Gourmet Truffle Mac and Cheese

Name: Gourmet Truffle Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 16 oz elbow macaroni; 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup whole milk; 2 tbsp unsalted butter; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1 tbsp truffle oil; 1 tsp sea salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

🕒 Prep: 10 min

🔥 Cook: 20 min

🍽 Serves: 6

★★★★★

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Imagine comfort food taken to a whole new level of luxury—meet Gourmet Truffle Mac and Cheese. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and a hint of earthy truffle, this dish is perfect for when you want to elevate a classic favorite into something truly special.

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Ingredients for Gourmet Truffle Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni is the classic pasta choice, providing just the right texture to hold the cheese sauce. Sharp cheddar cheese offers a robust, tangy flavor, while Gruyère cheese adds a nutty, creamy depth. The combination of heavy cream and whole milk creates a rich, silky sauce. Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour form a roux, thickening the sauce to perfection. A touch of truffle oil infuses the dish with its signature aroma. Sea salt and black pepper enhance all these flavors. Finally, panko bread crumbs provide a delightful crunchy topping, while chopped fresh parsley adds a fresh pop of color.

Tips & Tricks

For an even richer flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
If you don't have Gruyère, Swiss cheese is a good substitute.
To avoid clumping, add the cheese slowly and off the heat.

Serving Suggestions

This truffle mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted chicken or a perfectly cooked steak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Yes, though elbow macaroni is traditional, any short pasta like penne or shells will work well.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?: This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure that the cheeses you use are made without animal rennet.
How do I store leftovers?: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Gourmet Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's ready when you are. While the oven is heating, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Once it's al dente, drain it and set it aside for later.

Next, grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour to create a roux. This is your base for the sauce, so make sure it's smooth and well combined. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, and continue cooking until the mixture thickens up nicely.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses. Keep stirring until everything is melted and the sauce is completely smooth. Now, add in the truffle oil, salt, and pepper, mixing well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, ensuring every piece is well-coated. Pour this cheesy mac into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top for that perfect crispy finish.

Bake the dish for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and irresistible. Once out of the oven, garnish with the chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

It's a rich, decadent twist on traditional mac and cheese.
The truffle oil adds a gourmet flair that's hard to resist.
Perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a cozy night at home.
Simple enough for any home cook to master.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni

8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

4 oz Gruyère cheese, shredded

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup whole milk

2 tbsp unsalted butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

1 tbsp truffle oil

1 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.

3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux.

4. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, cooking until thickened.

5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth.

6. Mix in truffle oil, salt, and pepper.

7. Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni and pour into a greased baking dish.