Creamy Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Recipe for Comfort Dinner

Nothing beats gluten-free macaroni and cheese baked in the oven with a crunchy breadcrumb topping — and for extra indulgence, add crispy bacon.

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About This Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

This version of macaroni and cheese is made from scratch with a simple roux and freshly grated cheeses for the creamiest results. If you’ve been relying on boxed mixes, this recipe is an easy upgrade that delivers deeper flavor and a richer texture.

Homemade mac and cheese is comforting and indulgent — a special dish worth the little extra effort. It pairs perfectly with a crisp breadcrumb topping and optional add-ins like bacon or roasted vegetables.

Ingredients For Mac & Cheese

Gluten-free pasta: Any gluten-free elbow macaroni works; sturdier brands hold up best in the oven. Penne or rotini are good alternatives if you prefer different shapes.

Gluten-free breadcrumbs: You can use store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs or make your own from gluten-free sandwich bread by pulsing it in a food processor and toasting until golden.

Gluten-free flour: A gluten-free all-purpose blend works well to thicken the roux. Choose one that you normally bake with.

Milk: Use regular milk or a lactose-free option.

Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts best. A combination of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack (or Gouda) creates a balanced flavor and creamy texture.

Seasonings: Salt, pepper, a pinch of ground mustard, and a touch of ground nutmeg brighten and deepen the sauce’s flavor.

Butter: Butter is used in the roux and to brown the breadcrumbs for a golden topping; use a dairy-free substitute if needed.

Optional mix-ins: Crispy bacon, chopped ham, peas, or roasted vegetables are all excellent additions.

How To Make Macaroni and Cheese

Start by boiling salted water and cook the pasta until just al dente; it will finish cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.

Make a roux in the same pot: melt butter, whisk in gluten-free flour, then slowly add milk until smooth and thickened. Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and nutmeg.

Stir in the shredded cheese a little at a time until the sauce is silky. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta and any chosen mix-ins, then transfer to a greased baking dish.

Top with shredded cheese and toasted gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter. Bake until bubbling and the topping is golden, then serve warm.

Can I make this dish lactose-free or dairy-free?

Yes. Use lactose-free milk and lactose-free cheeses or dairy-free alternatives if you need to avoid lactose. Some gluten-free flour blends contain milk powder, so check labels and choose a blend that fits your dietary needs. Keep in mind that dairy-free cheeses can behave differently when melted, so results may vary.

Can I Freeze This Gluten-Free Mac & Cheese?

Freezing is not recommended for baked gluten-free pasta dishes. Gluten-free pastas can become dry, hard, or clump after freezing and reheating, which may affect texture.

How Should I Store Macaroni and Cheese?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. Many casseroles, including mac and cheese, often taste even better the next day.

How to Serve Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese

This is a rich, comforting main — pair it with a bright salad or roasted vegetables to balance the meal. A simple green salad or roasted broccoli makes a great contrast to the creamy pasta.

This is the gluten-free macaroni and cheese you’ll be dreaming about — creamy, cheesy, and topped with a crisp breadcrumb crust. Enjoy!

Looking for more gluten-free dinner recipes?

Try other gluten-free favorites like pad thai, creamy potato leek soup (dairy-free), veggie chili, or chicken piccata served over rice or gluten-free pasta. You’ll find many more recipes in the blog’s recipe index.

Here’s the full recipe for gluten-free macaroni and cheese!
If you love this recipe, please leave a comment — thank you!

Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese

Yield:
8 servings

Prep Time:
40 minutes

Cook Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes

Comfort food. Plain and simple.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces (1 box) gluten-free macaroni
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (use dairy-free or ghee if needed)
• ⅓ cup gluten-free flour
• 2 cups milk (use lactose-free if needed)
• 4–5 cups shredded cheddar or a mix of cheddar/Monterey Jack/Gouda, divided
• 3–4 slices gluten-free sandwich bread or 1 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs
• Salt & pepper to taste (start with ½ teaspoon each)
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ⅛ teaspoon ground mustard
• Optional mix-ins: chopped bacon, ham, peas, or carrots

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a large casserole or baking dish. Pulse gluten-free bread in a food processor until it forms small crumbs, then toast the crumbs on a baking sheet for 7–9 minutes at 400°F. Mix the warm crumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and set aside. (Or use 1 cup store-bought gluten-free breadcrumbs mixed with the same amount of butter.)

Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 1–2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.

In the same pot, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the gluten-free flour and cook 1–2 minutes until bubbly. Slowly whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, ground mustard, and nutmeg.

Whisk in the shredded cheese two cups at a time until the sauce is creamy. Reserve 1 cup of cheese for the topping. Stir the cooled pasta and any optional mix-ins into the cheese sauce until well coated.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved 1 cup of cheese over the top, then evenly distribute the breadcrumb-butter mixture. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, until bubbling and golden. Serve warm.

Nutrition Information

Yield 8
Serving Size 1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1947Total Fat 116gSaturated Fat 64gTrans Fat 3gUnsaturated Fat 37gCholesterol 341mgSodium 2241mgCarbohydrates 145gFiber 20gSugar 9gProtein 97g

The nutrition information is provided as a courtesy. Use your own ingredients and nutrition calculator for exact values.

Do you like macaroni and cheese?

What would you add to this dish to make it even better?

Tell me in the comments below!