Pin this 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 tried adding truffle oil to my mac and cheese when hosting a small dinner with friends looking for something special. The aroma and flavor instantly elevated this comfort classic without much extra effort.
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:
- 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.
- Add milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add cheese and flavorings:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until melted and smooth.
- Combine with macaroni:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Fill baking dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make 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.
- Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Pin this This truffle mac & cheese has become a family favorite for Sunday gatherings, bringing a little luxury and excitement to our comfort food lineup.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten). May contain mustard. Always check product labels for specific allergen and cross-contamination info.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 590, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 24 g
Pin this Drizzle with extra truffle oil and a sprinkle of parsley for a restaurant-worthy finish. Enjoy this vegetarian comfort food with your favorite wine or salad.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the perfect creamy texture?
Gradually whisk the milk into the roux until smooth and slightly thickened. Stir in cheeses off the heat to ensure a velvety sauce without separation.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, Gruyère can be swapped for Fontina or Emmental to vary flavor while maintaining creaminess.
- → What is the best way to enhance truffle flavor?
Drizzle a few extra drops of truffle oil just before serving to intensify its aromatic presence.
- → How should the macaroni be cooked?
Cook macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions, then drain and mix promptly with the cheese sauce to retain texture.
- → What does the breadcrumb topping add?
The panko and Parmesan topping bakes to a golden, crunchy crust that contrasts the creamy interior for added texture.