Hearty, comforting and oh-so-cheesy, this gluten-free mac and cheese bake has a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the filling. This macaroni cheese casserole is the perfect comfort food for cozying up to, not just during the colder months, but anytime you wish! Totally dairy-free and vegan too.
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Jump to:
- Mac and Cheese – The Perfect Comfort Food
- What is Macaroni and Cheese?
- Is Mac and Cheese Gluten-Free?
- A Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternative
- Why This Recipe Works
- Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Recipe Notes/Substitutions:
- How to Make Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Bake (Step by Step):
- Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks
- Recipe FAQs:
- Other Gluten-Free Casseroles to Enjoy:
- Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Bake (Dairy-Free)
Mac and Cheese – The Perfect Comfort Food
If you’re like me, for whom the thought of digging into a bowl of freshly-baked mac and cheese is enough to make my mouth water and my stomach growl, then you’ll know what I mean when I say that this cheese dish is the ultimate comfort food that the whole family loves.
What is Macaroni and Cheese?
Macaroni (maccheroni in Italian) refers to dry pasta that is shaped in short narrow tubes, and can be either straight or curved. Possibly the most famous type of macaroni pasta is curved macaroni, also known as elbow macaroni.
Macaroni and cheese (or mac and cheese as known in North America, or macaroni cheese as it is called in the UK) very simply, is a casserole made with cooked macaroni pasta in a cheese sauce that is usually made with cheddar cheese.
Traditionally, shredded cheddar cheese is mixed into a bechamel sauce and then this creamy cheese sauce is stirred with the cooked pasta, until the pasta is throughly coated. The mixture is then transferred to a casserole dish, and topped with more cheese before being baked in the oven.
Is Mac and Cheese Gluten-Free?
Classic macaroni and cheese casserole is often made with normal macaroni pasta (which is made from durum wheat that contains gluten).
As such, most macaroni and cheese dishes offered in restaurants or sold in grocery stores are not gluten-free, and hence not safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerances.
A Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free Alternative
However, by making a simple swap -substituting the normal wheat macaroni pasta and flour with gluten-free macaroni and gluten-free flour- you can easily get a gluten free macaroni cheese recipe.
And, by using dairy-free milk, dairy-free butter and vegan cheese, you can also make dairy-free mac and cheese.
Why This Recipe Works
- Simple Ingredients: The most important ingredients required for this easy gluten-free homemade mac and cheese recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store.
- Easy to Make: The simple steps to prepare this mac and cheese bake include whisking ingredients to get a sauce, into which you mix half the amount of cheddar until you get a smooth and homogeneous creamy mixture. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture, top with more cheddar and breadcrumbs, and then bake!
- Totally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: The best part is that this baked mac and cheese recipe is 100% gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan. This means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances, or those simply on a gluten-free or vegan diet can enjoy this easy recipe without issues.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this gluten-free macaroni and cheese recipe.
(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)
Recipe Notes/Substitutions:
- Gluten-Free Pasta: I used gluten-free macaroni pasta to keep this keep macaroni and cheese recipe gluten-free. You can use any type of macaroni pasta (basically dry pasta shaped in small narrow tubes, such as the common elbow pasta that is curved macaroni). You can also use gluten-free penne pasta instead. Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use regular pasta instead.
- Dairy-Free Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, you may use normal butter or ghee too.
- Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using a gluten-free blend that is made up of heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour). If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal wheat flour instead.
- Cashew Milk: I like using an unsweetened version of my homemade cashew milk. Alternatively, you can also use other non-dairy milks (such as almond milk, rice milk, tigernut milk, soy milk, sunflower seed milk). If you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use normal milk.
- Ground Black Pepper: Adding ground black pepper gives this gluten-free mac and cheese bake a little kick of heat. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount depending on how much heat you like.
- Ground Nutmeg: I like adding a pinch of ground nutmeg for extra flavor.
- Dairy-Free Cheddar: I’ve used dairy-free cheddar cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. If you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal cheddar cheese instead. Depending on how strong you like your cheddar, you can use mild cheddar for a more subtle flavor, or sharp cheddar or extra sharp cheddar if you really like a stronger taste. I like using pre-shredded cheese for convenience; alternatively, you may buy a whole block of cheese and then shred it yourself.
- Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs: In this gluten free mac n cheese recipe, we’re using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you may also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal breadcrumbs instead.
How to Make Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Bake (Step by Step):
1. Cook Pasta
Cook the gluten-free macaroni pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pasta from the hot water, then run the pasta under cold water and drain. Set aside.
2. Preheat and Grease
Preheat the oven to 360F and grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish.
3. Melt Butter
Melt the dairy-free butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add Flour, Salt and Spices
Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt, ground black pepper and ground nutmeg. Whisk well to combine.
5. Add Milk
Pour the dairy-free milk into the saucepan and keep whisking.
6. Stir Until Smooth
The result should be a homogeneous white sauce without lumps.
7. Add 1 Cup of Cheddar Cheese
Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and stir over low heat for 3 more minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
8. Add Cooked Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and stir to coat completely.
9. Transfer Mixture to Casserole Dish
Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, and use the back of a slotted spoon to press the mixture down.
10. Sprinkle Cheese and Panko Breadcrumbs on Top
Mix the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese with the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the pasta.
11. Bake Until Golden Brown
Bake the gluten-free mac and cheese in the oven for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
12. Serve and Enjoy
Divide the finished macaroni and cheese into portions and serve.
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks
- Bake Individual Portions: If you prefer to make individual portions instead, simply bake this delicious gluten free mac and cheese in individual ramekins instead.
- Storing: To store, cover the gluten-free macaroni cheese with cling wrap or place in an airtight container and then store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before eating. To freeze, place the gluten-free mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and eating.
- Opt-In Condiments: If you want even more flavor in your mac and cheese casserole, feel free to add garlic powder, onion powder and/or chili powder to the sauce.
Recipe FAQs:
You can use any type of macaroni pasta (basically dry pasta shaped in small narrow tubes, such as the common elbow pasta that is curved macaroni).
Other Gluten-Free Casseroles to Enjoy:
- Chicken Casserole (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Broccoli Rice Casserole (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Tuna Casserole (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Sweet Potato Casserole (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- French Toast Casserole (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
Easy Dinner Recipes:
P.S. If you try this recipe, I’d love for you to leave a star rating below, and/or a review in the comment section further down the page. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to check out my entire Recipe Index for all the recipes on the blog. You can also follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram! Sign up for my Email List to get fresh recipes in your inbox each week!
PrintGluten-Free Mac and Cheese Bake (Dairy-Free)
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty, comforting and oh-so-cheesy, this gluten-free mac and cheese bake has a crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy texture of the filling. This macaroni cheese casserole is the perfect comfort food for cozying up to, not just during the colder months, but anytime you wish! Totally dairy-free and vegan too.
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked gluten-free macaroni pasta
- 2 tablespoons dairy-free butter
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cashew milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded dairy-free cheddar, divided
- 1 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the gluten-free macaroni pasta in salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Using a slotted spoon, remove the cooked pasta from the hot water, then run the pasta under cold water and drain. Set aside.
- Preheat and Grease: Preheat the oven to 360F and grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish.
- Melt Butter: Melt the dairy-free butter in a saucepan.
- Add Flour, Salt and Spices: Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour, salt, ground black pepper and ground nutmeg. Whisk well to combine.
- Add Milk: Pour the milk into the saucepan and keep whisking.
- Stir Until Smooth: The result should be a homogeneous white sauce without lumps.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and stir over low heat for 3 more minutes until the cheese is completely melted.
- Add Cooked Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat completely.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish, and use the back of a slotted spoon to press the mixture down.
- Sprinkle Cheese and Panko Breadcrumbs on Top: Mix the remaining 1 cup cheddar cheese with the gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and sprinkle the mixture evenly on top of the pasta.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Bake the mac and cheese in the oven for 25 minutes until the top is golden brown.
- Serve and Enjoy: Divide the finished macaroni and cheese into portions and serve.
Notes
Gluten-Free Pasta: I used gluten-free pasta to keep this keep mac and cheese recipe gluten-free. You can use elbow pasta, or any other type of short pasta. Alternatively, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal pasta instead.
Dairy-Free Butter: I used dairy-free butter to keep this recipe dairy-free. Alternatively, if you are not lactose-intolerant, you may use normal butter or ghee too.
Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: I recommend using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that is made up of lighter flours/starches (such as rice flour, tapioca starch, corn starch, or potato starch). I do NOT recommend using a gluten-free blend that is made up of heavier flours (such as garbanzo bean flour). If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal wheat flour instead.
Cashew Milk: I like using an unsweetened version of my homemade cashew milk. Alternatively, you can also use other non-dairy milks (such as almond milk, rice milk, tigernut milk, soy milk, sunflower seed milk). If you are not lactose-intolerant, go ahead and use normal milk.
Ground Black Pepper: Adding ground black pepper gives this gluten-free mac and cheese casserole a little kick of heat. Feel free to increase or decrease the amount depending on how much heat you like.
Ground Nutmeg: I like adding a pinch of ground nutmeg for extra flavor.
Dairy-Free Cheddar: I’ve used dairy-free cheddar cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. If you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal cheddar cheese instead.
Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs: In this recipe, we’re using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Alternatively, you may also use gluten-free breadcrumbs. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal breadcrumbs instead.
Storing: To store, cover the gluten-free macaroni cheese with cling wrap and then store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven before eating. To freeze, place the gluten-free mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and eating.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Grace Lim says
Good morning Felicia,
This dish is great for cheese lovers
As for me, I would prefer to put in lesser amount of cheese and the dish still turns out great. I love it this way and it goes very well with a garden salad as a side dish.
Have a blessed day!
Mum
Felicia Lim says
Hi mummy, yes, maybe you might prefer less cheese, and for daddy, I think he would prefer a totally different dish LOL!