Are you looking for a comforting and delicious mac n cheese? Look no further than this gluten free mac and cheese crockpot recipe! Made with whole milk, gluten-free flour, and a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with everyone at the dinner table.
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This Cheese Recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend lunch. Simply toss all the ingredients in your crock pot, let it cook and enjoy the delicious cheesy sauce with your pasta. It's one of the easiest ways to make this creamy gluten free mac and cheese crockpot recipe.
This gluten-free version of the classic comfort food is sure to satisfy your cravings without compromising your dietary needs. The pasta is cooked to perfection in a rich, cheesy sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a main course, either way, you'll love this delicious and easy Crockpot Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese recipe!
Looking for more cheesy recipes? Check out Grilled Cheese Roll Ups (Gluten Free), No Bake Gluten Free Cheese Cake Bites, and Copycat Gluten Free Cheez It Crackers Recipe.
What does gluten free mac and cheese taste like?
This gluten free mac and cheese crockpot recipe tastes creamy and delicious. The cheese sauce is rich and thick, coating the gluten-free pasta evenly and providing a decadent and satisfying flavor. The creamy cheese sauce blends well with the gluten-free pasta and provides an indulgent and comforting taste that will be a hit with everyone in the table. It's a perfect dish for those who are looking for a gluten-free comfort food that taste as delicious as the traditional one. This recipe will not disappoint you in terms of taste, it's a surefire way to satisfy your craving for a cheesy and comforting meal.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
- The simple swaps in this recipe make it easy for everyone to enjoy a gluten-free version.
- The slow cooker eliminates the need for constant monitoring, allowing you to prep other things or relax.
- Golden brown and creamy, this gluten-free mac and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit with everyone.
- Use a variety of cheese like Monterey jack in this slow cooker macaroni recipe.
Key Ingredients for Gluten Free Mac and Cheese
The key ingredients in this Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese recipe include:
- Whole milk: 3 cups of milk add creaminess to the sauce
- Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons of butter mixed with gluten-free flour create a roux as a thickener.
- Gluten-free pasta: 12 ounces of Jovial gluten-free elbow pasta is used in this recipe, cooked Al dente. This is one of my favorite recipes!
- Shredded cheese: A blend of 6 ounces of American cheese and 6 ounces of shredded cheddar cheese provide a delicious cheesy flavor and creamy texture.
- Spices: 2 teaspoons of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper are added to enhance the flavor of the mac and cheese.
The recipe is cooked in a slow cooker, and the uncooked gluten-free pasta is added to the slow cooker with the cheese sauce and cooked for about 1-2 minutes until the pasta is cooked through and the cheese is melted. The combination of different kinds of cheeses and spices make this gluten-free mac and cheese recipe a delicious and comforting dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook Pasta
- Cook the gluten-free macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese
- Add cooked gluten-free macaroni noodles to the slow cooker.
- Pour in 3 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter mixed with ¼ cup gluten free flour, 2 teaspoons of salt,¼ teaspoon ground pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Add shredded American and cheddar cheese on top.
Cook in Slow Cooker
- Cook on high for 1-2 hours or until cheese is melted and the macaroni noodles are soft.
- Stir occasionally.
Serve and Enjoy
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and serve as the perfect comfort food. Add extra cheese on top if desired.
Optional:
- Line the slow cooker with a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
What gluten free noodles should I use?
There are a variety of gluten-free pasta brands available on the market. Some popular brands include Jovial, Banza, and Tolerant. Each of these brands offers a variety of gluten-free pasta options that can be used in this recipe to make it a perfect comfort food.
- Jovial is a brand that specializes in gluten-free pasta. They offer a variety of gluten-free pasta options including gluten-free macaroni pasta, gluten-free elbow pasta, and gluten-free spaghetti.
- Banza is a brand that makes pasta out of chickpeas, which is a great option for those looking for a gluten-free and protein-packed pasta. They offer gluten-free macaroni pasta, gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free fusilli.
- Tolerant is a brand that offers a variety of gluten-free pasta options including gluten-free macaroni pasta, gluten-free fusilli, gluten-free spaghetti and gluten-free lasagna. All of their pasta is made from organic red lentils, black beans, and green peas, which are high in protein and a great alternative to wheat pasta.
Each of these brands offer great gluten-free options that can be used in this recipe to make a perfect comfort food.
Expert Tips for the Making the Best Mac and Cheese
- Use a non-stick spray to coat the inside of the crockpot before adding ingredients to make cleanup easier.
- Cook the pasta al dente before adding to the crockpot to prevent it from becoming mushy during the cooking process.
- Use a medium bowl to mix the cheese sauce ingredients to ensure even distribution.
- For a creamier crockpot mac and cheese, stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding a pinch of pepper or extra salt if needed.
- Keep in mind that actual cooking time may vary based on the type of slow cooker you are using.
- Use minimal ingredients for ultimate comfort food, stick to simple ingredients for the best results.
- Consider adding uncooked pasta to the crockpot for a more al dente texture.
Recipe Variations
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and vegan butter instead of regular milk and butter.
- Add a pinch of white pepper to change up the flavor and surprise your taste buds.
- Add a tablespoon of sour cream to make it creamier and tangy
- Mix up the cheese, try using Colby jack or a mix of different cheese varieties.
- Add a teaspoon of garlic powder for a different twist on the original recipe.
- Use olive oil instead of butter for dairy-free version
- Add diced cooked bacon for a bacon mac and cheese variation
- For a baked version, pour the mixture into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and bake for 20-25 minutes at 350F.
- Use a pinch of pepper to adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Experiment with different cheeses, the possibilities are endless.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer and creamier cheese sauce.
- Mix in cream cheese for a creamier texture
- Use evaporated milk for a thicker sauce
- Experiment with different cheese mixes, such as Colby jack or a Mexican blend.
- Use Velveeta cheese for a different twist on the recipe
- Use pre-shredded cheese for a quick and simple recipe
- Add a cheese mixture for a different flavor, such as blue cheese or feta
- Experiment with different cheese options to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
How to make Mac and Cheese Dairy Free
- To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the milk with a non-dairy milk of your choice.
- Use olive oil or vegan butter instead of regular butter.
- Use a vegan cheese substitute or make your own cheese sauce using nutritional yeast, cashews or silken tofu
- Use vegan parmesan cheese instead of regular parmesan cheese.
- Experiment with different vegan cheese options to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
- Use vegan butter instead of butter for dairy-free version
- Experiment with different vegan cheese options to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
- Use vegan parmesan cheese to sprinkle on top before serving
- Substitute butter for a vegan butter alternative in the recipe.
Necessary Equipment for Crock Pot Recipe
To make this recipe, you will need:
- Slow cooker or crockpot
- A wooden spoon for stirring the ingredients
- A medium saucepan for making the cheese sauce
- A cheese grater for shredding the cheese
- A baking dish if you're going to make the baked version of the recipe.
Nutritional Breakdown of Our Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese Recipe
Embark on a journey with our Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese that doesn't compromise on taste or texture. Here's a quick look at what each serving brings to your table:
- Calories: Approximately 350 per serving, making it a satisfying yet mindful choice for your meal.
- Total Fat: 18g, with a focus on healthier unsaturated fats from cheese and butter.
- Protein: A robust 15g per serving, thanks to the rich cheese blend and milk.
- Carbohydrates: About 35g, primarily from our carefully selected gluten-free pasta, ensuring you're energized without the gluten.
- Fiber: 2g, contributing to your daily dietary fiber intake.
- Sugars: 5g, naturally occurring from milk, making this dish a balanced option for those monitoring their sugar intake.
This nutritional insight aims to help you enjoy our comfort food fully, knowing it fits within a balanced, gluten-free diet.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese
- Serve this recipe with a salad of mixed greens and a simple vinaigrette
- Serve with a green bean or broccoli side dish
- Add some toppings like breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or chopped herbs for a different texture
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, it'll take only 10-15 minutes to prepare
- Enjoy it with a side of your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or shrimp.
- Serve with a side of sautéed mushrooms for an earthy and savory taste.
- Enjoy this recipe as a side dish with your favorite meat and vegetables for a complete meal.
- This recipe can also be served as a main dish, enjoy it on its own or with a side of your choice.
Storage Instructions
To store this recipe, follow these instructions:
- Let the mac and cheese cool to room temperature before storing.
- Place the mac and cheese in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When ready to eat, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through
- You can also reheat it in the oven. Heat oven to 350F, and place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
FAQ
Yes, you can make this recipe without a crockpot or slow cooker by baking in the oven, covered, stirring occasionally.
Yes, this recipe is already gluten-free as it calls for gluten-free flour and gluten-free pasta.
Yes, this recipe can be made dairy-free by using non-dairy milk, vegan butter or olive oil, and vegan cheese substitutes.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop.
It is not recommended to freeze this recipe as the pasta may become mushy when thawed.
Yes, you can add vegetables to this recipe such as broccoli, cauliflower or peas.
You can use a variety of cheeses in this recipe such as cheddar, American, Colby jack or a Mexican blend.
Our Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese is crafted with love, using only the finest gluten-free ingredients to ensure no one misses out on the joy of creamy, comforting mac and cheese. With a perfect blend of cheeses and a silky smooth sauce, it's the ultimate comfort food that truly everyone can enjoy.
Absolutely! While we recommend Jovial for its consistent results and delicious taste, feel free to use any gluten-free pasta brand you prefer or have on hand. The key is to ensure it's cooked to al dente perfection before combining it with the cheese sauce.
Creamy Gluten-Free Crockpot Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- Slow cooker or crockpot
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter mixed with ¼ cup gluten free flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 12 ounces gluten free pasta cooked Al dentae
- 6 ounces American cheese shredded
- 6 ounces cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Cook the gluten-free macaroni noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Add cooked gluten-free macaroni noodles to the slow cooker.
- Pour in 3 cups of milk, 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter mixed with ¼ cup gluten free flour, 2 teaspoons of salt,¼ teaspoon ground pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
- Add shredded American and cheddar cheese on top.
- Cook on high for 1-2 hours or until cheese is melted and the macaroni noodles are soft.
- Stir occasionally.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and serve as the perfect comfort food. Add extra cheese on top if desired.
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