Description
Creamy and decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese layered with tender lobster meat, a rich plant-based cheese sauce, and crispy smoked turkey bacon for a luxurious twist on a classic comfort dish. Perfectly balanced flavors and textures make it a crowd-pleaser for special occasions or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seafood
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 cup succulent lobster meat (fresh or thawed frozen)
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter or margarine
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
- 2 ½ cups plant-based milk
- 2 cups plant-based cheese blend (sharp cheddar recommended)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1 tsp onion powder (natural)
- 1 tsp paprika (natural)
- Salt and black pepper (natural), to taste
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Smoked Turkey Bacon
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces to sprinkle on later.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually pour in the plant-based milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Stir in the plant-based cheese blend, apple cider vinegar (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), paprika (natural), salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, then include the natural gelling agent to thicken slightly.
- Combine and Add Lobster: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, then gently mix in the lobster meat to keep those tender chunks intact. Mix in two-thirds of the crispy smoked turkey bacon and reserve the rest for garnish.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the creamy mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining smoked turkey bacon on top and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Use fresh lobster for the best flavor and texture, or thaw frozen lobster properly before using.
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- Taste and adjust seasoning of the cheese sauce before combining with pasta.
- Reserve some smoked turkey bacon for topping to maintain crispy texture.
- Allow the baked dish to rest slightly before serving for cleaner slices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy pasta, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, seafood pasta
