How to Make The Best Gluten Free Baked Macaroni and Cheese

gluten free baked mac and cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a staple dish in many households and ours is no exception. Our baked macaroni and cheese recipe is one of the best we have ever had and it’s especially unique because it is gluten free. If you love super cheesy macaroni and cheese with crispy baked breadcrumb toppings then this recipe is for you!

Our gluten free baked macaroni recipe uses cheddar cheese as well as parmesan cheese, but feel free to mix your cheese choices up and try a new mixture! We have tried this recipe with adding bacon and it adds a nice contrast to the flavor as well. 

This gluten free mac and cheese takes about 30 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cook time. It will serve about 12 people. 

Ingredients You Need to Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese

  • 16 oz pasta
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 6 tbsp butter
  • ⅓ cup King Arthur Gluten Free Flour (or all purpose flour if making non gluten free)
  • 3 cups of milk
  • 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
  • 6 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 ½ cups of panko bread crumbs
  • 4 tbsp melted butter
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese

Tips for Making the Best Macaroni and Cheese

To make our baked mac and cheese we recommend trying the following:

  • We find that hand shredding the cheese does ensure easier melting than if you use pre-shredded cheese. However, we have made it both ways and both have turned out great.
  • We have made this baked mac and cheese with penne pasta as well as macaroni elbows. In our opinion the elbows are much better when you reheat it the next day. 
  • We recommend cooking the pasta just below the done point. With this recipe, the noodles will finish cooking in the cheese sauce in the oven.

Cooking Tools You will Need

When it comes to cooking utensils needed you will need to have measuring cups, a large saucepan,  glassing baking dish, strainer, large pot, oven mitts, a mixing bowl, cheese grater, whisk, and a serving spoon. 

How to Make Gluten Free Baked Macaroni and Cheese

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
  2. Grease your glass baking dish. We typical use a a 4 quart dish
  3. Shred your cheese into a large mixing bowl
  4. Boil water and cook your pasta. We recommend leaving it slightly less done as it can finish cooking in the oven.
  5. Once you drain the water from the pot, pour your extra virgin olive oil over the noodles and mix them.
  6. In your saucepan, melt the butter 
  7. Adjust to medium heat and whisk in the flour. 
  8. Whisk until this turns golden brown or you see bubbles
  9. Whisk in the milk 
  10. Whisk in the heavy whipping cream
  11. Continue to whisk until your sauce is boiling, then continue for another 1.5-2 minutes
  12. Add salt and pepper to the sauce
  13. Add 2 cups of you cheddar cheese to the saucepan and whisk until smooth
  14. Add another 2 cups of cheddar cheese and whisk until smooth
  15. Pour in your noodles
  16. In another mixing bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, melted butter and parmesan cheese
  17. Pour your noodle and cheese mixture into the glass dish and cover with the bread crumb mixture
  18. Bake for about 25 minutes or until the top is golden brown
Recipe Card Gluten Free Baked Mac & Cheese

Make Baked Macaroni and Cheese For Your Next Gathering

Macaroni and Cheese is a favorite at any gallering! So, try making your own following our recipe  and share it with your family and friends at your next gathering. Making our favorite Baked Macaroni and Cheese for a special occasion? Tag us on Instagram so we can see what you made!

Until next time…

From the HartLand with Love,

Cheyenne,Monica & Brittany

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