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Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese

  • Author: Brian
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Million Dollar Mac and Cheese is a luscious, creamy comfort food featuring shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) and smoky turkey bacon. This rich and cheesy dish delivers a smooth creamy texture with a smoky crunch, perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings. Its simple ingredients and melt-in-your-mouth magic make it a crowd-pleaser adaptable to various tastes and dietary needs.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • Elbow Macaroni – 12 oz

Cheese Sauce

  • Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Vegetal) – 3 cups
  • Butter – 4 tablespoons
  • All-Purpose Flour – 1/4 cup
  • Milk – 3 cups
  • Onion Powder – 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic Powder – 1/2 teaspoon
  • Vegetarian Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon
  • Apple Cider Vinegar – 1 teaspoon
  • Salt – 1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
  • Pectin – 1 teaspoon

Smoky Protein

  • Smoked Turkey Bacon – 6 slices

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Prepare the Smoked Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels, then chop into bite-sized pieces to stir into the dish later.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. Slowly add milk while whisking continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), onion powder, garlic powder, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and pectin. Continue stirring until the sauce is glossy and velvety.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked pasta and chopped smoked turkey bacon into the cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water, stirring until you get the perfect creamy consistency.
  5. Bake (Optional): Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish. For a golden, bubbly top, sprinkle extra shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 to 20 minutes until lightly browned and bubbling.

Notes

  • Let shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) sit at room temperature before using to ensure even melting and prevent clumping.
  • Cook the cheese sauce on low heat to maintain a silky texture and avoid burning.
  • Reserve pasta water when draining pasta to adjust sauce consistency and improve flavor binding.
  • Watch baking time carefully to avoid drying out the dish; look for bubbly and lightly golden tops.
  • You can substitute smoked turkey slices for smoked turkey bacon for a different texture with similar smoky richness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 650mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, cheesy comfort food, easy dinner, baked macaroni and cheese

Find it online: https://puretastekitchen.com/million-dollar-mac-and-cheese/