Description
Creamy 4-cheese baked macaroni and cheese featuring smoked turkey bacon and rich plant-based cheeses, baked to a golden, crispy finish. A perfect balance of gooey cheese, smoky flavors, and crunchy topping, ideal for cozy dinners or sharing with loved ones.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Bacon
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni pasta
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 1/4 cup plant-based butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups unsweetened almond milk
- 1 cup sharp plant-based cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup plant-based mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup plant-based gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup plant-based parmesan cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside to prevent overcooking during baking.
- Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Chop the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and fragrant. Set aside, reserving the drippings.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour until smooth, cooking for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add unsweetened almond milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Once thickened, stir in the four plant-based cheeses until melted and creamy. Add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), smoked paprika (natural), and natural gelling agent, stirring to bind the sauce perfectly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni and crispy smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce, coating all pieces evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish. Mix breadcrumbs with plant-based butter and sprinkle evenly on top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Use freshly grated plant-based cheeses for better melting and flavor.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- Melt cheese sauce slowly over gentle heat to keep it silky.
- Mix breadcrumbs with plant-based butter for an evenly toasted topping.
- Let the dish rest after baking for the sauce to set and for clean slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked macaroni and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy, comfort food, gluten free