There’s something about a big ole bowl of mac and cheese that instantly transports me back to childhood. The creamy, cheesy flavor, the stringy warm deliciousness, and that feeling of pure comfort—it’s like a hug in a bowl. But as someone who has had to navigate the world of gluten-free eating, I know how challenging it can be to find a delicious mac n cheese that hits all the right notes. Whether you’re dealing with celiac disease or just avoiding gluten for other reasons, this Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe is here to save the day. And the best part? There’s even a vegan option for those who want to skip the dairy but not the flavor.

A Personal Journey to Gluten-Free Comfort Food

I remember the first time I had to face the reality of living without gluten. I was a bit overwhelmed, to say the least. Suddenly, my favorite comfort foods seemed out of reach, and I was on a mission to find or create gluten-free recipes that would bring that comfort back into my life. After a lot of trial and error, I finally perfected this Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe. It’s become a staple at my dinner table, especially when I’m craving something warm, creamy, and utterly comforting. And trust me, whether you’re making it for yourself, your whole family, or a gathering of friends, this great recipe never disappoints.

Why a Crock Pot for this Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese?

Now, you might be wondering, “Why use a crockpot instead of just making it on the stove?” Well, let me tell you, the slow cooking method is a game changer. This slow cooker gluten free mac recipe allows the cheese to develop a depth of flavor that you just can’t get with a quick stovetop version. Plus, it’s hands-off cooking at its finest. You can set it, forget it, and come back to a creamy mac that’s ready to be devoured.

The Perfect Cheeses for the Best Mac

To create the best mac, you need to start with the right cheeses. I love to use a blend of sharp cheddar cheese, monterey jack, white cheddar, and a touch of velveeta cheese for that gooey cheesy goodness. The american cheese adds a nostalgic flavor that takes me right back to the mac and cheese I loved as a kid.

Ingredients for Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

Here’s what you’ll need for this easy crock pot mac and cheese recipe:

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• 3 cups gluten-free elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (not pre-shredded cheese if possible)
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup velveeta cheese, cubed
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp gluten-free flour (for thickening)

For the Vegan Option:

• Replace dairy cheeses with your favorite comfort food vegan cheeses.

• Use vegan cheese sauce in place of the creamy cheese sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them for the cheese crockpot recipe. Shred your cheeses, measure out your liquids, and set up your quart crockpot. Trust me, having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother.

Step 2: Cooking the Macaroni

Place the uncooked pasta (make sure it’s gluten free pasta) into the crock pot. Add in the whole milk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk. Give it a good stir to make sure all the pasta is submerged.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses

Now, it’s time to add the different kinds of cheeses. Start with the blend of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by the monterey jack, white cheddar, velveeta cheese, and cream cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the cheeses are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic. The actual cooking time is about 2 to 3 hours. Stir the mixture every half hour to ensure everything melts together perfectly and the pasta cooks al dente. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add the gluten-free flour during the last hour of cooking.

Vegan Option

For the vegan option, simply replace the cheeses with vegan cheese sauce and follow the same steps. The stringy warm deliciousness of the vegan cheese sauce is just as satisfying.

Serving Your Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese

Once your slow cooker gluten-free mac is ready, it’s time to serve! I love scooping it into a casserole dish and letting it sit for just a few minutes. This helps the final product to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side dish, this cheesy macaroni is sure to please everyone at the table.

Storage Tips

If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to three days. When you’re ready to reheat, just add a splash of whole milk or heavy cream to bring back the creamy cheese sauce texture.

Nutritional Content

Cooking Tips for Best Results

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it often contains additives that can affect the texture of the sauce.

• Cook Time: Check your crockpot mac after 2 hours. The actual cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot.

• Add-In Ideas: For a different flavor, try adding cooked bacon (vegan), jalapeños, or other kinds of cheeses like pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Explore more vegan and/or gluten-free recipes below:

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Conclusion

This Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe is truly the perfect dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a dinner table gathering with friends. The creamy, cheesy flavor, combined with the ease of the slow cooker recipes method, makes it an absolute winner. And with the vegan cheese sauce option, everyone can enjoy this good mac, regardless of dietary preferences. So, next time you’re craving some gooey cheesy goodness, give this delicious recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed!

FAQs

1. Can I use regular pasta instead of gluten-free?

Yes, you can use regular pasta if you don’t need to avoid gluten. Just adjust the cooking time as regular pasta may cook faster.

2. How can I make this cheesy macaroni recipe dairy-free?

For a dairy-free option, replace all dairy products with plant-based alternatives. The vegan cheese sauce works great in place of the traditional cheeses.

3. What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of whole milk or heavy cream to restore the creamy texture.

4. Can I make this recipe in an instant pot?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an instant pot. Use the sauté function to melt the cheeses, then cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.

5. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

Stirring the pasta every half hour during cooking and ensuring it’s cooked al dente will help prevent it from getting too soft.

Printable Recipe Card

Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese (Vegan Option)

This Crock Pot Gluten Free Mac and Cheese recipe is a creamy, cheesy delight perfect for any occasion. Made with gluten-free pasta and a blend of sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and white cheddar cheeses, it’s slow-cooked to perfection in a quart crockpot. The recipe includes a vegan option, using dairy-free alternatives for those avoiding dairy. With minimal prep and a hands-off cooking method, this dish is easy to make and loved by everyone. It’s a comforting, flavorful meal that’s gluten-free, with a rich, creamy sauce that’s sure to satisfy all your mac and cheese cravings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Quart Crockpot (4-quart or larger)
• Mixing Bowl
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Whisk or Stirring Spoon
• Cheese Grater (for shredding cheese)
• Knife (for cutting cream cheese and Velveeta)
• Cutting Board

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 3 cups gluten-free elbow macaroni
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese not pre-shredded cheese if possible
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese shredded
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese shredded
• 1/2 cup velveeta cheese cubed
• 4 oz cream cheese cubed
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 tsp gluten-free flour for thickening

Instructions

 

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

• Start by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them for the cheese crockpot recipe. Shred your cheeses, measure out your liquids, and set up your quart crockpot. Trust me, having everything ready before you start makes the process much smoother.

Step 2: Cooking the Macaroni

• Place the uncooked pasta (make sure it’s gluten free pasta) into the crock pot. Add in the whole milk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk. Give it a good stir to make sure all the pasta is submerged.

Step 3: Add the Cheeses

• Now, it’s time to add the different kinds of cheeses. Start with the blend of sharp cheddar cheese, followed by the monterey jack, white cheddar, velveeta cheese, and cream cheese. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, making sure the cheeses are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

• Set your crockpot to low and let it work its magic. The actual cooking time is about 2 to 3 hours. Stir the mixture every half hour to ensure everything melts together perfectly and the pasta cooks al dente. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can add the gluten-free flour during the last hour of cooking.

Notes

For the Vegan Option:

Replace dairy cheeses with your favorite comfort food vegan cheeses.

Use vegan cheese sauce in place of the creamy cheese sauce.

Follow the same steps.

The stringy warm deliciousness of the vegan cheese sauce is just as satisfying.

 

Cooking Tips for Best Results

Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Avoid using pre-shredded cheese as it often contains additives that can affect the texture of the sauce.

Cook Time: Check your crockpot mac after 2 hours. The actual cooking time may vary depending on your crockpot.

Add-In Ideas: For a different flavor, try adding cooked bacon (vegan), jalapeños, or other kinds of cheeses like pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 18gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gCalcium: 400mg

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