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 served this truffle macaroni & cheese at a family gathering and it instantly became the most requested dish on special occasions. The creamy sauce and hint of truffle make every bite memorable.
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
- Preheat & Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
- Cook Pasta:
- 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.
- Add Milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in Cheese & Truffle:
- 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 Pasta & Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Add to Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake:
- 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 This recipe is a staple for our family movie nights. Everyone gathers around the table, eager for that first cheesy spoonful from the casserole dish.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard. Always check cheese and truffle oil labels for allergen or cross-contamination risks if sensitive.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories: 590, Total Fat: 32 g, Carbohydrates: 52 g, Protein: 24 g
Save Serve this truffle macaroni & cheese piping hot for maximum creaminess and aroma. The leftovers (if any) reheat beautifully the next day.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the cheese sauce well, but small tubular pastas like cavatappi or shells can also be used.
- → How can I enhance the truffle flavor even more?
Drizzle a few drops of truffle oil over the finished dish before serving to intensify the earthy aroma and flavor.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used here?
Yes, Gruyère can be swapped with Fontina or Emmental for a milder, nutty profile while maintaining creaminess.
- → What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth that balances the richness of the cheeses and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- → How is the crispy topping prepared?
Panko breadcrumbs are combined with melted butter and Parmesan cheese, then sprinkled over the macaroni before baking to form a golden, crunchy crust.
- → Can additional ingredients be added for variation?
Sautéed mushrooms or fresh herbs can be folded into the sauce for added earthiness and freshness without overpowering the core flavors.