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 discovered the magic of truffle oil in mac & cheese at a small bistro, and I've been perfecting this recipe ever since. Every time I make it, friends and family ask for seconds!
Ingredients
- Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
- Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp, plus 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, plus 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 (optional): 1 tbsp chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- 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 roux:
- 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 to 4 minutes.
- Finish cheese 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 macaroni and sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Transfer and top:
- 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 to 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 This dish always brings everyone to the kitchen, especially when the delicious scent of truffle and cheese fills the air. It's become a family tradition for Sunday dinners and special occasions.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this mac & cheese with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It also complements a glass of chilled Chardonnay if you're looking to elevate your dining experience.
Allergen Information
This recipe contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard. Always check cheese and truffle oil labels if you have sensitivities.
More Ways to Enjoy
Make it your own by adding sautéed mushrooms, swapping Gruyère for Fontina, or stirring in roasted garlic for extra depth of flavor.
Save This truffle mac & cheese is luxurious yet surprisingly simple to make. It's sure to impress any time you serve it.
Recipe Guide
- → What type of pasta works best?
Elbow macaroni is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, but other small pasta shapes like shells or cavatappi also work well.
- → Can I substitute the cheeses?
Gruyère can be swapped with Fontina or Emmental for a different but equally melty and flavorful profile.
- → How to enhance the truffle flavor?
Adding extra truffle oil just before serving boosts aroma without overpowering the dish.
- → Is it possible to add vegetables?
Sautéed mushrooms complement the earthy notes and blend nicely with the cheesy sauce.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine such as Chardonnay balances the richness of the cheeses and truffle oil beautifully.