Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese
If you're a fan of comfort food with a touch of elegance, this Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese will hit the spot. It's a luxurious twist on a classic, perfect for when you want to impress without the stress. Let's dive into this cheesy, truffle-kissed delight!
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Ingredients for Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese
Elbow macaroni serves as the perfect vehicle to hold all that creamy cheese sauce. Butter and flour come together to create a roux, the base for our sauce. Whole milk is used for richness, while sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheese melt into a smooth, flavorful sauce. The magic ingredient, truffle oil, imparts that unique, earthy aroma. Panko breadcrumbs combined with Parmesan cheese form a golden, crunchy topping. Finally, a touch of parsley brightens up the dish at the end.
Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese Tips & Tricks
- For even more flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce.
- If you don't have Gruyere, a mix of Swiss and a hint of smoked cheese can work wonders.
- Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving to make slicing easier.
Serving Ideas for Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese
This truffle mac and cheese pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, perhaps with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A glass of chilled white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, complements the truffle notes perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of pasta?
- Yes, shell pasta or cavatappi work well as alternatives if you prefer.
- Is there a substitute for truffle oil?
- If you can't find truffle oil, a small amount of truffle salt can add a similar depth of flavor.
Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, cook your elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain it well and set it aside for later.
In a large saucepan on medium heat, melt the butter. Once it's fully melted, add the flour and whisk continuously. You want to cook this mixture for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes a smooth paste—this is your roux.
Next, gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, which should take around 5 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyere cheese until they're completely melted into a creamy sauce.
Now, add the truffle oil and the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir everything together so that each piece of pasta is well-coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this evenly over your macaroni and cheese. Pop it in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Once it's out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, herby finish.
Why This Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese Works
- Elevates classic mac and cheese with a rich, earthy truffle flavor.
- Combines three types of cheese for a creamy, indulgent texture.
- Crispy panko topping adds a satisfying crunch.
- Simple enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp truffle oil
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Step-by-step Instructions
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 2. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
- 4. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth and the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
- 5. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyere cheese until melted and creamy.
- 6. Add the truffle oil and cooked macaroni to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly.
- 7. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- 8. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese, and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
- 9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- 10. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.