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Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free Baked “Mac” and Cheese

Name: Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free Baked “Mac” and Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 500g (1 lb) gluten-free elbow pasta or shell pasta; Salt, for boiling water; 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups unsweetened oat milk or other neutral plant milk (avoid soy); 1/2 cup nutritional yeast; 1 cup dairy-free shredded cheese (e.g., coconut or cashew-based cheddar-style, soy-free); 1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch (optional, for thickening); 1/2 tsp ground mustard (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 tsp turmeric (for color – optional); 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers; 1 tbsp olive oil; Pinch of paprika or smoked paprika

Category:

Side Dish

Difficulty: Easy

Serves:

6 people

Prep Time: 20 Minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Rating:

(0.00/5)

June 24, 2025 by Chef Molly

This creamy, nostalgic favorite is made allergen-friendly using gluten-free pasta and a velvety dairy-free cheese sauce. Perfectly baked with a golden top, it’s a comfort food classic for everyone to enjoy!

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What You’ll Need:

For the Pasta

500g (1 lb) gluten-free elbow pasta or shell pasta
Salt, for boiling water

For the Dairy-Free Cheese Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups unsweetened oat milk or other neutral plant milk (avoid soy)
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
1 cup dairy-free shredded cheese (e.g., coconut or cashew-based cheddar-style, soy-free)
1 tbsp arrowroot powder or cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1/2 tsp ground mustard (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 tsp turmeric (for color – optional)

For the Topping (Optional)

1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers
1 tbsp olive oil
Pinch of paprika or smoked paprika

Prepration for:Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free Baked “Mac” and Cheese

Step 1/4

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gluten-free pasta according to package instructions (al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2/4

Make the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté onion until translucent (about 5 minutes), then add garlic for 1 minute. Stir in the plant milk, nutritional yeast, dairy-free cheese, mustard, turmeric (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir constantly until cheese melts and mixture thickens slightly. If needed, mix arrowroot powder with a tablespoon of cold water and add to the sauce to thicken. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes.

Step 3/4

Combine and Transfer

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce in a large bowl or directly in a baking tray. Transfer to a lightly oiled or foil-lined baking dish (as shown in the image).

Step 4/4

Bake It

Optional: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with olive oil and sprinkle over the pasta. Bake for 20–25 minutes or until top is golden and bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving for best texture.

Chef's Tips & Notes

Tips: For extra richness: Add 1/4 cup cashew cream to the sauce. For spice: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeño. Make ahead: Assemble and refrigerate before baking. Add 10 extra minutes if baking from chilled.

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Gluten-Free, Soy-Free, Dairy-Free Baked “Mac” and Cheese