Ingredients
Pasta
- 16 ounces gluten-free elbow pasta
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Topping
- 1/3 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gluten-free elbow pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get ready for baking the mac and cheese.
- Melt Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, ensuring it does not brown.
- Whisk In Flour: Add the gluten-free all-purpose flour to the melted butter and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes without letting it brown.
- Add Milk & Seasoning: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Continue to simmer over low heat, whisking frequently until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese: Remove the sauce from heat and whisk in the sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add Pasta: Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked pasta in the pot or a large mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly to coat all the pasta.
- Transfer to Baking Dish & Add Topping: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the gluten-free breadcrumbs and extra parmesan cheese on top for a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy topping.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to ensure the dish remains gluten-free.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra 1/2 cup of milk while making the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Feel free to swap mozzarella with other mild cheeses like Monterey Jack if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- For added flavor, sprinkle paprika or cayenne pepper on top before baking for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free