Pin A decadent twist on the classic comfort food, this creamy macaroni and cheese is elevated with aromatic truffle oil and a blend of luxurious cheeses.
I first made this Truffle Mac & Cheese for a cozy get-together, and it’s become a requested favorite for special occasions and weeknight treats.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 120 g (1 cup) grated Gruyère cheese, 120 g (1 cup) grated sharp white cheddar cheese, 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp sea salt, ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1½ tbsp truffle oil (plus more for drizzling)
- Topping: 60 g (½ cup) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp unsalted butter (melted), 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheeses and Flavorings:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes.
- Finish & Serve:
- Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Pin This dish became a hit at our family’s Sunday dinners, with everyone racing for seconds, especially after a busy week.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups, and spoons make preparation smooth.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may include mustard: check cheese and truffle oil labels for any cross-contamination risk.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides 590 calories, 32 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 24 g protein for a satisfying meal.
Pin Richly satisfying, this gourmet mac & cheese is sure to impress. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, luxurious flavors.
Recipe Q&A
- → How can I intensify the truffle flavor?
Add a few drops of truffle oil before serving for a bolder, aromatic finish without overpowering other flavors.
- → Can I substitute Gruyère with other cheeses?
Fontina or Emmental work well as substitutes, offering different nuance and creaminess in the cheese sauce.
- → What toppings enhance the dish?
Panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, extra Parmesan, and fresh parsley create a crisp and flavorful golden crust.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, all ingredients are vegetarian-friendly. Always verify cheese labels for rennet sources if needed.
- → What wines pair best?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay complements the richness and subtle earthiness of the truffle and cheese blend.
- → How do I add an earthy touch?
Include sautéed mushrooms in the macaroni before baking for added depth and a savory, earthy flavor profile.