Skip to Content

Deluxe Mac and Cheese

This Deluxe Mac and Cheese is made with vegan cream cheese, bacon bites and a breadcrumbs topping which takes it seriously to another level. Easy to make, rich in flavor, creamy and sure to be a family favorite in no time. I can tell this beats any mac and cheese blue box in seconds.

A portion of Deluxe Mac and Cheese is lifted from the casserole dish.

Mac and Cheese is something that I can’t get enough.

I will never get tired of it, or won’t finish everything on my plate. This is one of my favorite foods in the world.

What I love is also how versatile it is. I often make my Southern Mac and Cheese, my Creamy Mac and Cheese, or the Taco Mac.

Ingredients for the Deluxe Mac and Cheese assembled on a wooden board.

A white sauce is prepared in a small saucepan, using vegan butter, plant milk, and cream cheese.

Why this Deluxe Mac and Cheese is always great

Creaminess and richness: It all starts with a great sauce. Adding vegan cream cheese to a white sauce made from oat milk and butter are makes it so wonderfully rich and creamy.

Texture: vegan bacon bites not only add great texture, but will also provide amazing flavor.

Showing hoe vegan cheddar is added to a base white sauce in a small saucepan.

Topping: finally the topping in my gusto is important. So breadcrumbs, vegan butter and parmesan are the key.

Visually, I’ll show you everything you need to know with step by step pictures. Be sure the final result will be great. Yes, I’m not shy on being authentic. Everything will be exactly as you see it here.

Before and after view of frying vegan bacon bits in a frying pan.

What you need for this Deluxe Mac and Cheese recipe

  • Macaroni
  • Vegan butter
  • Oat milk
  • Vegan cheddar

 

  • Flour
  • Vegan cream cheese 
  • Onion powder
  • Garlic powder
  • Vegan bacon bites
  • Breadcrumbs

Showing how the fried bacon bits and pre cooked macaroni are added to the cheese sauce.

Breadcrumbs and vegan parmesan are mixed with vegan butter.

How to make Deluxe Mac and Cheese

Cook your macaroni according package instructions. Preheat your oven to 410°F and get a 8×10 inch casserole ready.

Melt 3 Tbsp vegan butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and mix with oat milk. When it has thickened, add vegan cream cheese, cheddar, onion and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Now, heat 1 Tbsp vegan butter in a pan and fry vegan bacon for around 2 minutes until it is crispy.

Side by side view of a casserole dish with the Deluxe Mac and Cheese before and after baking.

For the topping, melt another 1 Tbsp of vegan butter in a pan, then remove from heat. Add vegan parmesan and breadcrumbs, and mix everything well. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Combine macaroni with sauce, bacon bites and transfer to your casserole dish, then sprinkle generously with the topping. Bake for around 20 minutes until everything is golden and crunchy.

Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for around 5 days.

Top view of the Deluxe Mac and Cheese.

Freezing instructions

You can prepare it the way as you can see above in the instructions and it will last for 3 months.

Always let it cool completely before freezing and make sure to do the same taw completely before reheating.

Showing the creamy sauce running from the macaroni.

Other Pasta Recipes you will love

Collage of two pictures of the Deluxe Mac and Cheese with recipe title text.

If you give my Deluxe Mac and Cheese a try, tag me with a picture on Instagram and Facebook.

Cheers, Florian.

A portion of Deluxe Mac and Cheese is lifted from the casserole dish.

Deluxe Mac and Cheese

Yield: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

This Deluxe Mac and Cheese is made with vegan cream cheese, bacon bites and a breadcrumbs topping which takes it seriously to another level. Easy to make, rich in flavor, creamy and sure to be a family favorite in no time. I can tell this beats any mac and cheese blue box in seconds.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz macaroni cooked in salt water (use gf, if needed)
  • 5 Tbsp vegan butter, divided
  • 8 oz vegan cream cheese
  • 6 oz vegan bacon bites
  • 1.5 cups plant milk
  • 1 heaping tablespoon flour (use gf, if preferred)
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 10 oz vegan cheddar
  • 2 tbs panko breadcrumbs (use gf if preferred)
  • 1/4 cup vegan parmesan
  • salt, pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook your macaroni according package instructions. Preheat your oven to 410°F and get a 8x10 inch casserole ready.
  2. Melt 3 Tbsp vegan butter in a saucepan. Whisk in the flour and mix with oat milk. When it has thickened, add vegan cream cheese, cheddar, onion and garlic powder. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Now, heat 1 Tbsp vegan butter in a pan and fry vegan bacon for around 2 minutes until it is crispy.
  4. For the topping, melt another 1 Tbsp of vegan butter in a pan, then remove from heat. Add vegan parmesan and breadcrumbs, and mix everything well. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  5. Combine macaroni with sauce, bacon bites and transfer to your casserole dish, then sprinkle generously with the topping. Bake for around 20 minutes until everything is golden and crunchy.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1.5 cup
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 564Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1008mgCarbohydrates: 70gFiber: 4gSugar: 12gProtein: 15g
Skip to Recipe