Description
This Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe combines creamy plant-based cheese sauce with tender lobster meat and smoky turkey bacon for a luxurious yet approachable meal. Enhanced with a splash of apple cider vinegar and natural seasonings, it offers rich flavor and a velvety texture, perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Seafood
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
- 1 cup cooked lobster meat, chopped
Cheese Sauce
- 3 tbsp butter substitute
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups non-dairy milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded plant-based cheese
- 1 tsp mustard powder (natural)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1 tsp natural gelling agent
Protein and Flavorings
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into bite-sized pieces
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water until just al dente. Drain well and set aside, ensuring the pasta remains tender for the final bake.
- Prepare the Smoky Turkey Bacon: Slice the smoked turkey bacon into bite-sized pieces. Crisp them in a skillet over medium heat until they release a smoky aroma and become crunchy.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt the butter substitute in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux. Gradually add the non-dairy milk while whisking constantly to maintain a smooth sauce. Stir in the shredded plant-based cheese, mustard powder (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), black pepper, sea salt, and a splash of apple cider vinegar (natural). Finally, add the natural gelling agent and stir well to achieve a creamy, luscious texture.
- Combine Lobster and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked lobster chunks and crispy smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Bake Until Golden: Mix the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce mixture. Transfer everything to a baking dish. Sprinkle with optional breadcrumbs and extra shredded plant-based cheese on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until the sauce is bubbly and the crust turns a golden brown.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked lobster for the best texture and flavor.
- Warm non-dairy milk before adding to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- Keep an eye on baking to prevent drying out the dish.
- Use only a splash of apple cider vinegar to brighten flavors without overpowering sourness.
- Allow the dish to rest slightly after baking for optimal creamy consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: lobster mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy mac and cheese, dairy-free, seafood pasta, comfort food