Description
Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese is a comforting, plant-based dish that blends tender elbow macaroni, crisp broccoli florets, and smoky smoked turkey bacon with a luscious dairy-free cheese sauce. This rich and creamy recipe is perfect for a wholesome family dinner or a cozy night in, offering a flavorful combination that is quick to prepare and sure to satisfy cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Smoky Protein
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, diced
Creamy Cheese Sauce
- 2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- 2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegan butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta and Broccoli: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Add the broccoli florets in the last 3 minutes of cooking to blanch them lightly. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil or vegan butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced smoked turkey bacon and cook until golden and crisp. Remove from heat, leaving the flavorful fat in the pan.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in the bacon fat until fragrant. Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour and stir constantly to form a roux. Gradually whisk in plant-based milk, continuing to stir until the sauce thickens. Add shredded plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), natural gelling agent, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked pasta and broccoli to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Fold in the crispy smoked turkey bacon. Heat through for one minute and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the creamy mac and cheese to a warmed serving dish. Optionally garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives and a dusting of smoked paprika (natural).
Notes
- Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness as it will cook further in the sauce.
- Blanch broccoli briefly to keep it crisp and bright green.
- Use a high-quality plant-based cheese for best melting and creaminess.
- Include natural gelling agent to maintain smooth texture and prevent sauce separation.
- Season gradually and taste as you go for balanced flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Broccoli Mac and Cheese, Plant-Based Mac and Cheese, Vegan Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food, Smoky Turkey Bacon
