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Ultra Creamy Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

This Gluten-free Mac and Cheese recipe delivers an ultra-rich, creamy comfort food experience that is perfect for those avoiding gluten. Made with gluten-free elbow macaroni and a luscious cheese sauce combining cheddar and Parmesan, it’s a delicious, hearty dish ready in just 30 minutes, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or family meal.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 12 ounces gluten-free elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3 tablespoons gluten-free baking flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups whole milk (or another milk of choice, except for coconut milk)
  • 1 2/3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano), shredded

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Be careful not to overcook it to prevent sogginess. Once cooked, rinse the pasta briefly under cold water for less than 5 seconds to stop the cooking process.
  2. Melt the butter: While pasta is cooking, melt 1/4 cup butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
  3. Combine dry ingredients: Stir in 3 tablespoons gluten-free baking flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder into the melted butter, mixing well to form a roux.
  4. Add the milk: Gradually pour in 2 cups whole milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth.
  5. Simmer the sauce: Once the mixture starts boiling, reduce heat to low and let it simmer for 1 minute while continuing to stir constantly to thicken the sauce.
  6. Incorporate the cheese: Slowly add 1 2/3 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
  7. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce.
  8. Serve: Serve the mac and cheese immediately while hot for the best creamy texture and flavor.
  9. Make-ahead tip: If preparing in advance, keep the cooked pasta and cheese sauce separate to preserve texture and reheat gently before combining for serving.

Notes

  • Do not overcook gluten-free pasta as it can become soggy.
  • Rinsing the pasta briefly with cold water helps stop the cooking quickly.
  • Use a gluten-free baking flour to keep the dish gluten-free.
  • Whole milk provides richness, but other types may be used except coconut milk which can alter taste and texture.
  • For make-ahead meals, store pasta and cheese sauce separately to avoid a mushy dish when reheated.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free