Gluten Free Macaroni and Cheese
Gluten free pasta that is covered in a homemade three cheese sauce, then topped with a gluten free garlic and Parmesan crumb topping.
Ingredients
- 2 cups gluten free pasta use macaroni or any other small pasta
- 8 oz cheddar cheese- shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese- grated
- 1/4 cup gruyere cheese- grated
- 1/4 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup gluten free flour arrow root starch can be used as well
- 2 cups milk
- 1/3 cup olive oil or butter
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs- gluten free
- 1/4 cup parsley
- 2 cloves garlic- chopped
- salt for taste
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add a tsp of olive oil and gluten free pasta and cook until al dente (cooked but not mushy).
- Place a second pot over medium heat and add olive oil/butter. When oil is hot add the flour. Stir continuously to ensure the flour doesn't burn. Cook the roux (flour mixture) for about five minutes. The goal is to cook it enough to get rid of the flour taste. Next, add the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to stir to make sure the roux and milk are well combined.
- When milk mixture starts to boil and thicken add the cheddar and cream cheese. Using a whisk stir the mixture to get rid of any lumps and to help smooth the sauce. Turn the heat down to medium low so the bottom of the sauce doesn't start to burn. Last, add 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, gruyere cheese, cayenne, nutmeg, and salt for taste. Using a spoon taste the sauce to see if it has been seasoned properly. Add more salt if desired.
- Right before the pasta is done cooking take a metal measuring spoon and scoop out about 1/4 of the pasta water. Set aside until ready to use.
- When the pasta is done cooking drain into a colander. Place the pasta into an oven safe dish. Spoon the cheese sauce over the pasta a little at a time until the pasta is well sauced. Add a small amount of the pasta water that was set aside. Pour it in slowly so the sauce doesn't get watery. The starch in the pasta water will help bind the sauce to the pasta.
- In a small bowl combine bread crumbs, parsley, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and garlic. Mix well. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture on top of the mac and cheese. Place under the broiler to toast slightly.
- When bread crumbs are toasted remove from the broiler and serve hot. Garnish with extra parsley.