Who doesn’t love a good mac and cheese? It’s the ultimate comfort food that brings back memories of childhood and lazy weekends. But for those of us who are gluten-intolerant, mac and cheese can be a no-go. Fear not, my gluten-free friends, because I have the solution: gluten-free mac and cheese!
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why gluten-free mac and cheese is so important. For those of us with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a whole host of unpleasant symptoms, from stomach pain to headaches. But just because we can’t eat gluten doesn’t mean we should have to miss out on the cheesy goodness of mac and cheese.
The Gluten-Free Mashed Potato Trick
So, how do we make gluten-free mac and cheese? The secret is in the sauce. Instead of using a traditional roux (a mixture of butter and flour), we’re going to make a sauce using mashed potatoes. Yes, you read that right: mashed potatoes.
To make the sauce, start by peeling and boiling 2 large potatoes. Once they’re cooked, mash them up with a fork or potato masher until they’re smooth. In a separate pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar works well, but you can use any cheese you like). Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Add in the mashed potatoes and stir until everything is combined. Voila! You’ve got yourself a creamy, gluten-free cheese sauce.
Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese, Two Ways
Now that we’ve got our sauce sorted, it’s time to make the mac and cheese. There are two ways you can do this: with gluten-free pasta or with gluten-free pot pie crust. Let’s start with the pasta.
Gluten-Free Pasta Mac and Cheese
Cook your gluten-free pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. In a separate pot, cook some bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pot and set aside. In the same pot, add in some diced onion and garlic and cook until softened. Add in your cooked pasta and cheese sauce and stir until everything is combined. Top with the crispy bacon and some chopped parsley, and you’ve got yourself a delicious gluten-free mac and cheese.
Gluten-Free Pot Pie Mac and Cheese
If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try making gluten-free pot pie mac and cheese. Start by making the gluten-free pot pie crust using the recipe below. Roll out the dough and use it to line a greased pie dish. Add in your cooked pasta and cheese sauce, then top with another layer of pot pie crust. Bake in the oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Gluten-Free Pot Pie Crust Recipe
Making a gluten-free pot pie crust is easier than you might think. Here’s the recipe:
- 1 cup gluten-free flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 egg yolk
- 2-3 tablespoons cold water
In a food processor, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Add in the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add in the egg yolk and pulse until the dough comes together. Add in the cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the dough is smooth and pliable. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface and use it to line your pie dish.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks: gluten-free mac and cheese, two ways. Whether you prefer your mac and cheese with gluten-free pasta or in a pot pie crust, this recipe has got you covered. And the best part? You don’t have to sacrifice any of the cheesy goodness. So go ahead, indulge in some comfort food, and enjoy every bite.
