Description
This creamy and luxurious Truffle Mac and Cheese features plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, and natural truffle oil. Combining rustic comfort with gourmet flair, it offers a velvety, rich texture and a smoky, earthy flavor, perfect for a family-friendly, elegant meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 1 cup plant-based cheese mix
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter substitute
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Additional Ingredients
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 teaspoon truffle oil (natural)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until it becomes crisp and golden. Remove from the skillet, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Make the Roux: Using the same skillet, melt the plant-based butter substitute over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it forms a smooth paste and starts to turn slightly golden.
- Whisk in Almond Milk and Seasonings: Gradually add the unsweetened almond milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Stir in garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer until it thickens.
- Add Plant-Based Cheese and Natural Gelling Agent: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the plant-based cheese mix along with the natural gelling agent. Continue stirring until the cheese melts fully and the sauce becomes luxuriously thick.
- Combine and Finish with Truffle Oil (natural): Fold the cooked macaroni and smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce. Remove from heat and gently stir in a generous drizzle of truffle oil (natural) for that signature earthy, indulgent flavor.
Notes
- Use quality plant-based cheese with good melting qualities for the creamiest sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent sogginess and maintain texture.
- Don’t skip smoked turkey bacon for a smoky crunch that balances the creamy richness perfectly.
- Be gentle with truffle oil: add it towards the end to preserve its delicate flavor.
- Whisk constantly when making roux and sauce to avoid lumps and ensure smoothness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: truffle mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy pasta, truffle oil, vegan mac and cheese