Description

Tini’s Mac and Cheese is a comforting and creamy plant-based twist on the classic dish, blending rich plant-based cheese with smoky turkey bacon for a hearty and flavorful meal. Perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings, this recipe offers a velvety sauce, nostalgic flavors, and satisfying texture that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

2 tablespoons plant-based butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 cups plant-based milk
1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent

Smoky Protein

4 slices smoked turkey bacon

Optional Spices

Pinch of smoked cayenne or chili flakes (optional)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni until just tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.
Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside to maintain texture and add richness to the dish.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Gradually add the plant-based milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir in the plant-based cheese until it melts fully and the sauce becomes creamy. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), black pepper, and natural gelling agent to achieve perfect creamy consistency.
Combine and Heat Through: Fold the cooked macaroni and crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces into the cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure every piece is coated evenly. Warm everything together just until bubbling and creamy, being careful not to overcook the pasta.
Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the mac and cheese to serving bowls or a casserole dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives and additional crispy turkey bacon bits if desired for extra flavor and presentation.

Notes

Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente to keep texture firm yet tender.
Add plant-based milk gradually when making the sauce to ensure it remains smooth and lump-free.
Use a quality melting plant-based cheese for best flavor and creaminess.
Keep the smoked turkey bacon crispy by cooking and chopping it separately before mixing.
Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water or more plant-based milk as needed, stirring gently to maintain texture.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 550mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, creamy sauce, family meal