Description
Creamy Broccoli Mac and Cheese combines tender broccoli with rich plant-based cheese and smoky turkey bacon for a comforting, nutritious twist on a classic favorite. This easy-to-make dish balances cheesy comfort with fresh vegetables and smoky depth, perfect for family dinners or special treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp plant-based butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups plant-based milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (natural)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder (natural)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (natural), plus extra for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Protein and Additional Flavor
- 4 oz smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare pasta and broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli florets to blanch them until tender but still crisp. Drain both well and set aside.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour constantly to create a smooth roux. Gradually add the plant-based milk while whisking vigorously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the plant-based cheese, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), garlic powder (natural), onion powder (natural), smoked paprika (natural), salt, and pepper until silky and well combined.
- Cook smoked turkey bacon: In a separate pan, crisp up the smoked turkey bacon pieces until golden and fragrant to add a smoky crunch to the dish.
- Combine everything: Return the drained pasta and broccoli to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over them, folding gently to coat evenly. Mix in the crispy smoked turkey bacon pieces for flavorful bursts in every bite.
- Final touch and serve: Optionally sprinkle a little extra smoked paprika (natural) or fresh herbs like parsley on top for color. Serve immediately and enjoy warm, creamy comfort.
Notes
- Stir the roux constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
- Blanch broccoli just enough to retain slight crunch and vibrant green color.
- Add cheese off heat to keep sauce creamy and prevent graininess.
- Use smoked turkey bacon to complement the creamy sauce with smoky flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, broccoli mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, comfort food, family-friendly
