Creamy Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese Bake
Savor the rich and creamy goodness of this gluten-free macaroni and cheese bake, perfect for those with dietary restrictions who refuse to compromise on flavor. This comforting dish combines perfectly cooked gluten-free elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, then topped with a crunchy, golden-brown topping for an irresistible texture. Ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, this satisfying recipe ensures that everyone can indulge in a classic favorite without any gluten worries.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butter
8 tablespoons (melted)
Seasoning Salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
Ground Black Pepper
3/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Milk
4 cups (whole or low-fat)
Cornstarch
1/3 cup (whisked into milk)
Shredded Cheese
4 cups, divided (mix of your favorite cheeses)
Gluten-Free Elbow Macaroni
16 ounces (cooked)
Toasted Gluten-Free Bread
2 slices (for crunchy topping)
Softened Butter for Topping
1 teaspoon
Paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 13x9-inch casserole dish.
2
Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package directions, reducing the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure the pasta remains slightly firm. Drain and set aside.
3
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the seasoning salt and pepper, then remove from heat and set aside.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and milk until smooth. Then pour this mixture into the butter mixture and whisk until thoroughly combined.
5
Over medium heat, cook the milk mixture while stirring constantly until it thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. Once thickened, remove from heat.
6
Stir three cups of shredded cheese into the sauce until fully melted and smooth. Reserve the remaining one cup of cheese for later.
7
Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, stirring well to coat every piece. Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
8
For the topping, pulse 2 slices of toasted gluten-free bread, 1 tsp softened butter, and 1/2 tsp paprika in a food processor until they become coarse crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese in the casserole dish, and then add the reserved shredded cheese on top.
9
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy. Once done, remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
30g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese Bake.
Is this mac and cheese recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be gluten-free using gluten-free elbow macaroni and toasted gluten-free bread.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 20g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 15g of protein per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
What size casserole dish is required?
A 13x9-inch casserole dish is required for this recipe.
How much gluten-free macaroni do I need?
You will need 16 ounces of gluten-free elbow macaroni.
How should the macaroni be cooked?
Cook the macaroni according to package directions but reduce the time by a few minutes so it remains slightly firm.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The sauce requires 8 tablespoons of butter.
What is used to thicken the milk mixture?
1/3 cup of cornstarch is whisked into the milk to thicken the sauce.
What type of milk can be used?
You can use 4 cups of either whole or low-fat milk.
How much shredded cheese is needed in total?
A total of 4 cups of shredded cheese is used, divided between the sauce and the topping.
How much cheese goes directly into the sauce?
Stir three cups of shredded cheese into the sauce until melted.
What seasonings are used in the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of seasoning salt and 3/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
How is the crunchy topping made?
Pulse 2 slices of toasted gluten-free bread, 1 tsp softened butter, and 1/2 tsp paprika in a food processor.
How long does it take for the milk mixture to thicken?
It takes about 5 minutes of constant stirring over medium heat to thicken.
What is the final topping before baking?
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture and the reserved one cup of shredded cheese over the macaroni.
How long should the mac and cheese bake?
Bake it uncovered for 25-30 minutes.
How do I know when it is done baking?
The dish is done when the topping is golden and crispy.
Should the dish be covered while in the oven?
No, it should be baked uncovered.
How long should the dish sit after baking?
Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Can I use any kind of shredded cheese?
Yes, you can use a mix of your favorite cheeses.
Is the bread used for the topping fresh or toasted?
The recipe calls for 2 slices of toasted gluten-free bread.
What gives the topping its reddish color?
1/2 teaspoon of paprika is added to the topping mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, gluten-free, comfort food, baked, pasta, cheesy, family dinner, and casserole.
Is the butter for the sauce melted or softened?
The 8 tablespoons of butter for the sauce should be melted.
Who is this recipe ideal for?
It is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or weeknight dinners for those with gluten dietary restrictions.