisfy both kids and adults alike.

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 use 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 use 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 the 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 package directions, aiming for al dente. Drain and rinse under hot water, then transfer to a large bowl. Stir in 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter. Whisk in the gluten-free flour until fully combined to create a roux.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: Stir in sour cream until fully combined. Reduce heat to low and slowly add sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Step 6: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and gently stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
7. Step 7: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed gluten-free buttery crackers with melted butter until combined to make the topping.
8. Step 8: Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheeses (Colby, cheddar, and Parmesan) over the pasta. Then, sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly on top.
9. Step 9: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10. Step 10: Remove from the oven and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting texture and flavor.
• For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or a mix of half-and-half.
• Try adding cooked bacon or caramelized onions for extra flavor.
• Substitute white Colby cheese with mozzarella if you prefer a milder taste.
• Omit the cracker topping for a softer, creamier mac and cheese.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 325 degrees F or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of gluten-free pasta?

Yes, you can use any gluten-free pasta shape you prefer. Just be sure to cook it according to package instructions and aim for al dente to avoid mushiness.

Is sour cream necessary in this recipe?

Sour cream adds extra creaminess and a slight tang, enhancing the sauce’s flavor. However, it is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a dairy-free or less tangy dish.

Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 139 reviews

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe offers a creamy, cheesy, and comforting classic dish made with gluten-free pasta. The mac and cheese is enriched with a homemade cheese sauce featuring sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses, and topped with a buttery gluten-free cracker crumb topping for an irresistible crunchy finish. It’s perfect for those seeking a delicious gluten-free comfort food option, baked to bubbly perfection.

• Author: Ria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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 (or mozzarella), freshly grated
• 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 (or mozzarella), freshly grated
• 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 F to prepare 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 for later use.
3. Cook Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under hot water. Toss the cooked pasta with 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large bowl and set aside.
4. Make Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: Place a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt it completely.
5. Whisk Flour: Add gluten-free all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously until fully combined to form a roux.
6. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in 5 cups of milk while whisking constantly to ensure a smooth sauce without lumps.
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 (if using), and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
8. Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce to a boil over medium heat and then simmer gently for about 2 minutes, stirring often until thickened.
9. Add Sour Cream: Stir in 1/2 cup sour cream until fully incorporated, then taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
10. Melt Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 cup white Colby cheese, and 1 cup Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the noodles evenly with the sauce.
12. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared 9×13 baking dish and spread it out evenly.
13. Prepare Buttery Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups gluten-free buttery cracker crumbs with 6 tablespoons melted butter. Mix well until the crumbs are evenly coated.
14. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup white Colby cheese, 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
15. Add Cracker Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker crumb mixture over the cheese layer on top.
16. Bake: Place the casserole uncovered into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly around the edges.
17. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.

Notes

• Use freshly grated cheese for best melting results and flavor.
• The sour cream adds creaminess and tang but can be omitted if desired.
• The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; reduce or omit for a milder dish.
• Make sure the pasta is cooked al dente so it doesn’t overcook in the oven.
• Gluten-free buttery crackers can be substituted with gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.

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