Indulge in this creamy, gluten-free mac and cheese that offers all the comfort of the classic dish without the gluten. It's a quick, family-friendly dish that satisfies cravings without sacrificing taste or texture.
4ounceswhite American cheeseabout 6 slices, deli-style, cut into thin strips
8ouncesextra-sharp cheddarshredded
1teaspoonkosher salt
¼teaspoonDijon mustardoptional
Instructions
Cook Pasta:
Follow the package instructions to prepare the pasta. Be careful not to overcook it.
Make the Roux:
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
Add the gluten-free flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute.
Add Milk:
Gradually whisk in the milk, then cook over medium heat, whisking until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Remove from the heat.
Add Cheese:
Stir in the American cheese, cheddar, salt, and mustard (if using) until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine:
Gently fold the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Heat over medium for 1 minute or until thoroughly heated.
Serve immediately.
Notes
*My favorite gluten-free brands are ZENB Plant Based Elbow Pasta and Ancient Harvest Gluten-Free Elbows. I do not recommend Barilla Gluten-Free Elbows because the pasta broke apart into shards when mixed into the cheese sauce.
Serving and Storage Tips
Gluten-free mac and cheese keeps well, making it a great make-ahead or leftover-friendly dish. STORE: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.RE-HEAT: To reheat, the oven is your best friend. Place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to keep in moisture, and warm at 350 degrees until hot and bubbly. If it looks a little dry, stir in a splash of milk before reheating to bring back the creaminess.For a quick option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, and add a spoonful of milk if needed.FREEZE: Freezing is also possible. Spoon the mac and cheese into a freezer-safe container, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that some gluten-free pastas may soften slightly more than wheat-based ones once frozen and thawed, but the cheesy sauce helps keep everything delicious.