Truffle Infused Mac and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
Be the First to Review!

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!

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.

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 Suggestions

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 You'll Love This Recipe

  • 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.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!