Save A decadent twist on classic comfort food, this creamy macaroni and cheese is elevated with aromatic truffle oil and a blend of luxurious cheeses.
I first discovered truffle oil at a dinner party and knew I had to try it in mac & cheese. Since then, this has become my favorite way to treat my family to something special on cozy nights in.
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)
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Instructions
- Prepare Oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters (2 quarts)).
- Cook Macaroni:
- Cook 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 milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Cheese & Truffle:
- Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine:
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until top is golden and bubbling.
- Finish:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Save Serving this at our last family dinner brought smiles all around, and everyone asked for seconds. It's now a requested favorite for birthdays and holidays.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 590 calories, 32 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, 24 g protein
Serving Suggestions
Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.
Save Enjoy this luxurious macaroni & cheese hot from the oven for optimal flavor. A drizzle of truffle oil right before serving makes it irresistible!
Recipe Help
- → What type of pasta works best in this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well and maintains a tender texture when baked.
- → How can I intensify the truffle flavor?
Add a few drops of truffle oil just before serving to boost the aromatic richness without overpowering other flavors.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, Gruyère can be swapped with Fontina or Emmental to alter the flavor profile while keeping a creamy consistency.
- → What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that enhances the cheese flavors and balances the richness of the sauce.
- → How do I achieve a crispy topping?
Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan cheese before sprinkling on top, then bake until golden.
- → Can this dish be paired with any beverages?
A crisp white wine like Chardonnay complements the creamy, earthy flavors beautifully.
