How do you fancy a stunningly smooth, creamy cheese sauce with a harissa kick, generously enveloping perfectly cooked pasta and topped with a sprinkling of impossibly tempting cheese? And how about if the whole dish is gluten-free?
Well, thanks to MasterChef UK 2016 Champion Jane Devonshire, I have the perfect recipe for you that ticks every single box that good mac and cheese should tick – it’s comforting, creamy, smooth and delicious.
This harissa mac and cheese recipe is featured in Jane’s debut cookbook, Hassle Free Gluten Free, which has been released in association with Coeliac UK, and features 100 delicious and easy-to-make recipes.
Jane’s inspiration comes from feeding her 14-year-old son, who has coeliac disease – a lifelong autoimmune disease that means it’s essential he doesn’t consume any gluten. With so many years of experience creating comforting meals for her family, it’s no surprise that Hassle Free Gluten Free is packed with fantastically tasty dishes that everyone will love.
In Jane’s book, you’ll find everything from soups, to pasta, cakes, to arancini – there’s something to please everyone.
I decided to make her harissa mac and cheese to share with you all. It’s a wonderfully creamy, moreish dish, and the addition of harissa is absolutely inspired. We all love it.
About this dish, Jane writes:
“If I fed Ben his favourite mac and cheese every day, he would be in heaven – I think it’s the whole teenage carb-loading thing. This recipe is for my standard cheese sauce, which works perfectly every time with this quantity of pasta. The addition of harissa gives it a bit of spice and a lovely warming feel for those cold nights, however I have been known to throw leeks, ham, lots of vegetables and other things that need eating up into the pasta just before it goes into the oven – it’s one of those wonderfully adaptable dishes.”
Here’s how to make it.
Ingredients
- 400g (14.1 oz) gluten free pasta
- 6 tbsp cornflour
- 800ml (1.7 pts) milk, plus a little for making the cornflour paste
- 250g (8.8 oz) extra-mature cheddar cheese, grated, plus extra for sprinkling
- 50g (1.8 oz) parmesan, grated
- 2 tbsp harissa paste, check pack to ensure gluten-free
- pinch of salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the pasta and parboil for 6-7 minutes; it needs to be about half-cooked. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Mix the cornflour with a little milk until it is the consistency of double cream.
Put the milk into a saucepan and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and slowly add the cornflour paste, stirring or whisking all the time. Keep stirring/whisking for a couple of minutes – the milk will thicken quickly but you need to cook out the cornflour.
Remove from the heat and immediately add the Cheddar and Parmesan. Beat in until you have a smooth, thick cheese sauce.
Add the harissa paste and salt and stir in.
Add the partially cooked pasta, stir through.
(Look at how gorgeous and creamy it is!!)
Place in a baking dish (my pan was ovenproof so I didn’t need to) and sprinkle over a little extra cheddar cheese (I put quite a large handful on because J and JD like a crisp cheese top on their mac and cheese with all the creamy goodness beneath).
Place in the oven for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling. This is best eaten as soon as you can without the cheese burning your mouth.
We are so impressed, Jane! This recipe out-of-this-world delicious! Don’t forget to pick up Jane’s book for yourself. It’s available to buy now!
What did you think of this delicious gluten-free harissa mac and cheese recipe? Will you give it a go?
Print this gluten-free harissa mac and cheese recipe
Gluten free harissa mac and cheese
Ingredients
- 400 g (14.11 oz) gluten-free pasta I use penne or fusilli as gluten-free macaroni can be hard to find
- 6 tbsp cornflour
- 800 ml (1.69 pt) milk plus a little extra for making the cornflour paste
- 250 g (8.82 oz) extra-mature Cheddar cheese grated, plus extra for sprinkling
- 50 g (1.76 oz) Parmesan grated
- 2 tbsp harissa paste make sure it’s gluten-free
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C Fan/400°F/Gas Mark 6. Bring a large pan of water to the boil, add the pasta and parboil for 6-7 minutes; it needs to be about half-cooked. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Mix the cornflour with a little milk until it is the consistency of double cream.
- Put the milk into a saucepan and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and slowly add the cornflour paste, stirring or whisking all the time. Keep stirring/whisking for a couple of minutes – the milk will thicken quickly but you need to cook out the cornflour.
- Remove from the heat and immediately add the Cheddar and Parmesan. Beat in until you have a smooth, thick cheese sauce.
- Add the harissa paste and salt and stir in, then add the partially cooked pasta, stir through, and place in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle over a little extra Cheddar cheese and place in the oven for 30 minutes, until golden and bubbling. This is best eaten as soon as you can without the cheese burning your mouth.
Video
Nutrition
Bloomsbury sent me a copy of the book. Recipe reproduced with permission.
Pin this gluten-free harissa macaroni cheese
Try these great gluten-free recipes next!
Get Your Kids to Eat Anything
My debut cookbook, Get Your Kids To Eat Anything is available now from all good bookshops!
It’s so much more than a cookbook, it’s a 5-Phase programme designed to take you through a meaningful, simple and sustainable journey to end fussy eating.
Since its release in March 2019 Get Your Kids To Eat Anything has been changing mealtimes in households across the country and has become an Amazon #1 best-seller.
Natalie says
Oh good old mac & cheese. I LOVE that dish. But what I love about this recipe that is so much healthier than others I know. I’m saving this to try. My family will be delighted when I serve them this for dinner.
Emily Leary says
I love mac and cheese too and Jane Devonshire’s recipe is so tasty. I’m sure that your family will be really pleased when you serve it up!
Puja says
We love mac and cheese. This recipe sounds healthy and yummy.
Emily Leary says
We all love mac and cheese in our house and Jane’s recipe is a great hit! Enjoy :)
Karyl Henry says
I’ve never heard of harissa, but I love to try out unique spices. I’ll definitely have to check it out. I love this creamy mac & cheese too! Looks divine
Emily Leary says
I love spicy food too and Jane’s recipe is fab and definitely worth a go! Enjoy!
Holly says
What a great recipe! I’ve never thought to use harissa in a pasta dish – I bet it’s so delicious!
Emily Leary says
You’re right – this dish is really as delicious as it looks!
Daniela says
Wow! I love the color that the harissa gives this gluten-free mac and cheese. And I can only imagine how warm and spicy it makes it taste. Delicious!
Emily Leary says
I hope that you’ve been tempted to give this recipe a go – it’s so tasty and just right for a family meal at this time of the year!
Jyothi (Jo) says
Yes, i’m a person who can put harissa on every dish. Because i love all things spicy. This is probably the best gluten free mac and cheese recipe I have come across. YUMMM
Emily Leary says
Like you, I love spicy food and Jane Devonshire’s recipe is perfect on these chilly autumn evenings. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it :)
Tatiana says
Those colors are so vibrant! Excellent gluten free mac and cheese option for us, would love to try
Emily Leary says
Yes, this is such a wonderfully colourful and tasty dish. I hope you give it a try :)
Marisa Franca says
What a delicious looking mac and cheese and certainly this is a heaven sent recipe for those who are gluten intolerant. I’m not too familiar with harissa but I’ll have to change that real soon.
Emily Leary says
Yes, Jane’s recipe for GF harissa mac and cheese is absolutely delicious! Enjoy :)
Louise says
Ooh, this looks super tasty. I’ve never tried mac and cheese before, but clearly I should!
Louise x
Emily Leary says
This recipe tastes as good as it looks and if you’ve never tried mac and cheese before you’re in for a treat! Enjoy!
Ellie Plummer says
This looks so delicious and is making me hungry looking at it. I may have to try this out.
Emily Leary says
I hope that you do decide to give Jane’s recipe a try, it tastes every bit as good as it looks!
Daphne D Adams says
I have a few gluten free friends so I need to try this for the holidays.
Emily Leary says
I’m sure that your gluten free friends will love Jane’s tasty recipe :)
Liza perry says
I have never thought of putting harissa in Mac and cheese! Great post and amazing pictures!
Emily Leary says
Thank you! I really enjoyed making this dish. Jane’s recipe is absolutely delicious :)
Rachael says
This sounds sooo good! Perfect for a filling autumn or winter dinner! I’m definitely going to make this.
Emily Leary says
You won’t be disappointed! It’s a super recipe which the family wolfed down in no time! Enjoy!
Musings of a tired mummy...zzz... says
I have a wheat allergy so have to avoid wheat gluten. I love macaroni cheese but have NEVER tried harissa! I’ll get on and buy some and try this recipe (have pinned!)
Emily Leary says
I love mac and cheese too and Jane’s GF recipe is so tasty – enjoy!
Helen at Casa Costello says
I love the sounds of the added kick of harissa in this dish. Lovely photos as always Emily. The book sounds fascinating – I’d be interested in trying out the arancini.
Emily Leary says
Thank you Helen! Jane’s book is full of delicious GF recipes and well worth checking out!
Veena Azmanov says
I love having gluten-free options just because I don’t always eat a lot of bread. I’ve been wanting to buy a book on gluten-free and Since you recommend this, I’m definitely going to look at it.
This recipe sounds so amazing
Emily Leary says
There are so many more delicious recipes in Jane Devonshire’s book so I’m sure you won’t be disappointed!
Anosa says
I do love a good dosh of some mac and cheese during the week but not tried a gluten-free version. This looks really yummy
Emily Leary says
Yes, this is a really yummy mac and cheese recipe by Jane Devonshire. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do in our house!
Connor Silver says
This looks amazing! I have huge issues with gluten so this is one for the list (I love to cook and try new things. Especially things including harrisa!)
Emily Leary says
Jane’s recipe for GF harissa mac and cheese is so delicious. I hope you give it a try :)
Jessica says
I love the process photos, every photo gets yummier and yummier! It looks so creamy and delicious, I would eat the whole pan!
Emily Leary says
Thank you! It was a pleasure to make Jane’s delicious mac and cheese dish and yes, it’s definitely very moreish!
Becca Wilson says
This dish looks like it would be so delicious. I would love to give it a try!
Emily Leary says
I hope that you decide to give this truly delicious dish a try. I love it!
Megan says
This sounds so good, thank you! I’d love to give this a shot.
Emily Leary says
I’d love to hear if you give this delicious recipe a go – it’s very, very tasty!
Marcie says
Holy moly this looks like the ultimate comfort food! And your photos are so appetizing! Yummy!
Emily Leary says
Thank you! I hope you’ve been inspired to give Jane’s recipe a go, it really is delicious!
Preet says
Oh, I am badly craving for this! This is so good, this will be a huge hit! This would disappear in no time at our house!
Emily Leary says
This dish taste so incredibly good! I hope that your family enjoy it :)
Nadia says
This sounds like heaven. I love harissa and cheesy pasta so will have to try this one.
Emily Leary says
I’m sure that this truly delicious dish won’t disappoint!
Kelly Anthony says
This pasta looks truly fantastic! My kids would love it!!! Thanks for the recipe!
Emily Leary says
Jane’s mac and cheese recipe is so yummy – we love it in our house!
Sonia says
Ooh I could just sit and eat a big bowl of this now. Love Mac n cheese x
Emily Leary says
I love mac and cheese too and this dish by Jane Devonshire is really tasty!
ANkana says
Just what the doc ordered for a meal on a thursday . Going to whip this up for dinner, hope the kids will enjoy it !!!
Emily Leary says
I’d love to hear what your kids thought of this delicious mac and cheese dish! Mine love it :)
Helen Neale says
This looks delightful and tasty. My kids would absolutely love this. This is my kind of a weekend treat.
Emily Leary says
I agree :) This is a deliciously moreish dish and a perfect weekend (or anytime) treat!
Jasmine Hewitt says
i love a good mac and cheese recipe. i don t have to do gluten-free necessarily, but the option is nice
Emily Leary says
I hope you decide to give Jane’s recipe a go – it’s SO yummy!
Lindsay says
Your food photography is incredible and I am just drooling over this dish… and I’m not gluten free! I will definitely be making this one.
Emily Leary says
Thank you so much! It was such a pleasure to make this delicious dish by Jane Devonshire – enjoy!
Kiki Johnson says
This is genius! Hubby is a sucker for mac and cheese (like all Canadians, I guess haha) but this version might even get me on board! I can really see the spicy harissa paste heightening the flavor and contrasting the creamy cheese perfectly!
Emily Leary says
Yes, this is a really, really delicious dish by Jane Devonshire. I’d love to hear how it goes!
Ashley says
Yum! This looks and sounds so good. Mac and cheese is such a comfort food, and with colder weather, I’ll be wanting more of that. Adding this recipe to my list!
Emily Leary says
Great! Jane’s delicious mac and cheese recipe is perfect for these chilly autumn evenings! Enjoy!
Tiffany La Forge-Grau says
I know for a fact that my family would love this one! The fact that it is gluten free blows my mind too!
Emily Leary says
My family love this wonderfully tasty recipe by Jane Devonshire – I’m sure yours will too, it tastes so good!
Kansas Bonanno says
most defiantly going to make this for my kids, we are always looking for new things to cook and add to our menus.
Emily Leary says
That’s great to hear :) Jane’s recipe for mac and cheese is so delicious, I think your kids will love it!
Laura - Dear Bear and Beany says
My friend Laura is GF and she is coming to visit soon. This looks delicious and would be ideal for me to cook for us x
Emily Leary says
This really is a delicious dish which I’m sure Laura will love!
Charli says
This sounds like the ultimate in comfort food! Perfect for these chilly evenings!
C x
Emily Leary says
I agree! We love this meal in our house – I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!
Stephanie says
Oh what a great idea on putting Harissa in this, I can’t wait to try this!
Emily Leary says
I’m sure Jane’s recipe won’t disappoint – it’s delicious! Enjoy :)
The Tale of Mummyhood says
This looks like good, wholesome food!
Emily Leary says
Jane’s recipe is really delicious and just right for a family meal on these chilly autumn evenings :)
Tash says
Emily, your meals always look absolutely amazing! This is definitely one we will try and soon too! It looks so so good!
Emily Leary says
Thank you! It was such a pleasure to make this delicious mac and cheese dish by Jane Devonshire. It went down a treat in our house!
Janise says
I will definitely try this recipe. My kids love mac and cheese and they will love to eat this.
Emily Leary says
I’m wondering – have you tried this delicious recipe yet? We love it in our house!
Aleta says
Wow what a great recipe for beautifully thick and creamy gluten free pasta! I bet her cookbook is loaded with other delicious recipes like this, definitely worth checking out!
Emily Leary says
Yes, it really is a great recipe and you’re right – Jane’s book is packed full of more delicious recipes to tempt your taste buds!
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
Mac and cheese is one of my favourites. I would definitely love to try this.
Emily Leary says
I hope you do decide to give this delicious recipe a go – it’s really delicious!
Catherine Santiago Jose says
Mac and cheese are one of my favorites dishes to have on every occasion and I am sure that this is a winner recipe for my family.
Emily Leary says
Mac and cheese is definitely one of my favourites and this delicious recipe makes a perfect meal on these chilly autumn evenings. Enjoy!
Victoria says
I love mac and cheese. But your recipe has a new twist, thanks!
Emily Leary says
What’s not to love about mac and cheese? Jane’s recipe is so delicious – we all love it in our house!
Michelle Kellogg says
I’ve never heard of Hariska. I’m not sure if they sell it in my neck of the woods but I’ll keep a look out and if I find it I would like to try it. The dish looks delicious!
Emily Leary says
I hope you find harissa paste – this recipe is so delicious!
fashionandstylepolice says
My kids love Mac and Cheese. I LOVE how you displayed every step with amazing photography.
Emily Leary says
Thank you! My kids (and the grown ups) all love this delicious recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do :)
catherine shane says
Wow what a delicious cheesy i love this thanks for sharing this delicious recipe i will make it this coming christmas., yummmy
Emily Leary says
Yes – Jane Devonshire’s recipe is lovely! I’m sure you’ll all enjoy it!
Anosa says
I love the quote from Jane, my mum was the same if she sounds dished we loved as teenagers she made them regularly and creatively. Love the look of this mac and cheese
Emily Leary says
Yes, it’s a really lovely recipe and we love it in our house. It’s a perfect meal for these chilly autumn evenings!
stacey says
This looks delicious. A yummy mac and cheese can make any day a little better.
Emily Leary says
I totally agree! Enjoy :)
Joy says
Yes another amazing recipe from you. Thank you for sharing this. I will definitely be trying it out during the holiday season.
Emily Leary says
I’m sure you won’t be disappointed – It’s a really tasty dish!
Yanna says
Oh my gosh. I got hungry just looking at it! Yummy! I want to try all your recipes, to be honest.
Emily Leary says
Thank you! This wonderfully tasty dish from Jane Devonshire is well worth a go – we love it in our house!
Amanda Yorton says
I need to try this! Lately, the only kind of pasta I can eat is gluten free, otherwise I feel so bloated. But this sounds yummy!!
Emily Leary says
Have you tried this lovely recipe yet! It really is so tasty! Let me know how it goes :)
Alexandra says
What a clever idea and interesting twist on this dish! I love the addition of Harissa – brings some added warmth.
Sounds utterly beautiful!
Thanks for sharing!
Alex xx
itsnotcomplicatedrecipes.com
Emily Leary says
Hi Alex. Jane’s gluten-free harissa mac and cheese is absolutely delicious, I’m sure you’ll love it!
Explore The 6 says
One reason why I stopped eating mac and cheese is because of the gluten, thanks for this recipe I’m going to give this Gluten-free mac and cheese a try :)
Emily Leary says
Jane’s recipe is so delicious – I love it! Let me know how it goes :)
Maartje van Sandwijk says
This looks really good! :)
Emily Leary says
It really is! I hope you give it a go!
Karla says
Thank you for this. We have two family members that are gluten free and recipes have been hard for me. This looks pretty simple and I know they’ll love it.
Emily Leary says
Jane’s recipe is so tasty – I’m sure your family will love it as much as mine do!
Chad says
I’ve heard of Harissa before but i thought It had chicken, not sure tbh. Thank you so much for the great recipe, will definitely cook it this weekend.
Emily Leary says
It’s such a pleasure to share this lovely recipe from Jane Devonshire. I hope you all enjoyed it at the weekend!
Sonia Cave says
This looks so delicious. It is the favourite meal of our twin 1 so I will be giving this version a go. Love all things gluten free as I think it is better for us anyway
Emily Leary says
It really is so delicious. I hope you all enjoy it as much as we do in our house!
Peter says
Kraft dinner has never been so heavily outclassed.
Emily Leary says
I love this recipe, it’s so so tasty!
GiGi Eats says
This looks INSANELY tasty!! I would be ALLLLL over that mac and cheese casserole, for real ;)
Emily Leary says
It’s a great recipe – we all love this delicious version of mac and cheese. Enjoy!
Joanna says
I can imagine how delicious this recipe is! I do like harissa for the kick it gives to eastern foods, but I never imagined that it could be used in mac and cheese. I’d love to try this recipe!
Emily Leary says
I hope you do! Let me know how it goes – I think you’ll love it!