Indulge in a comforting classic with a twist by making this gluten-free baked macaroni and cheese. This recipe combines the creamy richness of cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese with the satisfying texture of gluten-free elbow macaroni. Perfect for those who need to avoid gluten but don't want to miss out on the deliciousness of traditional mac and cheese.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pay special attention to the gluten-free elbow macaroni and gluten-free all-purpose flour. These ingredients are essential for maintaining the gluten-free integrity of the dish. Make sure to check the labels at the supermarket to ensure they are certified gluten-free.

Ingredients For Best Gluten-Free Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Gluten-free elbow macaroni: A type of pasta made without gluten, perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Cheddar cheese: A sharp and tangy cheese that melts beautifully, providing a rich flavor to the dish.
Parmesan cheese: A hard, aged cheese that adds a nutty and salty flavor to the mac and cheese.
Milk: Used to create the creamy base of the cheese sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and helps to create the roux for the sauce.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Used to thicken the cheese sauce while keeping the dish gluten-free.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth of flavor.
Paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and a hint of color to the cheese sauce.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When making the cheese sauce, ensure you add the milk gradually to the flour mixture. This helps prevent lumps and creates a smooth, creamy consistency. Use a whisk for better incorporation and to avoid any clumping.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
gluten-free elbow macaroni - Substitute with gluten-free penne: Both are gluten-free pasta options and have similar cooking times and textures.
shredded cheddar cheese - Substitute with shredded gouda cheese: Gouda melts well and has a creamy texture, making it a good alternative to cheddar.
grated parmesan cheese - Substitute with grated pecorino romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor profile, suitable for adding depth to the dish.
milk - Substitute with unsweetened almond milk: Almond milk is a dairy-free alternative that provides a similar consistency without altering the flavor significantly.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee is clarified butter and can be used to achieve a rich, buttery flavor while being lactose-free.
gluten-free all-purpose flour - Substitute with cornstarch: Cornstarch can be used as a thickening agent in place of gluten-free flour, providing a smooth texture.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a slightly different but pleasant flavor.
ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor and can be used to maintain the seasoning without altering the color of the dish.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color with an additional smoky flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
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How to Store or Freeze This Dish
Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool completely before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy.
Transfer the cooled macaroni and cheese to an airtight container. If you plan to consume it within a few days, store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
For longer storage, consider freezing. Portion the macaroni and cheese into individual servings or family-sized portions. This makes reheating easier and more convenient.
Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to reheat, thaw the macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator overnight. This ensures even reheating and maintains the dish's texture.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the thawed macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
To refresh the creamy texture, you can add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter before reheating. This helps to restore the sauce's consistency.
Enjoy your reheated macaroni and cheese with a fresh sprinkle of parmesan cheese or a dash of paprika for added flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover macaroni and cheese in an oven-safe dish. Add a splash of milk to keep it moist. Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. For a crispy top, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes.
Stovetop Method: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a saucepan or skillet. Add a little milk or cream to prevent it from drying out. Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Microwave Method: Place a portion of the macaroni and cheese in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Continue heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the macaroni and cheese in an air fryer-safe dish. Add a bit of milk to keep it moist. Heat for 5-7 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it doesn't dry out.
Double Boiler Method: Place the macaroni and cheese in a heatproof bowl. Set the bowl over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until heated through. This method helps to gently reheat without drying out the dish.
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Used to bake the macaroni and cheese at the specified temperature until it is bubbly and golden.
Saucepan: Essential for melting the butter and preparing the cheese sauce by combining the flour, milk, and cheeses.
Mixing spoon: Useful for stirring the ingredients in the saucepan to ensure a smooth and well-combined cheese sauce.
Whisk: Helps in stirring the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika into the melted butter to achieve a smooth mixture.
Measuring cups: Necessary for accurately measuring the milk, butter, and cheeses to ensure the correct proportions.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the salt, pepper, and paprika precisely.
Colander: Needed to drain the cooked gluten-free elbow macaroni after boiling.
Baking dish: The vessel in which the macaroni and cheese mixture is baked in the oven.
Cheese grater: Essential for grating the cheddar and parmesan cheese if they are not pre-shredded.
Pot: Used to cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package instructions.
Oven mitts: Important for safely handling the hot baking dish when removing it from the oven.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-cook the macaroni: Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni a day ahead and store it in the fridge to save time on the day of baking.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Buy pre-shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese to cut down on prep time.
Microwave the milk: Warm the milk in the microwave before adding it to the saucepan to speed up the thickening process.
One-pot method: Combine the cheese sauce and macaroni in the same pot used to cook the pasta to reduce dishwashing time.

Best Gluten-Free Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 0.25 cup butter
- 2.5 tablespoon gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, and paprika until smooth.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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