Description
A decadent and creamy Truffle Mac and Cheese recipe featuring elbow macaroni baked in a luscious blend of sharp white cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses infused with aromatic white truffle oil and a crunchy golden breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 1/4 cups milk, any kind
- 2 cups half and half
- 1 tablespoon white truffle oil
- 3 cups extra sharp white cheddar, shredded
- 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
Topping
- 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon white truffle oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the mac and cheese later.
- Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 2 minutes to form a smooth roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Slowly whisk in the milk and half and half, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 1 minute until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
- Add Cheese and Truffle Oil: Stir in 1 tablespoon white truffle oil along with the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses. Mix just until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour half of this mixture into a greased 9x13 baking dish, sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, then add the remaining pasta and top with the remaining Parmesan.
- Prepare Breadcrumb Topping: In a skillet or the same saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and 1 tablespoon truffle oil. Stir constantly until the breadcrumbs turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Assemble and Bake: Evenly sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm for a rich and indulgent mac and cheese experience.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties.
- Macaroni should be cooked al dente to prevent mushiness after baking.
- White truffle oil is potent, so do not overuse to balance flavor well.
- You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs if preferred.
- To make ahead, prepare up to step 7, cover and refrigerate, then add breadcrumb topping and bake before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American