‘Tis the season to break out the dutch oven and make some comfort food! I love a simple stovetop mac and cheese. It’s the kind of meal that is so versatile, from a delicious weeknight meal to a side on your Thanksgiving table. Mac and Cheese is perfect for all of it!

Mac and Cheese with Ham in a Made in dutch oven

What You Need for your Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

  • Gluten free pasta
  • Ham
  • Sharp cheese
  • Goat cheese
  • Whole Milk
  • Butter
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Garlic Powder
  • Hot Sauce, we used Tabasco
  • Pepper

Tools

made in dutch oven with mac and cheese in it

Tips for Successful Homemade Mac and Cheese

Even though this is an incredibly easy recipe, there’s some finesse and tricks to take it to the next level. First and foremost, if you are able, definitely shredded your own cheese. It’s much fresher, more flavorful, and melts even more beautifully. If it’s not possible, don’t fear; it will still be delicious. This trick is just one of those things that really helps take it over the top.

For gluten free pasta, the best trick is to take it out early. You want it rather al dente to avoid it breaking down. In this recipe in particular, strain it when it’s firm, then immediately get it back in the dutch oven so that the cheese melts beautifully without over stirring.

close up on mac and cheese on a fork

When adding your soft cheese like the goat cheese, divide it into small chunks. This makes mixing much easier. It blends beautifully without clumping. If needed, have some reserved pasta water at the ready to combine into your dish to achieve the perfect texture.

How to Make Your Mac and Cheese

Bring 4 to 6 quarts of water to boil in a large Dutch oven and cook pasta al dente according to package directions. While the pasta is boiling, shred the cheeses in a food processor or with a cheese grater and set aside.

milk going into the dutch oven

Heat a medium pan over medium with the olive oil.  Add the ham to the pan, and cook until browned, flipping occasionally, about 10 minutes. Set aside. When the pasta is al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and immediately return to the Dutch oven over low heat.

Add the shredded cheeses and goat cheese, ¼ cup milk, butter, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt and stir it all in. Add remaining milk, cubed ham, and tabasco to your liking, if desired, and continue stirring. At this point, if needed, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired texture. Serve and enjoy immediately.

ham in the mac and cheese

More Uses for Your Dutch Oven

A dutch oven is a beautiful life pan. It’s the kind of pan that basically feels like a family heirloom. You use it for all your favorite family dishes, from Mac and Cheese to a pot roast to a spaghetti sauce and so much more. You can use it on the stove or in the oven, and if you take care of it, you’ll have it forever. Cherish your dutch oven just as you do your other kitchen jewelry!

When you make this Mac and Cheese, be sure you rate and review it below. I can’t wait to hear what you think and what fun ways you make it your own. If you’re looking for more inspiration, sign up for our Friday Favorites newsletter, and follow along on PinterestInstagram, and TikTok to join in all the fun!

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Mac and Cheese with Ham in a Made in dutch oven

Creamy Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

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  • Author: Teri Turner
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Pasta
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This stovetop gluten free mac and cheese is perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a holiday side dish! It’s an absolute crowd pleaser, whether you are gluten free or not!


Ingredients

  •   12 oz package of gluten free pasta, penne or macaroni)
  •   1 pound cheese (we used a combination of cheddar and muenster)
  •   2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
  •   ½ pound thick slice of honey baked ham, cut in ½-inch cubes
  •   4 ounces goat cheese
  •   ½ cup milk, divided
  •   1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  •   ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  •   ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  •   ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  •   2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  •   Tabasco, to your liking

Instructions

  1.   Bring 4 to 6 quarts of water to boil in a large Dutch oven and cook pasta al dente according to package directions.
  2.   While the pasta is boiling, shred the cheeses in a food processor or with a cheese grater and set aside.
  3.   Heat a medium pan over medium with the olive oil.  Add the ham to the pan, and cook until browned, flipping occasionally, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
  4.   When the pasta is al dente, reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and immediately return to the Dutch oven over low heat.
  5.   Add the shredded cheeses and goat cheese, ¼ cup milk, butter, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt and stir it all in. Add remaining milk, cubed ham, and tabasco to your liking, if desired, and continue stirring. At this point, if needed, add a small amount of reserved pasta water to achieve your desired texture.
  6.   Serve and enjoy immediately.