Print

Perfect Truffle Mac and Cheese

truffle mac and cheese - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy mac and cheese elevated with a subtle hint of truffle oil, perfect as an upscale BBQ side dish that balances comfort with sophistication.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons truffle oil
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in warmed whole milk while whisking continuously. Cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens to coat the back of a spoon.
  4. Remove sauce from heat and stir in sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
  5. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and carefully drizzle in truffle oil. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter an 8×8 inch baking dish and pour in the mac and cheese mixture, spreading evenly.
  8. Optional: Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter and mix with panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle over mac and cheese for a crunchy topping.
  9. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden and bubbly. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes watching carefully.
  10. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Warm the milk before adding to the roux to avoid lumps. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Add truffle oil at the end to preserve aroma. Watch the breadcrumb topping closely when broiling to prevent burning. Salt pasta water well for seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, truffle mac and cheese, BBQ side dish, upscale mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, truffle oil recipe

Find it online: https://oracooks.com/perfect-truffle-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-upscale-bbq-side-ideas/