Description

Tini’s Mac and Cheese features a creamy, comforting plant-based cheese sauce combined with smoky turkey bacon, creating a rich and savory twist on a classic favorite. This recipe is easy to prepare, uses wholesome ingredients, and offers a delicious plant-based comfort food perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

1 cup elbow macaroni
4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Cheese Sauce

2 tbsp vegan butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
2 cups non-dairy milk (room temperature)
1 cup plant-based cheese, shredded
1 tsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
1/2 tsp mustard powder (natural)
1/2 tsp paprika (natural)

Garnish

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the elbow macaroni until al dente following package instructions. Drain well and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crisp and golden. Remove from heat, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a separate pan, melt vegan butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and natural gelling agent constantly to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the room-temperature non-dairy milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Add plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), garlic powder (natural), mustard powder (natural), and paprika (natural). Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy and smooth.
Combine and Simmer: Add the cooked elbow macaroni and chopped smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce. Gently stir to coat every noodle with the luscious sauce. Let the mixture warm through for a few minutes to meld the flavors beautifully.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy Tini’s Mac and Cheese.

Notes

Use room-temperature non-dairy milk to prevent clumping and achieve a smoother sauce.
Whisk constantly while preparing the cheese sauce to maintain a velvety texture without lumps.
Cook the pasta al dente to ensure it holds up well when mixed with the sauce and avoids mushiness.
Chop the smoked turkey bacon finely to distribute smoky flavor evenly throughout the dish.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end to balance the flavors perfectly before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy sauce, comfort food, vegan mac and cheese, easy dinner