Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese 2024

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If you’re craving comfort food but need a gluten-free option, this Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is your go-to recipe. Loaded with three types of cheeses, this dish brings all the creaminess and richness of classic Southern mac and cheese without any gluten. Perfect for a Gluten-Free Lunch, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for gatherings, family dinners, or holiday celebrations.

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Why You’ll Love Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

There’s something so satisfying about macaroni and cheese, especially when it’s baked to perfection. This Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is the ultimate comfort food, packed with flavor and loaded with cheesy goodness. Plus, this dish uses gluten-free pasta, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture.

Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese Tradition

Southern baked mac and cheese is a staple at many family gatherings and special occasions, and this Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese stays true to those rich traditions. Southerners have a deep love for mac and cheese, often considering it a “vegetable” on their menus. This version keeps the creamy, cheesy essence of the classic but ensures that those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy it too.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the best Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, you’ll want high-quality ingredients to achieve the perfect balance of flavor and creaminess. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1 12oz box of gluten-free macaroni noodles (I highly recommend Barilla gluten-free)
2 large eggs, whisked
2 cans (12 oz each) of evaporated milk
2 teaspoons of powdered dry mustard
1 teaspoon of salt (I prefer pink Himalayan salt)
½ teaspoon of black pepper
½ teaspoon of Tabasco sauce (optional for a little heat)
2 cups shredded mild or sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded Velveeta cheese (you can chop it if you can’t find shredded)
8 tablespoons of butter, melted

This combination of cheeses ensures a super creamy texture and a rich flavor that defines Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 400° F to ensure it’s nice and hot when your Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese is ready to bake.

2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, dry mustard, salt, pepper, and Tabasco sauce. This mixture will be the foundation of the creamy cheese sauce that will make your macaroni irresistibly rich and flavorful.

3. Cook the Gluten-Free Pasta

Cook your gluten-free macaroni according to the box’s instructions. Be sure to salt your water (about 1 tablespoon per 1 pound of pasta) and add a teaspoon of olive oil to keep the pasta from sticking together. For Gluten Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, the pasta should be cooked al dente — firm but not hard.

Pro Tip: Place a wooden spoon over the boiling pot to prevent it from over-boiling.

After cooking, drain the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop it from cooking further. This prevents it from becoming mushy, a common issue with gluten-free pasta.

4. Combine Pasta and Cheese

Return the cooked pasta to the pot and pour the melted butter over it, stirring to coat all the noodles evenly. Then, stir the egg and milk mixture a few times before adding it to the pasta.

Next, add half of the shredded cheese to the pasta and stir over medium heat until it’s melted. Gradually add the rest of the cheese, stirring until everything is fully melted and creamy.

5. Bake to Perfection

Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and pour your macaroni and cheese mixture into it. For extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle a bit more cheddar cheese on top. Bake in the oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Once baked, your Gluten-Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese will be creamy on the inside with a delicious cheesy crust on top. It’s perfect for serving at lunch, as a side dish, or even as the main course.

Tips for Making the Best Gluten-Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Don’t overcook your pasta: Gluten-free pasta can easily become mushy, so make sure to cook it al dente.
Rinse your pasta: After draining, rinse the pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking.
Use high-quality cheeses: The combination of cheddar, Parmesan, and Velveeta makes for an extra creamy mac and cheese that’s hard to resist.
Customize your dish: Add crispy bacon bits or even jalapeños for a twist on the classic Gluten-Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese.

Why Use Gluten-Free Pasta?

Finding the right gluten-free pasta is key to making a successful Gluten-Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese. I personally recommend Barilla gluten-free pasta for this dish because it holds up well when baked and doesn’t turn slimy or mushy, which can be an issue with other gluten-free pasta brands.

Perfect for Gluten-Free Lunch or Gatherings

This dish is not only perfect for a Gluten-Free Lunch, but it’s also an excellent choice for holiday dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. The creaminess of the cheese and the slight bite from the gluten-free pasta make it a crowd-pleaser that no one will even suspect is gluten-free!

Make It Ahead

You can make this Gluten-Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese ahead of time by assembling the dish and refrigerating it before baking. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ll have a warm, cheesy meal in minutes.

Reheating Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, you can either pop it back in the oven or microwave it until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a delicious, creamy, and comforting meal, look no further than this Gluten-Free Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe. It’s the perfect combination of Southern tradition and gluten-free goodness. With three types of cheeses and just the right amount of seasoning, this dish will quickly become a favorite for your gluten-free lunch, dinner, or special occasion meals.

Make sure to try this recipe the next time you need a comforting and flavorful dish that everyone will love!