Truffle Mac & Cheese is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food, combining creamy cheese sauce with truffle oil and pasta. This indulgent dish is perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your mac and cheese experience.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1-2 tablespoons truffle oil (adjust to taste)

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)

Timing

Making Truffle Mac & Cheese takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 30 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Pasta: Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Make Roux: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 1-2 minutes until golden and bubbly.
2. Add Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Season: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth. Drizzle in the truffle oil and mix well.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Mix Together: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is well coated.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

1. Make Topping: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.

Step 5: Bake

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
3. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Serve

1. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley.
2. Enjoy: Serve warm and enjoy your decadent truffle mac & cheese!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of Truffle Mac & Cheese (per serving, based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	450
Protein	18g
Fat	25g
Carbohydrates	40g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

Tips for Customization

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like fontina, mozzarella, or blue cheese for unique flavors.
• Add-ins: Incorporate cooked bacon, mushrooms, or spinach for added texture and flavor.
• Truffle Salt: If you don’t have truffle oil, try using truffle salt to enhance the flavor.

Conclusion

Truffle Mac & Cheese is a rich and creamy dish that elevates the classic comfort food to new heights with the addition of truffle oil. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy this delightful recipe!