Description
This ultra rich and creamy Gluten-free Mac and Cheese is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for those avoiding gluten. Made with gluten-free elbow macaroni and a velvety cheese sauce featuring cheddar and Parmesan, it offers a classic favorite without compromising on flavor or texture. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish makes a great side or main for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni
- 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 shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded Parmesan (or Pecorino Romano)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package directions, being careful not to overcook as gluten-free pasta can get soggy. Once cooked, rinse briefly under cold water for less than 5 seconds and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until fully liquefied, preparing for the roux base.
- Add Flour and Seasonings: Stir in the gluten-free baking flour, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until a smooth paste forms, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
- Add Milk Gradually: While stirring constantly, slowly pour in the milk, blending it thoroughly with the flour mixture to prevent lumps.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer gently for 1 minute while stirring constantly to thicken the sauce.
- Add Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses to the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked and drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring thoroughly to coat all the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the gluten-free mac and cheese right away for the best texture and flavor. If preparing in advance, keep the pasta and cheese sauce separate when reheating.
Notes
- This mac and cheese is super cheesy and creamy, perfect as a side dish or comfort food.
- Be careful not to overcook the gluten-free pasta to avoid sogginess.
- For make-ahead meals, store pasta and cheese sauce separately to maintain texture when reheated.
- You may substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 356 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 386 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 49 mg
