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.
I first made this truffle macaroni & cheese for a family dinner, and it quickly became the most requested dish for celebrations. The irresistible aroma fills the house and reminds me of festive gatherings.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp for cheese sauce, 1 tbsp melted for topping
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Gruyère cheese: 120 g (1 cup) grated
- Sharp white cheddar cheese: 120 g (1 cup) grated
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (½ cup) grated for cheese sauce, 2 tbsp grated for topping
- Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
- Sea salt: 1 tsp
- Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
- Truffle oil: 1½ tbsp (plus more for drizzling)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 60 g (½ cup)
- Fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
- Cooking Pasta:
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Making Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Incorporating Cheese & Flavor:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Combine Macaroni & Cheese Sauce:
- Add cooked macaroni to the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.
- Bake the Dish:
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping:
- Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over macaroni.
- Baking:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Save Making this recipe with my siblings is always a joyful moment. We gather in the kitchen, grate cheese together, and debate who gets to do the final truffle drizzle.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy) and wheat (gluten). Always check cheese and truffle oil products for allergens or cross-contamination if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 590, Total Fat 32 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 24 g
Save Enjoy this indulgent dish hot from the oven. Serve with a crisp white wine and savor every creamy bite.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well while baking evenly.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Gruyère can be swapped with Fontina or Emmental for a different but delicious cheese profile.
- → How does truffle oil affect the flavor?
Truffle oil adds an earthy, aromatic depth that elevates the rich, cheesy sauce.
- → What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
Dijon mustard enhances the flavor complexity, balancing the creaminess with a mild tang.
- → How should the dish be baked for best results?
Bake at 200°C (400°F) until the topping is golden and bubbling, roughly 15–18 minutes.
- → Can additional ingredients be added?
Sautéed mushrooms can be mixed in for an earthy touch, complementing the cheeses and truffle aroma.