Ingredients:
- 8 ounces gluten-free elbow macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or dairy-free alternative)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or another cheese of your choice
- 1/2 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Be careful not to overcook. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux:
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the gluten-free flour and whisk for a minute to form a roux.
- Add Milk and Seasonings:
- Gradually pour in the milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps. Add salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and mustard powder. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly, which may take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Cheese:
- Lower the heat and add in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping (Optional):
- If using panko breadcrumb topping, mix gluten-free panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake:
- Place in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top becomes golden.
- Serve:
- Let the baked macaroni and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
For more gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipes with detailed instructions or various twists on this classic dish, you can explore the titles “Gluten Free Mac and Cheese – Iowa Girl Eats” with the link Iowa Girl Eats or “Easy Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – Allrecipes” at Allrecipes, among others. These recipes have been well-rated by the gluten-free community and offer different methods to achieve that perfect creamy comfort dish.