There is very little in life that is as satisfying as a huge portion of mac and cheese. It is a favorite meal that most people associate with their childhood. But if you are on a specific diet, say gluten-free, you might think you have to give up this delightfully cheesy dish. Not quite!
I am so jazzed to share the recipe for gluten-free mac and cheese in the crock pot. The flavor is just as rich and luxurious as the original, but with utter convenience courtesy of the slow cooker.
Furthermore, it is ideal fare for hectic weeknights and social gatherings or whenever comfort food is desired. You do not have to be a genius in the kitchen. Just pile the ingredients into your crock pot and go about your business. Prepare to enjoy the best kind of comfort food – a huge serving of gluten-free mac and cheese from a crock pot.
Why You’ll Love This Crock Pot Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese
Simple and Quick: Just throw the ingredients in the crockpot, cook, and stir in the cooked pasta. Comfort Food at Its Best: Add in crispy bacon or crunchy breadcrumbs-although, of course, neither is required, they are always a nice addition. Easy to Find Ingredients – Nothing too crazy here; you probably already have everything in your gluten free pantry. Only One Dish to Clean: Those are pretty much the only types of recipes I enjoy making nowadays – fewer dishes to do! Creamy, Dreamy Cheese Sauce – that’s safe for all including your gluten intolerant guests.
The Magic of Slow Cooking
So, what’s the deal with gluten-free mac and cheese in a crockpot all about, you ask? Well, first of all, it is gluten-free so there can be no guilt with enjoying all that cheesy goodness. Second, is the fact that it is made in a crock pot so very little work to dirty up your kitchen. Third is how extremely creamy and cheesy it is and we are really going for maximum flavor by using a lot of cheese. Fourth is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. Kids and grown adults will both adore this hearty comfort food so there is no doubt that it makes it ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Choosing the Right Gluten-Free Pasta
Cooking slowly through some crockpot advantages, for instance, allowing flavors to blend together slowly. Makes a rich and cream sauce without all that stirring, and cooks pasta perfectly tender while not interfering. And lets you get on with other things since it does not have to be watched as it works its magic all by itself.
Ingredients that may be used correctly in a recipe, and therefore the pasta probably represents the variety: Gluten-free pasta isn’t that easy. In fact, some brands get mushy after a long cooking time, so it’s best to look for a sturdy variety, such as brown rice or quinoa pasta, which both work great over the shape of the slow cooker.
The Perfect Cheese Blend
Cheese is what makes mac and cheese special. We use a blend of cheeses in this recipe. Cheddar brings the sharpness, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Parmesan provides that nutty, salty flavor to cut the sauce. Altogether, it’s a well-rounded good cheese sauce.
Gathering Your Ingredients: The List for Success
First, let’s gather your ingredients. It’s always better to have good quality ingredients. This will in turn make your crock pot gluten free mac and cheese all the more delicious. Here’s what you need:
| Ingredients | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten-Free Elbow Macaroni | 1 lb | Brown rice or quinoa pasta recommended |
| Milk | 4 cups | Whole milk or 2% |
| Evaporated Milk | 1 (12 oz) can | For extra creaminess |
| Butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Cut into pieces |
| Cheddar Cheese, shredded | 2 cups | Sharp or mild |
| Jack Cheese, shredded | 2 cups | |
| Parmesan Cheese, grated | 1/2 cup | |
| Salt | 1 tsp | Or to taste |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 tsp | Freshly ground is best |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 tsp | Optional |
| Mustard Powder | 1/4 tsp | Optional- for a little subtle tang |
Choosing Your Pasta
Specificity of the pasta is crucial, the magic definitely isn’t in the elbow macaroni but in the brown rice or quinoa from which it’s made. Those two simply tend to hold up better in the slow cooker. So, don’t get corn pasta for this. It becomes mushy.
Selecting Your Cheeses
Cheddar – this is pretty much required to embody the mac and cheese taste; Monterey Jack’s contribution to the blend is on the creamy side, also melting well, and it’s Parmesan’s contribution to the mix within providing that salty, nutty flavor that finishes off the sauce. Also, feel free to add some other cheeses into the mix as well.
Creating The Sauce
We’re using milk and evaporated milk together which is what makes the sauce really rich and creamy. The evaporated milk, in particular, extends that creaminess without the sauce being too runny. Butter just amps everything up in terms of richness and flavor.
Let’s Make It: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Layer the Ingredients: Prepare your slow cooker by layering the gluten-free pasta, milk, evaporated milk, butter, seasonings, and the mentioned mustard and garlic powders if available. Mix to combine well and evenly.
- Sprinkle the Cheeses: Spread the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the pasta mixture. Add a finishing touch of the Parmesan cheese. Gently stir to combine.
- Crock Pot Cooking Tips: Every slow cooker is a little different in how it cooks; so, watch your mac and cheese. Check it near the end of the cooking time. You want the pasta to be cooked, but still firm to the bite – not mushy. And you want that cheese to be fully melted and bubbly.
- Taste while adding the seasonings: Lastly, serve the mac and cheese hot and steaming from the crock pot, and celiac creaminess is all yours.
Additional Tips
salt and pepper, in this case – to taste; it may require more or less of each. You might experiment with a little nutmeg or paprika too. All I’m saying is you’re free to even shake in some hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat in your gluten-free mac and cheese in a crock pot.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving, approximately 1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-450 |
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Protein | 20-25g |
| Carbohydrates | 35-40g |
| Fiber | 2-4g |
Editor’s Note: These numbers are rough estimates and will vary depending on ingredients used.
Serving Suggestions and More
It’s a full meal in its own right, but here are some other ideas that take it over the top.
Make it your OWN by adding more elements:
Extra cheese sprinkled over the top before broiling for a few minutes creates a crispy topping. Paprika adds color to the dish as well as a mild flavor. Fresh parsley or chives make a welcome sight at the end, too, and you can mix in a little garlic if you’re so inclined, because who can overstate just how crispy those broiled morsels are?
Classic Side Dish Combos
Serve with a side salad for a balanced meal. Other good options are roasted vegetables. It works well with grilled meats or our Chicken Thighs Hominy Casserole if you want just to buy comfort. For something a little different, surely that is what you accompany it with also this Green Chili Gravy. Looking for unique breakfast pairing ideas? Try this Ham, Egg and Cheese Bagel. Don’t forget dessert! Our Pumpkin Cream Cheese Ginger Dessert would be the perfect way to end. So in case you don’t like the sound of it here is the Sweet Chilli Sauce maybe we can return the ‘sauce’ to.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about this gluten-free mac and cheese in a crock pot:
- Q: Can I use different cheeses? A: Yes, indeed. Let methods sow with your favorite cheeses; e.g. Gruyere, Gouda and Fontina all are nice.
- Q: Can I add vegetables? A: Of course! Broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach can all be good choices. If so, throw them in during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: You can prepare the ingredients in crock pot ahead of time. Then refrigerate until ready to cook. You might have to add a little more time in cooking.
- Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Refrigerate in an airtight container. Good for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Q: Can I use regular pasta? A: No. This is a gluten-free pasta recipe, so if you use regular pasta, the cooking time will not be the same.
- Q: My mac and cheese are too thick. What do I do? A: Just add a little more milk to the thickness you want.
- Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, you can. Just make sure your crock pot is large enough to take on that volume increase.
Conclusion
Now the Crock pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese Creamy, dreamy comfort food at its very best taste level and made simple. This recipe is great for quick weeknight cooking, for taking to potlucks, or whenever the cheese craving strikes. Plus, it’s a sure family pleaser. So grab your ingredients, plug in your crock pot and get started!