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Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Bake (Dairy-Free)


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5 from 1 review

  • Author: Felicia Lim
  • 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

Units Scale

Instructions

  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.
  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 milk into the saucepan and keep whisking.
  6. Stir Until Smooth: The result should be a homogeneous white sauce without lumps.
  7. 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.
  8. Add Cooked Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat completely.
  9. 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.
  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 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.

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