Description
Easy Baked Mac and Cheese featuring plant-based cheese and a velvety sauce, baked to perfection with a golden, crispy topping. This comforting dish combines simple pantry staples with smoky accents and a creamy texture, perfect for quick dinners, family gatherings, and cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups plant-based cheese, shredded
- 1 teaspoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cooked, chopped smoked turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs (plant-based)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 6-7 minutes, keeping in mind it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt plant-based butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Stir in plant-based cheese until melted, then add vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Finally, mix in the natural gelling agent to help the sauce set smoothly when baked.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Stir in the cooked, chopped smoked turkey bacon for added smoky flavor. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Add Topping and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the plant-based bread crumbs over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling.
Notes
- Use good-quality plant-based cheese for best texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook pasta to maintain a perfect bite after baking.
- Whisk sauce constantly to ensure a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
- Use natural gelling agent carefully to achieve creamy set without stiffness.
- If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: baked mac and cheese, plant-based cheese, comfort food, creamy pasta, meat-free, smoky flavor, easy dinner
