Save This Truffle Mac & Cheese is a luxurious take on a beloved classic, combining a velvety four-cheese sauce with the sophisticated aroma of black truffles. It’s the ultimate comfort dish for those seeking an indulgent, gourmet experience at home, blending creamy textures with an earthy, intoxicating finish.
Save The secret to this recipe lies in the quality of the ingredients and the careful balance of the four distinct cheeses. Each cheese contributes something unique—the nuttiness of the Gruyère, the sharpness of the cheddar, the meltability of the Fontina, and the salty punch of the Parmesan—to create a masterpiece of flavor.
Ingredients
- Pasta: 400 g (14 oz) elbow macaroni or short pasta of choice
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 tbsp all-purpose flour, 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk, 120 g (4 oz) Gruyère cheese, grated, 120 g (4 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, grated, 80 g (3 oz) Fontina cheese, grated, 60 g (2 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated, 1 tsp Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt (plus more for pasta water), pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- Topping & Finish: 2 tbsp black truffle oil, 20 g (0.7 oz) fresh black truffle, thinly shaved (or 1–2 tsp high-quality truffle paste if fresh unavailable), 40 g (1.5 oz) panko breadcrumbs, 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted, 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, grated, chives, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease a medium baking dish.
- Step 2
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1–2 minutes until pale golden to create a roux.
- Step 4
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until thickened, about 4–5 minutes.
- Step 5
- Add Gruyère, cheddar, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until completely melted and the sauce is smooth. Mix in Dijon mustard, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg.
- Step 6
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
- Step 7
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Step 8
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp Parmesan, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
- Step 9
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until golden and bubbling.
- Step 10
- Remove from the oven. Drizzle with truffle oil and scatter shaved truffle over the top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chives if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
When preparing the cheese sauce, whisk the milk in slowly to ensure the roux incorporates smoothly without forming lumps. Grating your own cheese from blocks rather than using pre-shredded varieties will result in a much creamier texture, as pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can cause graininess.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For extra decadence, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone with the cheese sauce. If Fontina cheese is unavailable, mozzarella makes a suitable substitute for its excellent melting properties. If fresh black truffles are not in season, a high-quality truffle paste or truffle salt can provide that signature aromatic finish.
Serviervorschläge
This rich main dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white Burgundy or a glass of dry Champagne to cut through the creaminess of the sauce. For a balanced meal, serve alongside a simple green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette.
Save Treat yourself and your guests to this decadent masterpiece. With its golden, crispy topping and fragrant truffle finish, this macaroni and cheese is more than just a meal—it is a celebration of flavor that brings a touch of luxury to your dining table.
Recipe FAQs
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but any short pasta that holds sauce well can be used, such as shells or cavatappi.
- → How can I enhance the sauce's creaminess?
Adding a spoonful of mascarpone cheese into the sauce provides extra richness and smooth texture.
- → What can I use if fresh black truffle is unavailable?
High-quality truffle paste or truffle salt are excellent alternatives to impart the distinctive earthy aroma.
- → How should I prevent lumps in the cheese sauce?
Whisk the flour and butter roux thoroughly before gradually adding milk, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It can be assembled and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly to ensure it heats through evenly.