Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese — Stovetop, 35 Minutes

A creamy, comforting bowl of gluten-free mac and cheese, featuring tender gluten-free pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. This dish offers a satisfyingly cheesy flavor with a smooth texture that's perfect for any occasion.

Best for a creamy stovetop side or a kid-friendly main with a dairy-free option.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 30 min Total: 35 min Serves: 4

At a glance: This easy salads and sides recipe yields 4 servings in about 35 minutes (5 min prep, 30 min cook). It uses 8 ingredients — including gluten-free elbow macaroni, butter or dairy-free alternative, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend — and walks through 5 steps. Updated October 25, 2026. Browse more salads and sides recipes or return to all gluten-free recipes.

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Cross-Contamination Warning for Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: When preparing this salads and sides recipe, gluten-free elbow macaroni should be cooked in fresh water, never in a pot used for regular pasta, and the flour blend for the roux needs a gluten-free label. Pre-shredded cheddar or dairy-free cheese should carry the same label.

Gluten-Free Notes for Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: This recipe is gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend, avoiding any gluten-containing grains.

Scale Recipe:

servings

Ingredient amounts update automatically

Ingredients

Shop links on this page are for gluten-free elbow macaroni, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, milk or unsweetened dairy-free milk. Buy the package that says gluten-free. A shared production line is the usual risk with these pantry items. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you. Confirm the product is labeled gluten-free before you buy.

8 oz gluten-free elbow macaroni Shop
3 tbsp butter or dairy-free alternative
3 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour blend Shop
2 cups milk or unsweetened dairy-free milk Shop
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheese alternative labeled gluten-free)
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp black pepper
0.25 tsp paprika (optional) Shop

Instructions

1 Cook the gluten-free elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta well and set aside, ensuring no water remains in the pot.
2 While the pasta cooks, melt the butter or dairy-free alternative in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering. Whisk in the gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a smooth paste and smells slightly nutty, creating a roux.
3 Gradually whisk in the milk or dairy-free milk, a little at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and begins to thicken, about 5-7 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
4 Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese or dairy-free cheese alternative, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is added.
5 Add the drained gluten-free elbow macaroni to the cheese sauce. Gently stir until all the pasta is evenly coated in the rich, velvety sauce. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

Nutrition (per serving)

205

Calories

Protein

37g

Carbs

Fat

Fiber

235mg

Sodium

Tips & Notes

Cook the gluten-free macaroni a minute short of the package time. It keeps softening in the hot cheese sauce.
Warm the milk before whisking it in so the sauce stays smooth.
Take the sauce off the heat before adding the cheddar so it melts smoothly instead of turning grainy.

Common questions

Can I make gluten-free mac and cheese dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free butter, unsweetened dairy-free milk, and a dairy-free cheese that melts. The sauce will be a little looser.

Why does gluten-free pasta get mushy in mac and cheese?

It keeps softening in the hot sauce. Cook the macaroni 1 to 2 minutes less than the package says before stirring it in.

What cross-contamination risk is specific to Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese?

Check gluten-free elbow macaroni, butter or dairy-free alternative, gluten-free all-purpose flour blend before they go into Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese. Gluten-free elbow macaroni should be cooked in fresh water, never in a pot used for regular pasta, and the flour blend for the roux needs a gluten-free label. Pre-shredded cheddar or dairy-free cheese should carry the same label.

Which gluten-free swaps does Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese use?

Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese relies on 8 oz gluten-free elbow macaroni and 3 tbsp gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Keep those gluten-free-labeled products in place of a gluten-containing flour or sauce.

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