Description
Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a cozy and satisfying comfort food classic made with creamy plant-based cheese and smoky turkey bacon, baked to perfection. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a rich, flavorful experience with simple ingredients, perfect for any day of the week, adaptable to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Smoky Turkey Bacon
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside to preserve the perfect bite, as the pasta will cook further when baked with the sauce.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the pasta cooks, cook the smoked turkey bacon in a pan until crisp. Chop into bite-sized pieces to add texture and smoky flavor.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 2 minutes until slightly golden. Slowly add the plant-based milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Once the mixture thickens, stir in the plant-based cheese until melted and smooth. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), mustard powder (natural), salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Finally, sprinkle in the natural gelling agent and whisk well to achieve a creamy texture.
- Combine and Bake: Mix the cooked pasta thoroughly with the cheese sauce and chopped smoked turkey bacon. Pour this mixture into a baking dish and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Let the baked mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly, ensuring a creamy and delicious experience with every bite.
Notes
- Choose quality plant-based cheese for a creamy and rich sauce.
- Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta holds better during baking.
- Whisk constantly when making the sauce to prevent lumps.
- Bake uncovered to develop a light, appetizing crust on top.
- Adjust seasoning before baking for balanced flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, creamy pasta, vegan-friendly, easy recipe, baked macaroni
