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 experienced this mac and cheese recipe at a family celebration, and its velvety texture with the hint of truffle oil made it an instant favorite in our home.
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: 350 g (12 oz)
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp for topping)
- All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
- Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
- Gruyère cheese, grated: 120 g (1 cup)
- Sharp white cheddar cheese, grated: 120 g (1 cup)
- Parmesan cheese, grated: 60 g (½ cup) for sauce, 2 tbsp 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, chopped (optional): 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
- Cook Macaroni:
- 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.
- Finish Sauce:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Make Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with 1 tbsp melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
- Bake:
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Finish and Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Save Sharing this mac and cheese as a centerpiece has become a cherished family tradition during cozy gatherings.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard. Always check cheese and truffle oil labels for specific allergens or cross-contamination if sensitive.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, large pot, whisk, baking dish, mixing bowls, measuring cups and spoons.
Nutritional Information
Calories per serving: 590. Total Fat: 32 g. Carbohydrates: 52 g. Protein: 24 g.
Save 
Indulge in this luxurious comfort dish and savor every bite of truffle-infused goodness!
Common Questions
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is ideal due to its shape, which holds the creamy cheese sauce well.
- → How can I intensify the truffle flavor?
Add a few drops of truffle oil just before serving to boost the aroma and taste without overpowering.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses used?
Yes, Gruyère can be swapped with Fontina or Emmental for a different, but still creamy, cheese profile.
- → What is the purpose of Dijon mustard in the sauce?
Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang and depth, enhancing the overall richness of the cheese sauce.
- → How do I achieve a crunchy topping?
Combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly before baking to get a golden, crisp crust.
- → Is this suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the dish contains no meat and uses vegetarian-friendly cheeses, making it suitable for a vegetarian diet.