Truffle Mac and Cheese

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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Truffle Mac and Cheese takes a classic comfort food and elevates it with rich, luxurious flavors. This is the dish to make when you want to impress guests or simply treat yourself to something special. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has that irresistible touch of truffle that makes every bite memorable.

Ingredients for Truffle Mac and Cheese

Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for its shape, which holds onto the cheese sauce perfectly. Butter forms the base of the roux, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Flour thickens the sauce, providing that luscious consistency. Whole milk and heavy cream bring richness, ensuring the sauce is both creamy and thick. Gruyère cheese adds a nutty depth, while sharp cheddar cheese provides that classic mac and cheese tang. Truffle oil is the star ingredient, infusing the dish with its unique, earthy aroma. Finally, panko breadcrumbs and fresh parsley create a crunchy, fresh topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a deeper truffle flavor, add a bit more truffle oil, but be careful not to overpower the dish.
  • Grate your own cheese; pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s smoothness.
  • Test the pasta while boiling to ensure it’s al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

This Truffle Mac and Cheese pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For a touch of protein, consider serving it alongside grilled chicken or a perfectly cooked steak.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Shells, penne, or cavatappi work well too, as they all hold onto the sauce nicely.
Is there a substitute for truffle oil?
If you’re not a fan of truffle, you can omit it or try a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil for a different twist.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it well, and refrigerate. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.

Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe Walkthrough

Start by getting your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C); it’s always good to have it ready to go. Next, cook your elbow macaroni as per the package instructions, just until al dente. Drain them well and set aside; you don’t want them getting mushy while everything else comes together.

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the flour and let it cook for about a minute or two until you see it turn a light golden color. This step is important because it cooks out the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, which should take about 5 minutes. You’re looking for a smooth, thick consistency.

Take the saucepan off the heat and stir in your cheeses: Gruyère and cheddar. They should melt quickly and create a smooth, cheesy sauce. Add the truffle oil, and season with salt and pepper to your taste. This is where you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Combine your cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Transfer this mixture into a greased baking dish. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with chopped parsley, then sprinkle this over the macaroni. It’s ready for the oven! Bake for 20-25 minutes until you see a golden, bubbling crust.

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This short wait helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for impressing guests with minimal effort.
  • A luxurious twist on a beloved classic.
  • Rich, creamy texture with a crispy, golden topping.
  • Quick to prepare and bake, making it a great weeknight treat.

Ingredients

16 oz elbow macaroni
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 tbsp truffle oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
5. Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the Gruyère and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Add the truffle oil, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
8. Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni, ensuring all pasta is evenly coated.
9. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a greased baking dish.
10. In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with chopped parsley and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
12. Let it cool slightly before serving.

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