Description
Turkey Chorizo Mac and Cheese combines creamy plant-based cheese with spicy turkey chorizo and smoky smoked turkey bacon for a rich, comforting meal. Enhanced with a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural), this dish balances creaminess with a bright, tangy kick. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or crowd-pleasing gatherings, delivering bold flavors, smooth texture, and simple ingredients for a satisfying kitchen favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option)
- 8 oz turkey chorizo
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
- 1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 3 tbsp plant-based butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour if needed)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later steps.
- Prepare Turkey Chorizo and Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. In the same pan, add the turkey chorizo and cook thoroughly, breaking it up as it browns. Once done, combine the chorizo with the smoked turkey bacon pieces and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to form a roux, stirring constantly. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens. Stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add Flavors and Final Touches: Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural) for brightness and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, adjust consistency with the reserved pasta water.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta and turkey mixture into the cheese sauce, ensuring every macaroni piece gets coated in the creamy, flavorful sauce. Heat gently for a few minutes to marry all the flavors.
Notes
- Cook pasta slightly less than fully done to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
- Maintain moderate heat during cheese sauce preparation to prevent separation and achieve a velvety texture.
- Reserve pasta water to thin the sauce as needed without diluting flavor.
- Adjust spice level by increasing smoked paprika or adding cayenne pepper if desired.
- Use freshly cooked turkey chorizo and crisp smoked turkey bacon for best flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Turkey Chorizo Mac and Cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy mac and cheese, gluten-free pasta, comforting meal, spicy turkey chorizo
