Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese features a rich, creamy plant-based cheese sauce balanced with smoky turkey bacon and brightened with a splash of apple cider vinegar. This comforting twist on a classic dish delivers layers of texture and flavor for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 oz elbow macaroni pasta
Protein
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded or sliced
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 tsp mustard powder (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (natural)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Remove from heat and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a smooth roux. Slowly add the whole plant-based milk while whisking continuously, allowing the mixture to thicken gently. Stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and silky.
- Add Flavor Boosters: Mix in apple cider vinegar (natural), mustard powder (natural), garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), and season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked macaroni and crispy smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every piece. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve warm for maximum comfort.
Notes
- Use room temperature plant-based milk to help the sauce thicken evenly without lumps.
- Cook the roux (flour and butter) properly to avoid a grainy texture in the sauce.
- Select a plant-based cheese that melts well for a smooth, creamy finish.
- Do not skip the apple cider vinegar, which brightens the flavor and balances the richness.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: vegan mac and cheese, plant-based mac and cheese, smoky mac and cheese, comfort food, dairy-free mac and cheese
