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Truffle Macaroni Cheese

Featured in: Warm Bakes & Casseroles

This dish combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich, velvety cheese sauce made from Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, enhanced by fragrant truffle oil. The sauce is cooked to a creamy consistency, coating the pasta thoroughly before being topped with a buttery, Parmesan-studded panko crust. Baking until golden and bubbling creates a satisfying texture contrast, while a final drizzle of truffle oil and fresh parsley adds aromatic depth and freshness.

Ideal for a comforting main course, this flavorful blend balances creamy and earthy notes effortlessly. Easy to prepare, it’s perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal with a touch of luxury. Optional additions like sautéed mushrooms further elevate its complexity, and pairing it with a crisp Chardonnay complements the rich flavors.

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Updated on Sat, 15 Nov 2025 15:59:00 GMT
Golden-crusted Truffle Macaroni & Cheese, bubbly and rich with a truffle aroma, ready to savor. Save
Golden-crusted Truffle Macaroni & Cheese, bubbly and rich with a truffle aroma, ready to savor. | forkta.com

A decadent twist on the classic comfort food, this creamy macaroni and cheese is elevated with aromatic truffle oil and a blend of luxurious cheeses.

Macaroni & cheese has always been one of my favorite comfort dishes and adding truffle oil truly takes it to another level with its decadent aroma. The luxurious cheese sauce comes together easily and always gets rave reviews from friends and family.

Ingredients

  • Elbow macaroni: 350 g (12 oz)
  • Unsalted butter: 2 tbsp (plus 1 tbsp, melted, for topping)
  • All-purpose flour: 2 tbsp
  • Whole milk: 500 ml (2 cups)
  • Gruyère cheese, grated: 120 g (1 cup)
  • Sharp white cheddar, grated: 120 g (1 cup)
  • Parmesan cheese, grated: 60 g (½ cup, plus 2 tbsp for topping)
  • Dijon mustard: 1 tsp
  • Sea salt: 1 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Truffle oil: 1½ tbsp (plus more for drizzling)
  • Panko breadcrumbs: 60 g (½ cup)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (optional): 1 tbsp

Instructions

Prep the oven and dish:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
Cook the macaroni:
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce base:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Add milk and thicken:
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3–4 minutes.
Stir in cheeses and seasoning:
Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and truffle oil until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine pasta and sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Assemble:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Prepare the topping:
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
Bake:
Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
Finish and serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
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| forkta.com

Making this dish for family gatherings has become a tradition, and even picky eaters ask for seconds. The aroma of truffle oil always brings everyone to the table with anticipation.

Customization Ideas

Try swapping Gruyère for Fontina or Emmental for a different flavor profile, or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch.

Serving Suggestions

This decadent macaroni pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of Chardonnay.

Allergen & Nutrition Facts

Each serving has about 590 calories, 32 g fat, 52 g carbohydrates, and 24 g protein. Contains milk, wheat, and possibly mustard.

Creamy Truffle Macaroni & Cheese, the cheesy comfort food decadently topped with toasted breadcrumbs. Save
Creamy Truffle Macaroni & Cheese, the cheesy comfort food decadently topped with toasted breadcrumbs. | forkta.com

This rich and luxurious truffle macaroni & cheese is guaranteed to impress at any dinner. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy bite!

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni is ideal as it holds the creamy sauce well and provides a classic texture, but small shell or cavatappi can be good alternatives.

→ Can I substitute the truffle oil?

While truffle oil adds a unique aroma, you can use a mild olive oil or add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor without overpowering the cheese blend.

→ How can I achieve a bubbly, golden crust?

Mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan, then sprinkle evenly before baking at 200°C until just golden and bubbling, typically 15–18 minutes.

→ Is it possible to prepare this in advance?

You can assemble the macaroni and cheese ahead of time, refrigerate, then bake just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

→ What wine pairs well with this creamy dish?

A crisp Chardonnay complements the rich cheese and earthy truffle flavors, cutting through the creaminess for a balanced taste experience.

→ How to enhance the truffle flavor further?

Drizzle a few drops of truffle oil just before serving to intensify the aroma without overwhelming the dish.

Truffle Macaroni Cheese

Creamy pasta with Gruyère, cheddar, Parmesan, and aromatic truffle oil, baked to golden perfection.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
40 min
Created by Mia Parker


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Makes 4 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

What You'll Need

Pasta

01 12 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

01 2 tbsp unsalted butter
02 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
03 2 cups whole milk
04 1 cup grated Gruyère cheese
05 1 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese
06 ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
07 1 tsp Dijon mustard
08 1 tsp sea salt
09 ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
10 1½ tbsp truffle oil

Topping

01 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
02 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
04 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

How to Make It

Step 01

Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a medium baking dish (approximately 2 quarts).

Step 02

Cook Macaroni: Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 03

Make Roux: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute.

Step 04

Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 05

Combine Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat. Stir in grated Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, sea salt, freshly ground black pepper, and 1½ tablespoons truffle oil until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.

Step 06

Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.

Step 07

Assemble: Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Step 08

Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted unsalted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.

Step 09

Bake: Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the topping is golden and bubbling.

Step 10

Rest and Serve: Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with additional truffle oil and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired before serving.

Equipment Needed

  • Medium saucepan
  • Large pot
  • Whisk
  • Baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Details

Check every item for allergens, and check with your doctor if you’re unsure.
  • Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard. Check cheese and truffle oil labels for allergens or cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutrition Per Serving

For informational purposes; please consult your healthcare professional.
  • Calories: 590
  • Total Fat: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein: 24 g