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Tini's Mac and Cheese

Tini’s Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Marcus
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Tini’s Mac and Cheese offers a creamy, delicious plant-based twist on a classic comfort dish with smoky turkey bacon for a delightful flavor and texture combination. Ready in under 40 minutes, it balances rich, cheesy flavor with a satisfying crunch, perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 pound elbow macaroni pasta

Cheese Sauce

  • 1/4 cup plant-based butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole plant-based milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (natural)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly cracked
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (natural)
  • 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent
  • 2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded (cheddar-style or preferred blend)

Protein

  • 6 ounces smoked turkey bacon, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later.
  2. Prepare the smoked turkey bacon: While the macaroni cooks, chop the smoked turkey bacon into small pieces and sauté in a non-stick pan over medium heat until crisp and golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Make the cheese sauce: In the same pot, melt the plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a smooth roux. Slowly add the plant-based milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
  4. Add seasonings and cheese: Once the sauce begins to thicken, stir in garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, smoked paprika (natural), and the natural gelling agent. Add the plant-based cheese little by little, stirring until fully melted and sauce is creamy.
  5. Combine pasta, bacon, and sauce: Return the browned smoked turkey bacon to the pot, then fold in the drained macaroni. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Mix well to coat every noodle.
  6. Serve warm: Transfer Tini’s Mac and Cheese to bowls or a baking dish if you prefer a baked finish. Enjoy immediately or prepare for later with delicious results.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated plant-based cheese for a smoother sauce.
  • Do not overcook the pasta to maintain al dente texture.
  • Whisk constantly when making the sauce to prevent lumps.
  • Add reserved pasta water slowly to adjust sauce thickness without diluting flavor.
  • Melt cheese on low heat to avoid curdling and ensure smoothness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 480mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: plant-based mac and cheese, vegan mac and cheese, smoked turkey bacon mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, dairy-free, easy mac and cheese

Find it online: https://tastysoulkitchen.com/tinis-mac-and-cheese/