Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Mac and Cheese

A creamy, indulgent version of gluten free dairy free mac and cheese. The classic comfort food reimagined with a silky dairy-free “cheesey” sauce, tasting just as rich and satisfying as the real thing!

This version keeps everything you love about traditional mac and cheese, smooth, cheesy sauce and tender pasta but without the gluten or dairy. Using simple, wholesome ingredients, it delivers that nostalgic, homely comfort we all know and love, while being gentle on your stomach and allergy-friendly. And that's not even the best part! You can make it in just 30 minutes, using pantry staples and your favourite gluten-free pasta perfect for those busy evenings when your schedule is crammed full...let's be honest there's always one day a week.

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300g gluten-free macaroni pasta

• 2 tbsp olive oil or dairy-free butter alternative

• 2 tbsp gluten-free plain flour

• 500ml unsweetened almond milk (or other dairy-free milk)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp onion powder

• 3 tbsp nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavour)

• ½ tsp turmeric (for colour, optional)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 100g dairy-free grated cheese alternative (optional for extra richness)

Directions

1. Cook macaroni according to packet instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter alternative over a medium heat.

3. Whisk in flour to form a smooth paste called a roux and cook for 1 minute.

4. Lower the heat and gradually whisk in almond milk, stirring vigorously and constantly to avoid lumps.

5. Add mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, nutritional yeast, turmeric, salt, and pepper, stirring each through to avoid flavour pockets in the sauce.

6. Cook until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency (about 5–6 minutes - if this is too think just add some more milk and stir through).

7. Stir in the dairy-free cheese, if using, until melted and smooth.

8. Combine the sauce with cooked macaroni and serve warm.

Serve hot with a sprinkle of paprika or top with crispy gluten-free breadcrumbs. It’s always one of those dishes that vanishes fast at our dinner table.

If you loved this, try my Lasagna or for a quick and easy dessert French Toast

See all Vegan Recipes

What Makes This Gluten Free Dairy Free Mac and Cheese Special

This dish is proof that comfort food doesn’t need dairy or gluten to be satisfying. The sauce gets its creamy texture from a simple roux made with olive oil and gluten-free flour, while almond milk and nutritional yeast bring that rich, “cheesy” depth. A touch of Dijon mustard adds tang, turmeric adds golden colour, and dairy-free cheese (if you choose to use it for added cheesiness) takes the creaminess up an extra notch. It’s warm, nostalgic, and indulgent, and yet still light enough to enjoy any night of the week.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this dish as a comforting main with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans for balance. For extra indulgence, sprinkle gluten-free breadcrumbs on top and bake until golden and crisp. You can also stir in cooked peas, spinach, or roasted vegetables for a pop of colour and added nutrition. It’s a brilliant dish for family dinners, lunchboxes, or cosy weekends because of it's simplicity, adaptablity, and guarantee to please.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave, adding a splash of dairy-free milk to loosen the sauce. For a baked version, transfer to an oven dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and warm through at 170°C until bubbling. This mac and cheese also freezes really well, be sure to cool completely before freezing, then reheat in the oven straight from frozen to avoid soggy stogy pasta.

Optional Tips & Variations

• Top with gluten-free breadcrumbs and bake until golden for a crispy finish.

• Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for a veggie boost.

• Stir through a little dairy-free cream for extra indulgence.

• Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted peppers for a deeper flavour.

• Sprinkle with smoked paprika for a subtle, smoky twist.

For more gluten-free dairy-free meal inspiration, check out BBC Good Food’s healthy dinner collection.

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