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Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Samuel
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Easy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe features creamy plant-based cheese, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a natural gelling agent for a luscious, smooth texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, it delivers rich, comforting flavors with a delightful, crispy topping. Customizable and kid-friendly, it’s an irresistible, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
  • 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cups milk alternative
  • 2 tablespoons butter substitute
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard (natural)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

  • 6 slices smoked turkey bacon
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crunchy. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter substitute over medium heat. Whisk in the natural gelling agent and cook for about 1 minute to activate it. Slowly pour in the milk alternative and vegetable broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in the plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), yellow mustard (natural), salt, and pepper. Cook gently until the sauce is velvety and the cheese has melted completely.
  4. Combine and Mix: Add the cooked pasta and crispy turkey bacon to the cheese sauce, folding gently to coat every piece evenly with creamy goodness.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top if desired for added crunch. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Use the natural gelling agent carefully to avoid lumps and achieve the right creamy thickness.
  • Combining different plant-based cheeses adds complexity and richness.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly underdone pasta will finish cooking in the oven and remain firm.
  • Let the baked mac and cheese rest 5 minutes before serving to set the texture.
  • Toast breadcrumbs lightly with a little oil or butter substitute for an irresistible crunchy crust.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy, comfort food, easy mac and cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), plant-based recipe

Find it online: https://quicktastykitchen.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/