Print

Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 116 reviews

This Best Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe delivers a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic made safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Featuring a blend of sharp cheddar, Colby, and Parmesan cheeses combined with a rich, flavorful sauce, it’s topped with a buttery gluten-free cracker crumb crust for a perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Ideal for family meals or gatherings, this casserole bakes to golden bubbly perfection in under an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

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)
  • 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, freshly grated (or mozzarella)
  • 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Instructions

  1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) to get ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Grease: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil or use non-stick cooking spray, then set it aside.
  3. Cook Pasta: Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions aiming for al dente. Drain well and rinse under hot water to prevent sticking. Toss with olive oil in a large bowl and set aside.
  4. Prepare Cheese Sauce – Melt Butter: Place a large saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and melt completely.
  5. Whisk in Flour: Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk together to form a smooth roux.
  6. Add Milk Gradually: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
  7. Season: Add salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, mustard powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate.
  8. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat then simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  9. Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until fully combined to add creaminess and tang.
  10. Melt Cheeses: Reduce heat to low. Gradually add sharp cheddar, white Colby, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until the cheese melts fully and the sauce is smooth.
  11. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta and stir well to coat evenly.
  12. Transfer to Dish: Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  13. Prepare Cracker Topping: In a medium bowl, combine crushed gluten-free buttery crackers with melted butter. Stir together until crumbs are evenly coated.
  14. Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining white Colby, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
  15. Sprinkle Cracker Topping: Evenly distribute the buttery cracker crumbs over the cheese layer on top.
  16. Bake: Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
  17. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 10-15 minutes to set before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, freshly grate cheeses for smoother melting and better texture.
  • You can substitute mozzarella for Colby cheese if preferred.
  • If you do not want the cracker topping, you may omit it for a softer top layer.
  • Sour cream is optional but adds creaminess and tang to the sauce.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste before baking, especially salt and spices.
  • Use gluten-free pasta and crackers to keep the dish fully gluten-free.
  • Letting the dish rest after baking helps the cheese sauce thicken and makes serving easier.

Keywords: gluten free mac and cheese, gluten free comfort food, cheesy gluten free casserole, gluten free dinner recipes, macaroni and cheese gluten free

Find it online: https://zestywithzane.com/best-gluten-free-mac-and-cheese-recipe/