Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the sheer bliss of Truffle Mac & Cheese! This dish is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s taken to a whole new level with that luxurious truffle oil. The first time I made it, I was hosting a cozy dinner party, and I thought, “Why not elevate the classic mac and cheese?” The moment I took that first bite, I was hooked! The creamy, cheesy goodness just envelops your taste buds, and the earthy aroma of truffle makes it feel like a gourmet dish right at home. Trust me, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging after a long day, this Truffle Mac & Cheese will become your go-to recipe for a deliciously decadent treat!
Ingredients List
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to whip up your Truffle Mac & Cheese. Each one plays a vital role in creating that creamy, dreamy dish you’ll adore!
- 8 oz elbow macaroni: The classic pasta choice that holds all that cheesy goodness perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: This cheese adds a bold, tangy flavor that balances beautifully with the truffle.
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese: For that extra creaminess and a touch of nuttiness, Gruyère is simply divine.
- 3 cups milk: Whole milk works best for a rich and velvety cheese sauce, trust me on this!
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: You’ll melt this to start your cheese sauce, adding a lovely richness.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: This thickens your sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 1/4 cup truffle oil: The star of the show! Adjust to your taste to get that luxurious truffle flavor.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: A hint of garlic enhances the overall deliciousness.
- 1/2 tsp onion powder: This adds depth to the flavor profile without being overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all those flavors together, just don’t overdo it!
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: For that crunchy topping; it adds a delightful contrast to the creamy mac.
How to Prepare Truffle Mac & Cheese
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making Truffle Mac & Cheese! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and I promise you’ll be amazed by how simple it is to create such a decadent dish.
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, toss in 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until they’re al dente. You want them to have a little bite since they’ll cook more in the oven. After that, drain the macaroni and set it aside, but don’t rinse them! We want that starch to help the sauce stick.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce
Now, grab a medium saucepan and melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and let it cook for about a minute—this is your roux. Be sure to stir continuously to avoid any lumps. Gradually add in 3 cups of milk, whisking until the mixture is smooth and starts to thicken. Keep it on the heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often until it’s velvety and luscious.
Step 3: Combine Cheeses and Seasonings
Here comes the fun part! Lower the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese. Keep stirring until all that cheesy goodness melts together. Then, add in 1/4 cup of truffle oil, 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Taste it to make sure it’s just right — cheesy and a little funky from that truffle oil!
Step 4: Combine with Macaroni and Bake
Mix the cooked macaroni into your cheesy sauce, ensuring every piece is coated in that creamy delight. Next, transfer everything into a greased baking dish and sprinkle 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs on top for that perfect crunch. Pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 20 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbly. The aroma will be irresistible!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and indulgent, it’s the ultimate comfort food!
- Rich flavors from the combination of cheddar and Gruyère.
- The luxurious touch of truffle oil elevates it to gourmet status.
- Easy to prepare, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great make-ahead option!
Tips for Success
To make your Truffle Mac & Cheese truly shine, don’t be afraid to adjust the amount of truffle oil based on your taste preference—start with a little, and add more for that extra luxurious flavor! Also, feel free to experiment with cheeses; a mix of Fontina or Monterey Jack can add a different twist. If you want a little crunch, consider adding some cooked bacon or crispy shallots on top before baking. And remember, letting it sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set up beautifully. Trust me, you’ll want to savor every creamy bite!
Nutritional Information
Let’s talk about the nutrition in this delicious Truffle Mac & Cheese! Each serving is packed with creamy goodness, and here are the typical values you can expect:
- Calories: 500
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 20g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoy every cheesy bite while keeping an eye on those numbers!
FAQ Section
Can I make Truffle Mac & Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare your Truffle Mac & Cheese up to the point of baking. Just follow the recipe, then cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just take it out of the fridge, sprinkle on the breadcrumbs, and pop it in a preheated oven. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be starting cold, but trust me, it’s worth the wait!
What can I substitute for truffle oil?
If you don’t have truffle oil on hand or want to try something different, don’t worry! You can use a high-quality olive oil for a lighter flavor. For a similar earthy note, consider using a mushroom-infused oil or even a blend of garlic oil and a dash of soy sauce. Just remember to adjust the amounts according to your taste—truffle oil is unique, but you can still create a delicious mac and cheese without it!
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can definitely use gluten-free elbow macaroni! There are some great gluten-free options available that hold up well in this recipe. Just be sure to follow the cooking instructions on the package, as gluten-free pasta can vary in cooking time. And don’t worry, the creamy cheese sauce will still shine through, making your Truffle Mac & Cheese just as delightful!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but it happens!), let the Truffle Mac & Cheese cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spoon the mac and cheese into a baking dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave single portions, but I find the oven gives it that nice, crispy topping back. Enjoy every cheesy bite again!
For more delicious recipes, check out our blog for inspiration!
For tips on the health benefits of truffles, visit Healthline.
Print
Truffle Mac & Cheese: 7 Steps to Ultimate Indulgence
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy and decadent truffle mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup truffle oil
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Add milk gradually, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in cheeses until melted.
- Add truffle oil, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cheese sauce with cooked macaroni.
- Pour into a baking dish and top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until golden.
Notes
- Adjust truffle oil to taste.
- Use different cheeses for variation.
- Can be made ahead and baked later.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Truffle Mac & Cheese