Save to Pinterest 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.
The first time I made this truffle macaroni & cheese, my family couldn't believe it was homemade. The combination of Gruyère and sharp cheddar gave it a depth of flavor we now crave on every chilly evening.
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 macaroni:
- Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make cheese sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute, then gradually add milk while stirring until smooth and thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Finish sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until cheese is melted and sauce is silky.
- Combine and assemble:
- Mix macaroni into the sauce to coat evenly. Pour into prepared baking dish.
- Make topping:
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until top is golden and bubbling.
- Finish and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle parsley before serving if desired.
Save to Pinterest Sharing this at our last family gathering made the meal feel special, and everyone went back for seconds. It's now a staple for our holiday dinners!
Variations & Add-Ons
Add sautéed mushrooms to the cheese sauce for an earthy note, or swap out Gruyère for Fontina or Emmental to change up the cheese flavor.
Helpful Equipment
A medium saucepan is ideal for making the cheese sauce, and a sturdy whisk helps keep it lump-free. Use a baking dish about 2 liters in size for best results.
Nutrition Information
Each serving has approximately 590 calories, 32 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 24 g protein.
Save to Pinterest This truffle mac and cheese is pure comfort with a luxurious upgrade. Treat yourself to its irresistible flavor any night of the week.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of cheese works best for this dish?
Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan create a balanced, rich flavor and creamy texture. You can substitute Gruyère with Fontina or Emmental for variation.
- → How is the truffle flavor incorporated?
Truffle oil is mixed into the cheese sauce and can be drizzled on top before serving to enhance the aromatic experience.
- → Can I add extra ingredients for more depth?
Yes, sautéed mushrooms complement the earthy notes of truffle and add texture.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan, then sprinkle over the macaroni before baking to get a golden, crunchy crust.
- → What’s the ideal cooking time for a perfect bake?
Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes until the top turns golden and the dish bubbles to ensure thorough heating and a crisp topping.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and uses dairy ingredients, making it ideal for a vegetarian diet.