Easy Oven-Baked Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Recipe

A healthy twist on the American classic “mac n cheese,” this dish is dreamy, creamy, cheesy and has a little kick from the secret topping. The best gluten free mac and cheese! It will surely be a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults!

What Makes This Recipe Great

Growing up, my mom’s homemade mac and cheese recipe was one of my FAVORITE things ever. It was so simple, yet so delicious, with the deep cheddar flavor and crumbled Ritz crackers on top. I wanted to re-create a gluten-free/healthier version for us to enjoy, and I think this turned out great!

Made with simple ingredients like Jovial brown rice pasta, a combination of cheddar and Monterey jack cheese, and topped with crushed Simple Mills seat salt crackers, this delicious Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese is just like my mom’s ultimate comfort food, but better (because I can eat it and not get sick!). 

Complete with dairy-free alternatives for those avoiding dairy and completely gluten-free. You will love this homestyle, better-for-you dish! 

Ingredient Notes

• Butter: or vegan butter 
• Gluten-free 1:1 flour: I like King Arthur Baking
• Organic milk: or almond milk
• Salt: more to taste
• Black pepper
• Monterey Jack & Cheddar cheese: Shredded – feel free to sub vegan shreds from brands like Daiya for dairy-free. Trader Joe’s also makes vegan cheese shreds!
• Gluten-free elbow pasta: I like Jovial Foods Elbow noodles. Feel free to choose your favorite gluten-free pasta- Penne, farfalle, or fusilli would work well. 
• Simple Mills sea salt crackers: Instead of gluten-free breadcrumbs, these crackers give this dish the “Ritz cracker” crunchy topping without the gluten! Trust me, and do not skip this ingredient!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil pasta in a large pot according to package directions. Follow al dente instructions if preferred. Drain and rinse with cold water. 
3. Meanwhile, make the cheese sauce. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
4. Once melted, add in the gluten-free flour and whisk to form a roux paste. 
5. Slowly pour in the milk while continuing to stir.
6. Continue stirring over medium heat until letting the mixture simmer and thicken, about 5-7 minutes.
7. Add in salt, pepper, and shredded cheese.
8. Stir until smooth and creamy. 
9. Add the cooked pasta to a greased casserole dish.
10. Pour your cheese sauce over top.
11. Mix to combine.
12. Add crushed crackers on top. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese bubbles and the topping is golden brown. Enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Variations: Feel free to make simple swaps and substitutions to make this dish your own. Use white cheddar or sharp cheddar cheese instead of mild or medium yellow cheddar. Add shredded parmesan cheese if desired. Spice it up with garlic powder or more salt and black pepper. And let me know in the comments how it turns out! 
• Pasta: I like the Jovial brand, but use your favorite box of gluten-free noodles. I’ve seen Barilla gluten-free pasta at grocery stores as well. Just be sure to check the label!

Serving Tips

• This gluten free mac and cheese is the perfect side dish for so many occasions! Serve at your next holiday, potluck, or weeknight dinner! 
• For extra protein, choose a gluten-free protein pasta (like Chickpea) option or serve this dish on the side of chicken, steak, or your favorite go-to main dish. 

Storage Tips

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Warm up in the microwave or oven and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

More Gluten-Free Pasta Recipes

One Pot Mac & Cheese with Broccoli

Viral French Onion Pasta

Easy Tuna Pesto Pasta

Dairy-Free Lobster Butternut Squash Mac & Cheese

Gluten-Free Tik Tok Spaghetti Alfredo

This post was originally published on November 4, 2017 and updated with new photos and copy on August 22, 2023.