Description
Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese combines smooth plant-based cheese sauce with fresh broccoli florets and crispy smoked turkey bacon for a comforting, nutritious meal suitable for the whole family. This dish perfectly balances rich creaminess with vibrant greens and smoky flavors, making it an easy and flavorful dish to enjoy any night.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups macaroni pasta
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Protein and Flavor Enhancers
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. While pasta cooks, fry the smoked turkey bacon in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Remove and chop into small pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the plant-based butter. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk while stirring continuously. Once the mixture thickens, add the plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Finally, add the natural gelling agent to achieve perfect sauce texture and mix well.
- Combine Broccoli, Pasta, and Bacon: Drain the macaroni and gently fold in the blanched broccoli florets and crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir carefully to coat everything evenly.
- Bake or Serve Immediately: You may serve the dish immediately for a creamy stovetop meal or transfer it to a baking dish, sprinkle additional plant-based cheese on top, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly for extra texture and flavor.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the macaroni to maintain a firm texture that holds well with the sauce.
- Blanch broccoli briefly in boiling water to preserve its vibrant color and crunchy texture.
- Stir constantly when making the cheese sauce to prevent lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon slowly to crisp it perfectly without burning.
- Adjust seasoning and add fresh herbs like thyme or parsley to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli mac and cheese, creamy plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, family friendly, vegetarian, easy recipe
