Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Goat Cheese and Roasted Peppers
Easy gluten-free mac and cheese with goat cheese. Made with a thick and gooey homemade cheese sauce that includes cheddar and goat cheese plus roasted red peppers.
Mac and cheese is one of those childhood favorites that you never seem to grow out of. I mean what’s not to love about tender pasta coated in creamy, cheesy sauce?
I’ve enjoyed homemade mac and cheese often, but I’ve also had my share of boxed variety. Being older, I need to watch what I eat better. This Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Goat Cheese will satisfy your nostalgic craving, without the guilt.
While I don’t have any specific gluten sensitivities that I know of, a little bit of moderation never hurt. This recipe will show you easy gluten-free substitutes so you can still enjoy things like mac and cheese, even if you are on a gluten-free diet.
How to make mac and cheese gluten-free?
The most obvious swap is to use gluten-free pasta. There’s plenty of rice flour noodles available at most stores. On top of that, it adds extra protein and fiber to your gluten-free mac and cheese.
The cheese sauce is typically made with a roux, which is melted butter and flour. Once the milk is added and simmered, it thickens into a sauce. A simple gluten-free alternative is to use cornstarch, which thickens up just as easily. Then mix in shredded cheese and stir until melted into a cheesy sauce.
Unique additions to mac and cheese
This homemade gluten-free mac and cheese isn’t just a replacement for your basic boxed variety. Goat cheese and roasted red bell peppers create a bold and unique flavor. I’ve still included shredded cheddar to keep the sauce extra gooey.
If you don’t have roasted red peppers then sun-dried tomatoes would be a great substitute they will still give a nice sharp and tangy flavor to cut through the rich cheesy flavors.
What Cheese to Use?
A soft Goat Cheese works well in this recipe. It has a rich and smooth texture, along with fresh and mild flavor.
It’s also high in protein, calcium and vitamin D, and contains less lactose than many other kinds of cheese, making it a great addition to your healthy and active lifestyle.
With just a few simple substitutions you can enjoy wholesome Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Goat Cheese as an easy family favorite. Add even more protein by stirring in shredded cooked rotisserie chicken for a complete meal.
Why homemade Mac and Cheese is healthier than store-bought
Although mac and cheese is an indulgent and decadent comfort food dish this version is so much healthier for you than any store-bought, boxed variety. Boxed mac and cheese is filled with unhealthy additives, preservatives, and chemicals not to mention a ton of sodium.
By making your mac and cheese from scratch you can control exactly what you are eating making it healthier and so much more delicious, it’s a win-win!
Tips for making Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
- Elbow pasta is what is traditionally used for mac and cheese but you can use any short gluten-free pasta shape.
- Make sure to season the pasta water as it’ll make a big difference to the flavor.
- Keep the sauce on medium heat and stir as it thickens. This can take from 5-8 minutes and don’t be tempted to turn up the heat.
- Leftovers can be eaten hot or cold the next day, this mac and cheese won’t freeze well.
- If you want a low-carb option, try Keto Mac and Cheese made with shirataki noodles
More cheesy recipes you may like:
- Cheesy Chile and Chicken Flatbread Pizza
- Cheesy Hot Dog Tartlets
- Creamy Blue Cheese Puff Pastry Squares
Want a low carb option?
Try my Keto Cauliflower Mac and Cheese
Leave a comment below and star rating if you made this recipe or want to share your thoughts.
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Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese with Goat Cheese and Roasted Peppers
Ingredients
- 16 ounces gluten-free elbow pasta
- 4 cups milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ⅓ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 8 ounces Goat Cheese, crumbled
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup drained roasted red bell peppers, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 F. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but slightly firm. Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking, set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together milk, cream, cornstarch, salt and pepper until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted. Pour in milk and cornstarch mixture, stirring to combine. Continue cooking, stirring constantly, until sauce thickens, 5-8 minutes. Slowly stir in goat cheese and 2 cups shredded cheddar. Continue stirring until melted and smooth. Toss together with cooked pasta and roasted peppers.
- Pour into a casserole or 8x8 baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake 10-12 minutes, until cheese is melted. Broil top, watching carefully, to brown if desired.
Notes
- Elbow pasta is what is traditionally used for mac and cheese but you can use any short gluten-free pasta shape.
- Make sure to season the pasta water as it'll make a big difference to the flavor.
- Keep the sauce on a medium heat and stir as it thickens. This can take from 5-8 minutes and don't be tempted to turn up the heat.
- Leftovers can be eaten hot or cold the next day, this mac and cheese won't freeze well.
Recipe adapted from allrecipes.com
I absolutely love the idea of the cheese; it looks so creamy and delicious! Will have to try it.
Putting goat cheese with gluten free pasta is fantastic! The A1 beta casein protein in cow dairy (that drives some towards goat and sheeps milk products) looks similar to gluten protein to the body. So it is the perfect combo for those of us sensitive to both. And it’s delicious.
Thanks so much for the great tip Julie! I made this gluten-free for those with sensitive diets, but glad to know it’s also better for those with lactose sensitivities. And yes it’s also delicious!
Mouthwatering images and recipe!
Nice recipe. I love goat cheese and have just started using it for cooking. This mac and cheese looks so creamy and delicious
Thanks Jere. Goat cheese is wonderful for cooking as it has so much flavor.
Gluten free Mac and cheese looks so cheesy and yummy…use of goat cheese and roasted bell pepper adds amazing flavor to it
It totally is and you’d have no idea this mac and cheese was gluten-free since it’s so rich and creamy. Thanks Lathiya.
You can’t go wrong with mac and cheese – love the addition of goat cheese! Sounds amazing!
A little goes a long way, thanks Danielle!
What a great gluten free way to make mac and cheese!! Saving and sharing this.
It’s my new favorite way! Thanks Jessie.
Such a great gluten free recipe. We are always looking for Mac n cheese alternatives as we limit dairy as well.