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.
The first time I made truffle macaroni & cheese, my friends couldn't stop raving about the irresistible aroma and flavor. Adding truffle oil brought a gourmet charm to a childhood favorite we all adore.
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
- Preheat & Prepare:
- 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 Roux:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually whisk in milk, stirring 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.
- Combine:
- Add cooked macaroni to sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Layer:
- Pour mixture into prepared dish.
- Topping:
- Mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle across macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let rest 5 minutes. Drizzle with truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley (if desired).
Save My family gathers around the table whenever I bake this. Kids and grown-ups alike scoop big portions, and there's always chatter about the beautiful golden crust.
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.
Notes
For stronger truffle flavor use truffle oil just before serving. Swap Gruyère for Fontina or Emmental, or add sautéed mushrooms for more depth. Pair with a crisp white wine.
Save A decadent dish perfect for cozy evenings or special celebrations. Enjoy the luxury of truffle flavor any night of the week!
Common Questions
- → What is the best way to cook the macaroni for this dish?
Cook macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- → How does truffle oil enhance the flavor?
Truffle oil adds an earthy, aromatic note that complements the rich cheese sauce, elevating the dish's overall flavor.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used in the sauce?
Yes, alternatives like Fontina or Emmental work well for different but compatible flavor profiles.
- → What role do the panko breadcrumbs play?
Panko creates a crispy, golden topping that contrasts nicely with the creamy pasta beneath.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and features vegetarian-friendly dairy products.
- → How should I store leftovers?
Cool completely, cover airtight, and refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.