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How to Make Extra Cheesy Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Skip the box! Here's how to make this favorite stovetop Mac n' Cheese in 20 quick minutes. Using just five basic ingredients, you will create the best melty, cheesy, creamy gluten-free homemade Macaroni and Cheese. Serve it 4-ways with flavor options your whole family will love.

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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.

Creamy Gluten-Free Mac n' Cheese 4-Ways
Gluten-Free Macaroni and Cheese Four Delicious Ways - Make it Creamy, Mexi, Ham and Peas, or Chili Mac n' Cheese for an easy dinner tonight!

ABOUT THIS RECIPE (per serving)

Gluten Free
Servings:  4
AVG. Maker RATING: 
5 from 2 votes
Write a Recipe Review
Prep Time :5 minutes
Cook Time :15 minutes
Total Time :20 minutes
Course : Dinner, Entrée, Lunch
Cuisine : American, Canadian English, United Kingdom
Diet : Gluten Free
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
Calories 468
Fat 20.6
Carbohydrates 51.7
Protein 17.9

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...

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

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Creamy Gluten-Free Mac n' Cheese 4-Ways

Creamy Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Four Ways

Kymberley @GfreeDeliciously
Skip the box! Make this favorite stovetop macaroni and cheese in 20 quick minutes. Using just five basic ingredients, you will create the best melty, cheesy, creamy gluten-free homemade Mac and Cheese. Serve it 4-ways with flavor options your whole family will love.
5 from 2 votes
Gluten Free
This recipe may contain affiliate links. For more information, visit our Affiliate Disclosure.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Entrée, Lunch
Cuisine American, Canadian English, United Kingdom
Servings 4
Calories 468 kcal

EQUIPMENT

  • Large Saucepan
  • Utensils (Large heat-proof-Spoon, Measuring Cups and Spoons

INGREDIENTS
 
 

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]

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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

[1] Flavor Options:
Add ingredients for the flavor choice you are making from above. Stir gently to combine the ingredients into the basic macaroni and cheese mixture and continue to warm over medium-low heat before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 468kcalCarbohydrates: 51.7gProtein: 17.9gFat: 20.6gSaturated Fat: 11.8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5.7gTrans Fat: 0.4gCholesterol: 58.4mgSodium: 299.6mgPotassium: 180.3mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 2.7gVitamin A: 190.2IUVitamin C: 0mgCalcium: 372.1mgIron: 3mg
Keyword cheese, Mac n' Cheese, Macaroni, Macaroni and Cheese
Tried this recipe?Review it ! Or leave a comment. It’s super helpful for others and us!

Recipe Card powered by WP Recipe Maker 

(Nutritional values are an approximation. Actual nutritional values may vary due to preparation techniques, variations related to suppliers, regional and seasonal differences, or rounding.)

Copyright © 2017-2024 Kymberley Pekrul | GfreeDeliciously | gfreedeliciously.com | All content and photographs are copyright protected. The sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. However, copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please read my Photo Use Policy for detailed guidelines and further clarification.

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Kymberley @gfreedeliciously

Kymberley @gfreedeliciously

Hi, I'm Kymberley, the creator of GfreeDeliciously and the Amazing, Glorious Journey Programs. I pray that my work will inspire you to honor your body through God and Good Food from the inside out, all while enjoying your Amazing, Glorious Journey!

Take a peek at the behind GfreeDeliciously

Being creative, cooking, fresh veggies, the violin, decorating for holidays, sewing, hand-quilting, cowgirl boots, country music, fresh herbs in pots, blowing dandelions to the wind, walking barefoot in the grass, hanging out with eclectic interesting people, reading, writing, warm lazy summer days, and yoga!

Gluten, cilantro, mixed vegetables (the frozen kind I grew up with), negativism, rudeness, narcissism, overstaying a welcome,
not helping out, liars, promiscuity, cockiness, know-it-alls, being overly-dramatic, goal-less-ness, poor hygiene, chauvinism, lacking a sense of humor, excessive competitiveness, Laziness, horrifying spellers, people-bashing, criticism and mockery of others and their beliefs, flakiness (because flaky people are really unappealing), more swagger than substance, people who constantly manage others (those folks who think they have all the answers…)

Lambrusco, my iPad, popcorn suppers, dark chocolate, cookbooks, Almond-Rocca, historical romances, sun-bathing, weekend coffee with a good book in bed, PBS cooking shows, romantic comedies, cozy sweaters, fuzzy socks, and fragrant bubble baths with soft music and wine…

Say please and thank you, LAUGH, Pray often, ENCOURAGE others, Be KIND, HONEST, HAPPY, Keep your PROMISES, Be GRATEFUL, Wash your hands, FORGIVE yourself and others, LISTEN, Have FAITH, Be CONFIDENT, Honor your parents, CHERISH your children and grandchildren, TREASURE your family, ABIDE in GOD’s love, Be POLITE, Guard your HEART, SEEK your purpose, FEED your mind, body and soul, Be HOPEFUL, Resist temptation, Lay your burdens down, TRUST your gut, CONNECT with nature, Know that GOD made you perfect just the way you are, SERVE others, LIVE to love, Be COURAGEOUS, Shine bright, OPEN your mind, RESPECT differences, HONOR your inner hunger, SING loud, Be PROUD of who you are, Practice PATIENCE, Never give up, WEATHER the storms of life, Say I love you, LOVE one another

  • I’ve traveled to 32 states in the USA where I’ve enjoyed the food, history, people and the local culture while visiting.
  • Among the states, I’ve lived in are Arizona, California, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
  • My favorite island is Maui.
  • I’ve also been to Canada and Mexico.
  • I rode horses as a kid, and barrel-raced.
  • I broke my neck when I was 18 and went to senior prom in a neck brace.
  • As a little girl, I grew up living next door to my grandma and grandpa on a small lake in rural southern Michigan.
  • The first thing I learned to cook was pancakes.
  • The craziest thing I ever made was mint-flavored green cupcakes when I was 13. My family didn’t like them much…
  •  

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Kymberley @gfreedeliciously
Coach | Cook | Creator | Publisher

Meet Kymberley [Upson] Pekrul

A professional writer and self-taught Gfree lifestyle expert on [most] gluten-free things, I’ve always loved cooking and creating delicious foods from scratch for myself and those I love.

My journey began when everything I thought I knew about cooking and eating suddenly changed one day when I discovered I was celiac. So, I re-learned how to eat, cook, and navigate through life gluten-free – trusting God and His plan for me.

I live in what’s known as the Holylands of Central Wisconsin. All the recipes you’ll find here are gluten-free and inspired by the people and places I love most. Whenever possible, I cook with seasonal ingredients using whole foods – Making dishes suitable for everyday life and all food lovers gathered at the same table.

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