Description
Enjoy a creamy, cheesy baked mac and cheese made with plant-based cheese and smoked turkey bacon for a comforting meal that is simple to prepare. This recipe combines wholesome ingredients to create a deliciously smoky, rich, and crispy dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Macaroni and Protein
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (gluten-free if desired)
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- 2 cups milk of choice
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded or freshly grated
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup gluten-free breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1/4 cup plant-based cheese, shredded (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (natural) (to mix with breadcrumbs for extra crunch, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crisp. Remove and drain on a paper towel, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the plant-based butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and natural gelling agent until combined and bubbly, forming a roux. Gradually stir in the milk, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, cooking until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Reduce heat and slowly melt in the plant-based cheese, stirring continuously for a creamy sauce.
- Combine Pasta, Sauce, and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Mix the cooked pasta and chopped smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
- Bake and Crisp: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish. If desired, toss the breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly on top, then add the extra plant-based cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until golden and bubbling, about 20-25 minutes.
Notes
- Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Melt cheese slowly over low heat to avoid clumping.
- Use freshly grated plant-based cheese for better melting quality.
- For a crispier crust, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil before topping.
- Allow baked mac and cheese to rest briefly before serving to set.
- Prepare up to the baking step ahead of time, cover, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, plant-based mac and cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, gluten free, cheesy pasta
