Save 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 for a girls' night in when I wanted something special without fuss. The truffle aroma filled the kitchen and made a simple evening feel like a celebration.
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 oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
- Cook Pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Roux:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add cooked macaroni to sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Fill Baking Dish:
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp 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 with parsley before serving if desired.
Save This truffle mac and cheese always gets rave reviews at family gatherings. Last Thanksgiving, my niece asked for seconds before anyone else even finished their first helping.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 590, Total Fat 32 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 24 g
Recipe Variations
Swap Gruyère for Fontina or Emmental, or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Save This decadent macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish elevated with luxury. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, truffled bite.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used here?
Yes, you can swap Gruyère for Fontina or Emmental for different flavor profiles while keeping the creamy texture.
- → How do I get a stronger truffle flavor?
Add a few extra drops of truffle oil just before serving to intensify the aroma and taste without overpowering the dish.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal, as its shape holds the creamy sauce well, but similar short pasta shapes like cavatappi or shells also work.
- → Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Adding sautéed mushrooms or steamed vegetables provides an earthy or fresh contrast, complementing the rich cheese sauce nicely.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly on top before baking to create a golden, crunchy crust.