Pin It 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 macaroni & cheese for a cozy dinner at home, and it quickly became a family favorite for its ultra-creamy sauce and decadent flavor.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: 350 g (12 oz)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp, melted, for topping)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Gruyère cheese (grated): 120 g (1 cup)
- Sharp white cheddar cheese (grated): 120 g (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese (grated): 60 g (½ cup, plus 2 tbsp for topping)
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Sea salt: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Truffle oil: 1½ tbsp (plus more for drizzling)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 60 g (½ cup)
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and dish:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters or 2 quarts).
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the roux:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Prepare the sauce:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add cheese and flavorings:
- 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 the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble the dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make the topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until the 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.
Pin It Gathering around the table, my family always eagerly requests an extra drizzle of truffle oil before serving for that unmistakable aroma.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard. Check labels on all cheeses and truffle oil if you have sensitivities or allergies.
Serving Suggestions
This decadent mac & cheese pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad and a glass of chilled Chardonnay for a satisfying meal.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides approximately 590 calories, 32 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 24 g protein.
Pin It This creamy, indulgent macaroni and cheese is sure to impress any cheese lover. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta is best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and provides the classic texture expected in this preparation.
- → How can I enhance the truffle flavor?
Adding a few drops of truffle oil just before serving intensifies the aromatic notes without overpowering the cheese blend.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, Fontina or Emmental can replace Gruyère for a different but complementary cheese profile that melts smoothly.
- → What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth that balances the richness of the cheese and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- → How should the topping be prepared for best results?
Mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan before sprinkling ensures a crisp, golden crust after baking.
- → Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, it contains no meat ingredients and relies on cheeses and truffle oil for rich flavor, fitting vegetarian preferences.