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Baked Mac and Cheese

Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Michael
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This easy Baked Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, and flavorful comfort dish featuring plant-based cheese and smoky turkey bacon. Perfect for cozy dinners or special occasions, it offers a luscious sauce coating tender pasta, topped with a crunchy golden crust that delights every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons plant-based butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups plant-based milk
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Protein

  • 4 strips smoked turkey bacon, chopped into bite-sized pieces

Topping

  • 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup shredded plant-based cheese

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside, making sure the pasta remains slightly firm to avoid mushiness during baking.
  2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the plant-based butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, forming a smooth roux. Gradually whisk in plant-based milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer gently until thickened and creamy. Remove from heat and stir in shredded plant-based cheese, mustard powder, garlic powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), salt, and pepper. Mix until sauce is silky and smooth.
  3. Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a separate pan, cook the smoked turkey bacon until golden and crispy. Remove and chop into bite-size pieces. Set aside.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked macaroni and chopped smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated with creamy sauce.
  5. Assemble and Bake: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle breadcrumbs and extra shredded plant-based cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the topping is golden and the edges are bubbling.

Notes

  • Keep pasta slightly undercooked to maintain texture after baking.
  • Use sharp plant-based cheese for richer flavor in the sauce.
  • Toss breadcrumbs in a little melted plant-based butter before topping for an extra crunchy crust.
  • Let the baked dish rest a few minutes before serving for perfect thickness.
  • Mix ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of cheese sauce and bacon.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoky turkey bacon, comfort food, creamy pasta, vegan option, gluten-free mac and cheese

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