How to Make the Easiest, Cheesiest, Creamiest Gluten-Free Homemade Mac n’ Cheese Four Ways…
Pasta is in many people’s go-to easy meals and for a good reason. If you have pasta, you basically have lunch or dinner. Served with or without sauce pasta in any shape or variety can be served many ways – with a pat of butter or a swirl of olive oil, a sprinkle of herbs and cheese, eat it hot or cold. It has so much potential for a meal that you can make with just a handful of ingredients, flavor it with a few spices or pantry staples, and then be ready to eat it within a few minutes.
Forget the box!
Creamy Gluten-Free Homemade Mac n’ Cheese has been among the quick and easy go-to meals ever since Rover was a little dog. (Not that we have a dog named Rover, but if we did, his name likely would be Rover, and we likely would have gotten him years ago as a puppy. Just saying.)
But more importantly, what sets this creamy gluten-free homemade Mac n’ Cheese recipe apart from other recipes is the elbow macaroni pasta used to make it. It is, of course, gluten-free since there is the necessity to eat gluten-free. But even if that were not the case, I likely would still use these gluten-free elbow macaroni noodles. First, because they are super delicious, and second because I likely would also serve them to everyone because after eating them, the noodles do not make you feel like you’ve eaten a gut bomb. At least that is what the many gluten-eaters who have eaten them in my recipes have said! And I, too, have experienced the same happy gut feelings after eating them.
The final thing that sets this recipe apart is...
The creamy cheese sauce that uses six whole ounces of shelf-stable pasteurized cheddar cheese. I know, here comes the eye-roll from the cheese purists who may be reading this.
But hear me out.
Do not, and I repeat DO NOT let anyone tell you that this kind of cheddar cheese is not real cheese. It is.
Dear hubby, during his career in the food and dairy industry, he has watched this cheese made in manufacturing facilities, and it is the real deal. The cheese is made with wholesome, honest to goodness, real milk, and cheddar cheese that’s processed in a way that makes it into a shelf-stable cheese that does not need to be refrigerated before it is opened.
Ranking at the top of best recipes for when you cannot think of anything else to make for dinner is good 'ole macaroni and cheese or Mac n’ Cheese as we call it.
For this recipe, we combine it with butter, milk, and a little seasoning to make the creamy cheese sauce that makes this recipe for Mac n’ Cheese that’s “outta’ this world!”
It’s especially popular because kids never complain when pasta is part of the meal (because what kid does not like pasta?), and for the grown-ups, pasta smothered in a cheesy melty sauce is the epitome of at-home comfort foods.
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Creamy Mac n’ Cheese along with three adventurous flavor options for making some grown-up versions that your family will love...
Creamy Gluten-Free Mac n' Cheese
Gluten-Free Chili Mac n' Cheese
Mexi Mac n’ Cheese
Ham and Peas Mac n’ Cheese
So here, you will find our basic recipe for how to make the easiest, cheesiest, creamiest gluten-free homemade Mac n’ Cheese along with three adventurous options for making some grown-up versions that have become our family favorites. Enjoy!
XXO
Kymberley
Creamy Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Four Ways
EQUIPMENT
- Large Saucepan
- Utensils (Large heat-proof-Spoon, Measuring Cups and Spoons
INGREDIENTS
- 2 cups gluten-free Elbow Macaroni 8 handfuls gluten-free Elbow Macaroni, uncooked
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- ¾ cup milk
- 6 ounces pasteurized processed Cheddar Cheese cubed (can substitute Velveeta®)
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
Chili Mac [1]
- canned Chili, 1/2 to one full can
Ham-and-Peas Mac [1]
- Peas, 1/4 to 1/2 cup, fresh or frozen
- 3 to 5 slices Ham, diced
Mexi Mac n’ Cheese [1]
- Prepared Salsa, 1/4 to 1/2 cup
INSTRUCTIONS
- Bring 4 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a large saucepan.
- Add the macaroni and stir gently to keep from clumping together.
- Cook until the macaroni is al dente’ taking care not to overcook.
- Drain and return to the stove over low heat.
- Add the butter, milk, pepper, and cheese, stir gently until the cheese is completely melted.
Creamy Mac n’ Cheese
- The basic recipe for Creamy Mac n' Cheese can be served immediately.
For Chili Mac n’ Cheese
- Start with the basic recipe for Creamy Mac n' Cheese and add between 1/2 to one full can of your favorite brand canned Chili to the recipe. Stir gently to combine the ingredients, continue to warm over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes before serving.
For Ham and Peas Mac n’ Cheese
- Start with the basic recipe for Creamy Mac n' Cheese then measure 1/4 to 1/2 cup peas (fresh or frozen), and dice 3 to 5 slices of ham. Add ingredients to the base Mac n’ Cheese recipe. Stir gently to combine; continue to warm over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes before serving.
For Mexi Mac n’ Cheese
- Start with the basic recipe for Creamy Mac n' Cheese and measure 1/4 to 1/2 cup (personal taste) of your favorite salsa from the jar. Add to the basic Mac n’ Cheese recipe. Stir gently to combine; continue to warm over medium-low heat for about 1 minute. Top with a teaspoonful of salsa to serve.
KITCHEN NOTES
Nutrition
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(Nutritional values are an approximation. Actual nutritional values may vary due to preparation techniques, variations related to suppliers, regional and seasonal differences, or rounding.)
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