This luxurious Truffle Mac and Cheese elevates the classic comfort dish to new heights of indulgence. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, this 35-minute recipe transforms everyday macaroni and cheese into a restaurant-worthy experience.

With 32g of protein and generous amounts of calcium, it’s not just delicious – it’s a fulfilling meal that brings gourmet flair to your dinner table. The perfect balance of convenience and sophistication makes this truffle-infused pasta a go-to choice for both special occasions and elevated weeknight dining.

Ingredients for Truffle Mac and Cheese

Pasta: 1 lb elbow macaroni (ensures perfect sauce coverage)
Sauce Base: ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup all-purpose flour (creates a smooth roux)
Seasonings: 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp garlic powder
Liquids: 3¼ cups milk, 2 cups half and half (creates creamy texture)
Cheese Blend: 3 cups sharp white cheddar, 2 cups Gruyere, ½ cup parmesan (freshly shredded works best)
Luxury Addition: 1 Tbsp white truffle oil (adds elegant flavor)
Topping: 1 cup breadcrumbs, 2 Tbsp melted butter, 1 Tbsp truffle oil

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F and cook macaroni until al dente
Make the Roux: Melt butter, blend flour and seasonings, cook for 2 minutes until golden
Create the Sauce: Gradually add milk and half-and-half, simmer until thickened
Add Flavoring: Remove from heat, stir in truffle oil and cheeses until perfectly melted
Layer the Dish: Combine pasta with sauce, layer in baking dish with parmesan between layers
Prepare Topping: Toast breadcrumbs with butter and truffle oil until golden brown
Final Touch: Sprinkle topping evenly and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly

Cooking Techniques

The secret to perfect mac and cheese lies in making a smooth, creamy sauce. Start by creating a classic roux (butter and flour mixture) – this will give your sauce body without any lumps. Keep stirring as you add the milk and half-and-half to create a silky-smooth base.

When adding the cheese, take the pan off the heat first – this helps prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or stringy. The truffle oil adds luxury at the end, but be gentle with it – a little goes a long way!

Variations & Substitutions

Don’t have Gruyere? Try Swiss cheese instead – it offers similar nutty flavors. For the white cheddar, any sharp cheddar will work great. If truffle oil isn’t your thing (or it’s not in your pantry), this mac and cheese is still amazing without it! Want to make it extra fancy? Add some sautéed mushrooms between the layers.

For a lighter version, whole milk can replace the half-and-half. The panko topping can be swapped with regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives the best crunch!

Storage Tips

Let your mac and cheese cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge – it’ll stay good for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk and stir gently to bring back the creamy texture.

Heat in short bursts in the microwave or slowly in the oven at 325°F, covered with foil. The texture is best when fresh, so try to make just what you need for 1-2 meals.

Serving Suggestions

This truffle mac and cheese shines as a main dish, but also makes an amazing side for a special dinner. Try it alongside a simple green salad with light vinaigrette – the fresh greens balance the rich pasta perfectly.

For extra flair, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving. Want to make it a complete meal? Add some roasted broccoli or asparagus on the side.