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 remember the first time I made this truffle mac & cheese for friends. The aroma of the truffle oil filled the house, and everyone eagerly gathered around the oven. It instantly became a requested favorite for our cozy Sunday dinners.
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 Oven & Dish:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
- Boil Pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make Cheese Sauce Base:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 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.
- Finish Sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until melted and smooth.
- Mix Pasta & Sauce:
- Add macaroni to sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Fill Baking Dish:
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping:
- Mix panko with melted butter and Parmesan. Sprinkle over macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Finish & Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle with more truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Pin it My family loved sharing this over movie nights. Even picky eaters asked for seconds, especially with a little extra cheese and truffle drizzle on top.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard. Check cheese and truffle oil labels if sensitive.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 590. Total Fat: 32 g. Carbohydrates: 52 g. Protein: 24 g.
Pin it Serve hot, and if you like, pair with a crisp Chardonnay for a complete gourmet comfort meal.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is traditionally used as it holds the creamy sauce well and bakes evenly.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses in the sauce?
Yes, Gruyère can be swapped with Fontina or Emmental to vary the flavor profile while maintaining creaminess.
- → How does truffle oil impact the flavor?
Truffle oil adds a distinctive earthy and aromatic depth that elevates the overall richness of the dish.
- → Is the breadcrumb topping essential?
The panko breadcrumb topping creates a golden, crispy crust that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.
- → Can additional ingredients be added for more flavor?
Sautéed mushrooms can be incorporated for an extra earthy note that complements the truffle oil.