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.
The first time I made this truffle macaroni & cheese was for a special family dinner, and it was an instant hit. Every spoonful disappears quickly whenever I serve this creamy dish!
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 the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
- Cook Macaroni:
- Cook the 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 the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Finish Cheese Sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Macaroni & Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Assemble:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add 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 & Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Pin it On cold evenings, this dish brings our family together around the table. Our kids look forward to helping sprinkle the crispy topping before it bakes.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Milk, wheat, and mustard are present—always check cheese and truffle oil for cross-contamination.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 590 calories, 32 g total fat, 52 g carbohydrates, 24 g protein
Pin it This truffle macaroni & cheese is always a crowd-pleaser. Serve hot, and enjoy every decadent bite!
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well and creates even layering when baked.
- → How does truffle oil affect the flavor?
Truffle oil adds an earthy, aromatic depth that enhances the creamy cheese sauce without overpowering it.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, Gruyère can be replaced with Fontina or Emmental to alter the cheese profile while maintaining creaminess.
- → What is the purpose of the panko topping?
Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and butter create a golden, crispy crust that contrasts the creamy macaroni beneath.
- → How can I intensify the truffle flavor?
Drizzling a few drops of truffle oil just before serving will boost the aromatic truffle essence.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this dish contains no meat, making it suitable for a vegetarian diet, but it includes dairy and wheat.