truffle mac and cheese recipe

Written BySheba G Updated On
truffle mac and cheese recipe
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The Best truffle mac and cheese recipe

I am so excited to share this truffle mac and cheese recipe with you today. It is one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for a special occasion but is simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. My kids absolutely love it, and I love that I can sneak in some extra nutrients with a good quality pasta and real cheese.

This recipe combines the creamy comfort of classic mac and cheese with the earthy, luxurious flavor of truffle oil. It is perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or even just a cozy night in. The truffle adds a unique depth that turns a simple side dish into something truly memorable. Plus, using whole wheat pasta and a light hand with the cheese can make it a slightly healthier indulgence that the whole family will enjoy.

Truffle Mac and Cheese

Truffle Mac and Cheese

4.8 from 623 votes

This creamy truffle mac and cheese is a decadent twist on the classic comfort food. The earthy truffle oil pairs perfectly with sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyere for a rich and satisfying dish.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time40 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Pasta

1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 tablespoon salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 1/2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons truffle oil
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon truffle oil

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it forms a light golden roux.
3Gradually whisk in the milk and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. It should coat the back of a spoon.
4Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the garlic powder, nutmeg, cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the truffle oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
6In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining truffle oil. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese.
7Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large pot
Colander
Large saucepan
Whisk
9×13 inch baking dish
Small bowl

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 28g💛Saturated Fat: 17g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 650mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 18g

📝Notes

For the best flavor, use a high quality truffle oil. You can substitute the Gruyere with fontina or mozzarella if needed. To make it gluten free, use gluten free pasta and all purpose flour blend.

Watch Video Of How Truffle Mac and Cheese Works

This truffle mac and cheese is always a good idea, whether you are hosting a holiday dinner or just want to make a regular weeknight feel special. It is a family favorite in my house because it is comforting, rich, and just a little bit fancy. I hope you give it a try and enjoy it as much as we do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Truffle Mac and Cheese

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, absolutely. While elbow macaroni is classic, you can use any short pasta like cavatappi, shells, or rotini. The key is to choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce well.

2. How do I store leftover truffle mac and cheese?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk and warm it in the oven or on the stovetop to bring back the creamy texture.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the mac and cheese up to a day ahead. Just prepare it, cover it, and refrigerate. When you are ready to bake, add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the fridge.

4. Is truffle oil necessary?

Truffle oil is what gives this dish its signature earthy flavor. If you do not have it, you can omit it, but the dish will just be a very good classic mac and cheese. For a true truffle experience, I recommend using it.

5. Can I add protein to this recipe?

Definitely. Cooked and crumbled bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken are all excellent additions. Stir them in with the pasta before baking for a heartier meal.

Hi, I’m Sheba G, the creator behind **Sheba’s Recipe**, where I share my favorite homemade dishes and easy recipes anyone can try. I love experimenting in the kitchen and helping others enjoy simple, flavorful meals with confidence.

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