Description
This creamy and satisfying Broccoli Mac and Cheese combines tender elbow macaroni with fresh broccoli and a rich plant-based cheese sauce. Enhanced with smoked turkey bacon and natural seasonings, this comforting dish offers a nutritious twist on classic macaroni and cheese, perfect for family meals and picky eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Cheese Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 1/4 cups plant-based milk
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (natural)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Smoked Turkey Bacon
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the Broccoli and Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just tender. In the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to the boiling water. Drain both together, reserving a small amount of pasta water, then set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crisp and flavorful. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels, then chop roughly. Leave the rendered fat in the skillet.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the plant-based milk and natural gelling agent. Stir constantly over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly. Whisk in the plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), Dijon mustard (natural), garlic powder (natural), and onion powder (natural). Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the drained macaroni and broccoli to the skillet, gently stirring to coat with the cheese sauce. Fold in the chopped smoked turkey bacon. Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness when combined with the sauce.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Melt the plant-based cheese gently over low heat to prevent graininess.
- Use fresh broccoli for optimal flavor and texture; steaming or boiling in pasta water works well.
- Adjust the amount of smoked turkey bacon based on desired smokiness and crunch.
- Season gradually and taste while cooking for balanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: broccoli mac and cheese, plant-based mac and cheese, vegan comfort food, plant-based cheese recipe, creamy mac and cheese, gluten free macaroni
