Gluten Free Mac and Cheese
This gluten free mac and cheese is creamy, cheesy and delicious! This homemade mac and cheese is great for family dinners, holidays, side dishes, appetizers and more. Both kids and adults love this classic comfort food recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This gluten free mac and cheese is cheesy and flavorful.
- If you have leftover cheese, try these Cheese Quesadillas.
- Use your favorite type of gluten free pasta.
- It is great for any occasion.
- This recipe can be for fancy occasions and holidays or regular busy weeknights.
- Both kids and adults love it.
- This dish is way better than store bought mac and cheese.
- The gluten free breadcrumb topping is crispy and delicious.
- This recipe is gluten free and contains no added sugar.
- Check out this Lobster Mac and Cheese or this Southern Mac and Cheese for another family favorite!
Ingredients & Substitutions
These are the main ingredients and substitutions for gluten free mac and cheese. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.
Use any type of gluten free pasta. Gluten free elbow macaroni works well. Other great options include penne, cavatappi, rigatoni or fusilli.
Butter and gluten free flour add thickness to the sauce. Whisk continuously to prevent burning.
Whole milk adds the creamy texture to the sauce. Use whole milk or half and half for ultra creamy sauce.
Use gruyere cheese and sharp cheddar for the best flavor and texture. Both are very flavorful and perfect for mac and cheese.
Add in salt and pepper for some added flavor.
My family recipe includes a pinch of nutmeg.
Finally, gluten free breadcrumbs add a crispy crunchy topping. Feel free to use crushed up gluten free crackers if desired.
Taste & Texture
This gluten free mac and cheese is savory, hearty and cheesy. It tastes like classic homemade mac and cheese. The flavors are much better than store bought varieties.
The sauce is thick and creamy. The breadcrumb topping is crunchy and crispy.
How to Make
Step 1
First, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 2
Cook gluten free pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Step 3
Add 3 tablespoons butter to a skillet over low medium heat. Whisk until butter has melted.
Step 4
Once butter is melted, whisk in gluten free flour. Continue whisking to create a slurry and to prevent burning.
Step 5
Pour in whole milk. Stir to combine. Remove skillet from the heat.
Step 6
Add in gruyere cheese, cheddar cheese, sea salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir until sauce has thickened to the texture of cream.
Step 7
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir until pasta is coated.
Step 8
Pour this mixture into a large baking dish.
Step 9
In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in the gluten free breadcrumbs.
Step 10
Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of pasta.
Step 11
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until topping is golden and mac and cheese is bubbly.
Step 12
Lastly, remove gluten free mac and cheese from oven. Serve immediately.
Expert Tips & Tricks
Feel free to use your favorite type of gluten free pasta.
Whisk the melted butter and gluten free flour to create a thick slurry. Whisk continuously to prevent burning.
Gruyere cheese and sharp cheddar are the two best cheeses for mac and cheese. I highly recommend using these two types.
Bake this gluten free mac and cheese until bubbly. The topping should be golden.
To reheat gluten free mac and cheese, add leftovers to a skillet. Pour in a couple tablespoons of milk. Cook and stir until warm.
Gluten Free Pasta
There are many types of gluten free pasta.
Since pasta is traditionally made with wheat flour, it is vital to buy certified gluten free pasta.
Gluten free pasta is typically made from rice flour. Other options include cassava flour, corn flour, potato flour, and even chickpeas.
Sometimes gluten free pasta can have a gummy texture. Therefore, do not overcook pasta. Cook according to package directions. Then drain and rinse under cold water to prevent further cooking.
In addition, gluten free pasta does not reheat quite as well. It can be tough and firm once chilled in the fridge.
To reheat, add some milk and leftovers to a skillet. Then warm completely.
Almost every grocery store carries gluten free pasta. In addition, retailers like Walmart and Target carry gluten free options.
Check out these Trader Joe’s Gluten Free Products for more insight.
Amazon has many gluten free pasta options.
Check out this Gluten Free Lasagna as well!
Flavor Variations & Add Ins
Here are some ideas for what to add to this homemade gluten free mac and cheese recipe.
Add in hot sauce and chicken. Check out this Buffalo Chicken Pasta.
Add in diced jalapeños for a spicy option.
Toss in some finely diced bell peppers.
Add in some ground meat like this Healthy Hamburger Helper.
Stir in some pulled pork once the dish is finished.
Or, stir in some BBQ sauce before baking.
Top with crispy bacon.
How to Serve & Store
Serve gluten free mac and cheese hot and fresh.
Serve as a side dish or main meal.
This recipe pairs well with roasted veggies, pulled pork, buffalo chicken or another protein.
Serve with this Gluten Free Cornbread.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add leftovers and a drizzle of milk to a skillet to reheat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Celiacs cannot eat regular mac and cheese because it contains wheat. This recipe is completely gluten free.
Yes, Kraft makes gluten free mac and cheese made from brown rice flour and corn flour.
Yes. Gluten free elbow macaroni exists.
Gluten free pasta is available at most grocery stores, Walmart, Target and Amazon.
I have not tried making this dairy free. It could probably work. Dairy free cheese does not melt as well. Otherwise, use dairy free butter, canned coconut cream instead of milk, and dairy free cheese.
Gruyere cheese and sharp cheddar cheese are the best for mac and cheese.
Equipment Needed
Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: These bowls are great for mixing any ingredients.
Pyrex Glass Measuring Cups: These are the best glass measuring cups.
Whisk: Use this whisk to whisk together the ingredients.
Our Place Always Pan: This is my go to pan for non-toxic, nonstick cooking.
Staub Dishes: The larger pan in this set is seen in these photos.
You May Also Like
- Gluten Free Taco Pasta Salad
- Keto Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Gluten Free Garlic Bread
- Lobster Ravioli Sauce
- Coconut Milk Pasta Sauce
If you make this gluten free mac and cheese recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. Join my exclusive Facebook Group for a behind the scenes look. I would love for you to follow along! For more ideas, check out these Dinner Recipes.
Get the Recipe: Gluten Free Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- ½ pound gluten free pasta
- 4 tbsp butter, divided
- ¼ cup gluten free flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
- 1 cpu shredded sharp cheddar
- pinch sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- pinch nutmeg
- ½ cup gluten free breadcrumbs
Instructions
- First, preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook gluten free pasta according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water and set aside.
- Add 3 tablespoons butter to a skillet over low medium heat. Whisk until melted.
- Once butter is melted, whisk in gluten free flour. Continue whisking to create a slurry.
- Pour in milk. Stir to combine. Remove skillet from heat.
- Add in gruyere cheese, cheddar cheese, sea salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir until sauce has thickened to the texture of cream.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Stir until pasta is coated.
- Pour this mixture into a large baking dish.
- In a small bowl, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Stir in gluten free breadcrumbs.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of pasta.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until topping is golden and mac and cheese is bubbly.
- Lastly, remove from oven. Serve hot and fresh.
Notes
- Feel free to use any type of gluten free pasta.
- Continuously whisk butter and flour to create a slurry. Be careful. This can easily burn.
- Gruyere cheese adds such a great depth of flavor. I recommend using all 2 cups and not substituting.
- Bake until breadcrumbs are golden and mac and cheese is bubbly.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, add leftovers to a skillet with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk. You may need more milk to prevent dryness.
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8 Comments on “Gluten Free Mac and Cheese”
I used Jovial brown rice shell pasta along with this scrumptious cheese sauce and the mac and cheese was the star of the meal. Your recipe is delicious! Thanks for sharing!
I am so happy to hear that, Glenda! I love Jovial pasta.
This was so tasty, no one could believe this was gluten free! So creamy and delicious.
The gruyere in this is so good! A fabulous recipe that we can all enjoy! Loved the crumbly topping, too!
It really makes all the difference! So glad you enjoyed.
Just enjoyed a bowl of this Mac and cheese and it turned out incredible! So creamy and delicious flavor!
I absolutely love mac and cheese, but found that gluten-free versions would get really clumpy. But this one was amazing! I loved how creamy and cheesy it is, and the breadcrumbs on top gave it a lot of great texture. Thank you!
My family loved this for Christmas!