Vegan Broccoli & Bacon Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is now a proud member of the vegan repertoire, and there are so many ways to vary it. One of the most luscious is this vegan broccoli and bacon mac and cheese, which you can make with packaged plant-based bacon, homemade smoky tempeh strips, or even mushroom “bacon.”

I’ve served this to many people who claim that they couldn’t possibly go vegan, because they couldn’t give up cheese or cheesy dishes. This is one that proves you don’t have to.

Though there’s plenty of broccoli in this dish, I’ve snuck in extra vegetable goodness with cauliflower. It blends right in with the creamy, cheesy sauce. Plant bacon adds bursts of flavor, not to mention extra protein.

When you need a big dish to serve or share, this makes a heaping helping, using a whole pound of pasta.

Complete the meal: All you need to round out this meal is a simple green salad — lettuce, tomato, peppers, carrots, and cucumber, with your favorite dressing.

Vegan bacon brands, or make your own

There are lots of brands that make vegan bacon, including All Vegetarian, Lightlife, Morningstar Farms, Sweet Earth, Tofurky, Upton’s Naturals, store brands, and more.

One of the newer entries in this group is Slutty Strips from Atlanta’s popular plant-based eatery, Slutty Vegan. 

Homemade vegan bacon: You can also DIY with Sweet and Savory Tempeh Strips or Vegan Mushroom “Bacon.”

Photographs by Hannah Kaminsky, BittersweetBlog.com.

Explore more …

• Super-Easy Vegan Macaroni and Cheese
• Vegan Primavera Mac and Cheese
• Vegan broccoli recipes

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Yield: 6

Vegan Broccoli and Bacon Mac and Cheese

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Macaroni and cheese is now a proud member of the vegan repertoire, and there are so many ways to vary it. One of the most luscious is this vegan broccoli and bacon mac and cheese.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 50 minutes

Ingredients

• 16-ounce package pasta (any short chunky shape)
• 2 medium broccoli crowns, cut into bite-sized florets
• Olive oil
• 5 to 6 ounces plant-based bacon, or homemade Smoky Tempeh Strips (see link in Notes), cut into small bits, or Vegan Mushroom “Bacon” (see link in Notes)
• 12.3-ounce package firm or extra-firm silken tofu
• 2 tablespoons vegan butter
• 2 heaping cups well-cooked fresh or thawed frozen cauliflower florets
• 1 cup plain plant-based milk
• 8-ounce package Cheddar-style vegan cheese shreds
• 1 tablespoon barbecue seasoning blend, any variety (see note)
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in a large pot according to package directions. Just as the pasta turns al dente, stir in the broccoli and cook for a minute or so, until bright green. Drain, then return the pasta with broccoli to the cooking pot.
2. Meanwhile, heat just enough oil to coat a medium skillet. Add the bacon and cook for a few minutes, stirring often, until touched with golden brown spots and turning crisp.
3. Combine the silken tofu, vegan butter, cauliflower, plant-based milk, and cheese in a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.
   Pour the sauce into the pot and stir together with the broccoli and pasta. Stir in the bacon (save some for topping) and barbecue seasoning. Return to medium-low heat for a few minutes, until everything is piping hot and the cheese has melted.
4. Season with salt and let stand for 5 to 10 minutes to allow the pasta absorb a bit of the sauce, then serve.

Notes

If you're going to DIY, here are links to Sweet and Savory Tempeh Strips or Vegan Mushroom "Bacon."

Look for barbecue seasoning blends in the spice section of most supermarkets. The most widely available brand is McCormick, which offers Smoky Maple and lots of other flavor variations.

Here are more delicious plant-based pasta & noodle recipes.