Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s the go-to comfort food—cozy vibes, cheesy goodness, total happiness in a bowl. But what if I said we could take it up a notch and make it fancy enough to impress at a dinner party? Meet Truffle Mac and Cheese: the same creamy, gooey deliciousness you love, but with a luxurious twist of earthy truffle flavor. It’s next-level comfort food magic. Let’s get into this must-try recipe.
Truffle Mac & Cheese
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese:
- Pasta: 1 pound elbow macaroni, shells, or cavatappi
- Butter: 4 tablespoons
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 tablespoons
- Whole Milk: 3 cups warm
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups grated
- Gruyère Cheese: 1 cup grated
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated, optional for extra flavor
- Truffle Oil: 1–2 teaspoons adjust to taste
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
For the Topping:
- Panko Breadcrumbs: 1 cup
- Butter: 2 tablespoons melted
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup grated
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta: Boil your pasta just shy of al dente—this helps it stay firm when baked later. Drain and set aside.
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Make the Sauce: Start with a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour. Slowly add warm milk, stirring continuously until it thickens. Stir in your cheeses, saving a bit for topping.
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Add the Magic: Stir in a drizzle of truffle oil—start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste. Too much can overpower the dish, so go slow!
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Combine and Assemble: Mix the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Pour everything into a buttered baking dish.
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Crisp It Up: Top with breadcrumbs mixed with a touch of melted butter and Parmesan. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
