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A serving of rich, creamy truffle mac and cheese garnished with fresh herbs.

Gourmet Truffle Mac and Cheese

Indulge in this luxurious Gourmet Truffle Mac and Cheese, featuring a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with aromatic truffle oil and topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or other small pasta shapes
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor
  • 2-3 tablespoons white truffle oil
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese finely grated
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • oven
  • large pot or Dutch oven
  • whisk
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • small bowl

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and cook macaroni until al dente, then drain.
  2. Melt butter in a large pot and whisk in flour for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
  3. Gradually whisk in warmed milk until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Stir in salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
  5. Reduce heat to low, add cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth, but do not boil.
  6. Remove from heat, then stir in truffle oil and Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated.
  7. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and pour into a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  8. Toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  10. Let rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve.

Notes

For an extra golden crust, you can briefly broil the mac and cheese for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning. Adjust truffle oil to your preference; a little goes a long way!