Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Truffle Mac & Cheese! I mean, who doesn’t adore that creamy, cheesy goodness? It’s like a warm hug on a chilly day, and when you add a drizzle of truffle oil, it’s a game changer! The truffle oil takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level of gourmet indulgence. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as it bakes, filling the air with rich, earthy notes. Trust me, once you try this twist, you won’t want to go back to the plain stuff! It’s perfect for cozy nights in or as a showstopper at your dinner parties. Everyone will be asking for seconds, so get ready to impress your friends and family with this delightful dish!

Ingredients for Truffle Mac & Cheese

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create the ultimate Truffle Mac & Cheese that’ll have everyone raving:

8 oz elbow macaroni – The classic choice for that perfect bite!
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese – Go for sharp for that extra kick of flavor.
1 cup milk – Whole milk works best for creaminess.
1 cup heavy cream – This adds that luscious richness you crave.
1/4 cup truffle oil – Adjust this to your taste; it’s what makes this dish special!
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – A sprinkle of this will elevate your sauce.
3 tbsp butter – For that silky smooth base.
3 tbsp all-purpose flour – This helps thicken your cheese sauce.
1/2 tsp garlic powder – A little flavor boost!
1/2 tsp onion powder – Adds depth to your sauce.
Salt to taste – Always essential in any dish!
Pepper to taste – A dash of pepper goes a long way.

Make sure you have everything ready to go, and let’s get cooking!

How to Prepare Truffle Mac & Cheese

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this scrumptious Truffle Mac & Cheese! I promise, it’s easier than you think and absolutely worth every step.

Cooking the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the 8 oz elbow macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 7-8 minutes until al dente. You want it cooked just right since it’ll continue to cook in the oven. Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside. Don’t forget to give it a little rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process!

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat until it’s bubbly and fragrant. Next, whisk in 3 tbsp all-purpose flour and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes—this helps get rid of that raw flour taste. Now, slowly pour in 1 cup milk and 1 cup heavy cream, stirring constantly. Keep whisking until the mixture thickens up, which should take about 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it coats the back of a spoon. Now comes the fun part: add in the 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, along with 1/2 tsp garlic powder and 1/2 tsp onion powder. Stir until everything is beautifully melted and creamy!

Combining Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring it all together! Pour the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, and give it a gentle stir until every piece of pasta is coated in that rich, cheesy goodness. Don’t forget to drizzle in 1/4 cup truffle oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Wow, the aroma is already heavenly!

Baking the Dish

Transfer your mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Pop it in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This will help develop a nice, bubbly top. Keep an eye on it—when the edges start to brown a little and the cheese is all melted and bubbly, it’s time to dig in!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! It’s always good to know what you’re indulging in, right? Here’s an estimate of the nutritional values per serving (about 1 cup) of this decadent Truffle Mac & Cheese:

Calories: 600
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugar: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g

Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and the portions you serve. But hey, when it comes to comfort food like this, a little indulgence is totally worth it! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Tips for Success

To make sure your Truffle Mac & Cheese turns out absolutely perfect, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, don’t be shy with the truffle oil—start with 1/4 cup as the recipe suggests, but feel free to adjust it to your taste. If you love that truffle flavor, a little extra drizzle can make a big difference!

Also, for a delightful crunch on top, try adding some seasoned breadcrumbs before baking. Just mix them with a bit of melted butter and sprinkle generously over your mac and cheese. It adds that extra texture that balances the creaminess beautifully! And remember, taste as you go—seasoning is key to elevating those flavors. Trust me, these little tweaks will take your dish from great to absolutely irresistible!

Variations of Truffle Mac & Cheese

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your Truffle Mac & Cheese! For starters, why not try different cheeses? Gouda or Fontina can add a wonderful creaminess and depth of flavor. If you’re a blue cheese lover, crumbling some in will give you a bold twist that’s out of this world!

Herbs are another fabulous way to enhance the dish. Fresh thyme or rosemary can bring a delightful earthiness that pairs beautifully with the truffle oil. Want to add some veggies? Toss in sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. You could even mix in cooked lobster or crab for a luxurious seafood version—imagine the flavor explosion! The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting and find your perfect combo!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up this incredible Truffle Mac & Cheese, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! Here are some delightful pairings that will complement your creamy dish perfectly.

Steamed Broccoli: A side of bright, steamed broccoli adds a nice crunch and freshness that balances the richness of the mac and cheese.
Garlic Bread: Who can resist buttery, garlicky bread? It’s perfect for scooping up those cheesy remnants left in the bowl!
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette will cut through the creaminess and add a refreshing touch to your meal.
Grilled Chicken: If you’re looking for protein, some grilled chicken seasoned with herbs will make it a wholesome feast.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These little gems, with their crispy edges and savory flavor, make a fantastic side that pairs beautifully with the truffle notes.

Feel free to mix and match these sides based on your mood or the occasion. Enjoy your gourmet comfort food spread!

FAQ About Truffle Mac & Cheese

Can I make Truffle Mac & Cheese ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it’ll be cold.

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Truffle Mac & Cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up!

Can I freeze Truffle Mac & Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just let it cool, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It should last for about 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the oven until warmed through.

What can I substitute for truffle oil?
If you don’t have truffle oil on hand, you can use a blend of olive oil and a bit of garlic for a different but still delicious flavor. It won’t have that distinct truffle taste, but it’ll still be creamy and satisfying!

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely! While sharp cheddar is my go-to, you can mix and match with cheeses like Gruyère, mozzarella, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist. Just ensure the cheese melts well for that creamy texture we all love!

Truffle Mac & Cheese: 5 Comforting Indulgences to Savor

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and rich mac and cheese infused with truffle oil for a gourmet twist.

Instructions

Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
Slowly add milk and cream, stirring constantly until thickened.
Add cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until melted.
Mix in truffle oil, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni and stir to combine.
Transfer to a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.

Notes

Adjust truffle oil to your taste.
Can add breadcrumbs on top for crunch.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 600
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Truffle, Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food

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