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You’re going to want to save this recipe, because it’s the best and easiest gluten free macaroni and cheese recipe you’ll ever make! As quick as making a box of mac and cheese, but with all the comfort, creaminess, and flavor of a homemade recipe.

GLUTEN FREE MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

Macaroni and cheese is one of the classic comfort foods, and it just might be one of the foods you miss the most since going gluten free.

When my husband was diagnosed with food allergies 12 years ago, he really missed a simple box of mac and cheese. There weren’t any good options then, and I’m so grateful there are a lot more now (psst! check out my 100% honest gluten-free mac and cheese review!)

While I’m glad there are some great boxed options, we still love the comfort of this homemade gluten free mac and cheese recipe.

I’ve been making a gluten-free version for years, but recently simplified it to be a 5-ingredient, one-pot meal which makes it sooo quick and easy!

I’m excited to share this simple gluten free mac and cheese recipe with you, and hope it will become a family favorite for you, too.

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Looking for more quick and easy gluten-free recipes? Try my Gluten Free Tamale Pie Recipe or Easy 2-Ingredient Peanut Butter Fudge!

INGREDIENTS IN GLUTEN FREE MAC AND CHEESE

This recipe uses just 5 simple ingredients. Be sure to use gluten-free ingredients!

***Ingredient amounts and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

gluten-free macaroni noodles

I recommend Jovial, which is available in many stores such as Walmart, Harmons, and health food stores, or online. I love to get Jovial gluten-free pasta on Thrive Market because they have all the fun shapes!

shredded cheddar cheese

Medium cheddar gives this mac n cheese the best flavor, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand, or get fancy with a combination of cheddar and a softer cheese such as mozzarella.

PRO TIP: be sure to use freshly grated instead of a bag of pre-shredded cheese, as that has starch additive that will make your cheese sauce gloppy.

milk

Creamier milk results in creamy sauce. I use and recommend whole milk, but you can swap what’s in your fridge.

gluten-free flour

Any gluten-free all purpose flour blend will work because you’ll just be using a small amount. I have used Cup4Cup and gfJules in this recipe.

butter

Salted or unsalted, anything will do.

salt and pepper

To taste

HOW TO MAKE CREAMY GLUTEN-FREE MAC AND CHEESE

If you’re looking for an easy recipe, this is it! Literally the best mac and cheese. We love to serve this as a main dish, but it’s also a great side dish.

Full ingredients and instructions are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Prep:

Have all your ingredients measured and ready to go, because this recipe goes super quickly.

Step 1: Cook and Drain Gluten-Free Noodles

Use the cooking directions on the package of gluten-free macaroni noodles because each brand cooks for a different amount of time.

PRO TIP: Set your timer for 1-2 minutes before the minimum cook time and drain the cooked pasta as soon as it is cooked al dente. Gluten-free pasta tends to turn mushy quickly, so watching it closely is important.

Step 2: Add Butter and Flour

Return drained pasta to sauce pan and add a tablespoon of butter. Turn heat on medium-low and stir until butter is melted.

Add half a tablespoon of gluten-free flour and stir until the noodles are coated.

Step 3: Add Milk and Cheese

Stir in milk and let it warm up for a minute (still over medium-low heat), then add grated cheese one handful at a time, stirring after each until it’s fully melted.

HOW TO STORE LEFTOVERS

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To heat up in the microwave, stir in a splash of milk and use 50% power.

BEST NOODLES FOR GLUTEN-FREE MAC AND CHEESE

All gluten-free noodles are definitely not created equal! While you can grab a cheap(er) box of Ronzoni, it’s definitely worth paying a little extra for something that tastes like the real thing.

The best noodles for gluten-free mac and cheese hold up well with cooking, and don’t have a funky aftertaste. Both of my favorites are brown rice pasta, and include Jovial and Tinkyada brands which are both , which can be found at many stores including Walmart and Target.

If you’re looking to level up your mac and cheese nutritionally, you can use something like Banza chickpea pasta. If using a bean-based pasta, I do recommend cooking in a large pot with more water, then rinsing quickly with cold water once it is drained.

If you need to avoid dairy, here’s a dairy-free cheese sauce I think you’ll love!

OPTIONAL ADDITIONS

It’s so easy to level up your gluten free macaroni and cheese! Try some of these ad-ins the next time you cook a batch:

Veggies

Try adding a few tablespoons of pureed butternut squash along with the milk, or stirring in cooked peas or broccoli once it’s finished.

Seasonings

Add 1/8 teaspoon onion powder, mustard powder, or paprika. If you want to use a combination of these, just add a couple dashes of each.

Protein

Feel free to add in your favorite proteins, like rotisserie chicken (Costco’s is gluten-free), cooked ground beef or sausage, or the kid-favorite: sliced hot dogs.

MORE GLUTEN-FREE RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE

Looking for more gluten-free recipes that actually taste good?

Gluten Free Sandwich Bread

Viral 4-Ingredient Gluten Free Biscuits

Chocolate Quinoa Cake

Gluten Free Crumbl Dark Dreams Cookies (copycat recipe)

Gluten Free Tamale Pie

Panera Bread 10 Ingredient Vegetable Soup

Gluten Free Irish Brown Bread Recipe

Gluten Free Mexican Pasta Salad

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THE BEST GLUTEN FREE MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE

You’re going to love this easy gluten free mac and cheese recipe! It’s super simple, can be made in one pan, and has the creamiest, most delicious cheese sauce.

Please come back and leave a star rating and/or comment to let me know!

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