Easy Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe
on Mar 03, 2022
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If you’re looking for a meal to treat yourself or someone else, this dish should do the trick. Truffle Mac and Cheese is like nothing you’ve ever tasted! It’s perfect for special occasions and celebrations, or a cozy night at home.
If you’ve never had truffles or truffle oil, get ready to be amazed! Despite its fancy reputation, truffles are really just a type of fungus that grows at the root of certain trees. They are primarily sourced from Italy and other Mediterranean countries. Because of the limited availability of truffles, they are among the most expensive ingredients in the world. A pound of truffles can go for thousands of dollars!
Truffles have a distinctive, unique taste that can be hard to describe. Like mushrooms, truffles have an earthy and sometimes pungent aroma and taste. Truffle oil is usually made by infusing extra virgin olive oil with truffles, so the oil takes on the flavor and aroma. Sometimes, other oils like canola or vegetable oil are used.
What is Truffle Mac and Cheese?
Truffle mac and cheese is a rich, decadent baked pasta dish featuring truffle oil. This special ingredient adds an earthy, mushroom-like flavor. If you’re a fan of this classic comfort food, you’re sure to love this delicious upgraded version. This super creamy casserole has a hint of garlic and a ton of cheddar cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Truffle Oil
- Olive Oil
- Macaroni
- Unsalted Butter
- All-purpose Flour
- Garlic Powder
- Milk
- White Cheddar Cheese
- Breadcrumbs
How to Make Truffle Mac and Cheese
- Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with a bit of olive oil.
- Add the butter to a saucepan over medium heat, and wait a few moments until melted. Then add the flour and garlic powder, whisking to incorporate and form a roux.
- Let the roux bubble for about 30 seconds. Then dribble about a half cup of milk into the roux, whisking continuously. Repeat until all the milk is used up. The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon, like a runny pancake batter. If not, then let cook longer but continue whisking to avoid lumps or sticking.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the grated cheese until completely smooth. Then mix in the truffle oil.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until completely coated.
- For a golden topping, preheat the broiler to maximum, setting the oven rack to the upper-middle position. Turn the mac and cheese into a 13×9” pan. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top. Place the pan in the oven and broil until bubbly and golden on top, about 3 to 5 minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Truffle Mac and Cheese
- Use hot milk: Heating the milk before adding to the roux will help it to thicken quickly and easily.
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated cheese melts more easily, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that interfere with smooth melting.
- Use real truffle oil: There are many fake truffle oils on supermarket shelves containing artificial flavors! Seek out genuine truffle oil containing real truffle at reputable grocers or online.
Variations
- Black truffle mac and cheese: For a fancy touch, consider shaving real black truffle on top before serving. This is the way to go for Valentine’s and special occasions!
- White truffle mac and cheese: If you have white truffles on hand, shave them on top for an exquisite flavor.
- Lobster truffle mac and cheese: Ready to up the ante on this special meal? Add a few succulent chunks of lobster meat for the world’s best mac and cheese!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Truffle Mac and Cheese Taste Like?
Thanks to truffle oil, this dish has the distinctive aroma and flavor of truffles. It has a nutty earthy flavor reminiscent of mushrooms. Ample cheddar cheese and warm milk create a rich, creamy roux, delicately seasoned with garlic. Imagine your favorite baked mac and cheese with some razzle dazzle.
What Goes With Truffle Mac and Cheese?
Enjoy truffle mac and cheese as a side dish to your favorite meats like steak or fried chicken. If you want to keep it light and healthy, roasted asparagus or a simple green salad are also excellent options. This decadent dish is good enough to enjoy on its own, but also makes a delicious side dish.
Where Can I Buy Truffle Mac and Cheese?
Don’t feel like preparing truffle mac and cheese from scratch? Check your grocery store’s frozen section for a more convenient option. The Evol brand offers a highly-rated truffle mac and cheese bowl, made with real truffles. Evol meals are available at Walmart or on Evol’s website.
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Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound macaroni, or similar short pasta
- olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt, optional
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups medium white cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 teaspoons truffle oil, see note
- Optional Toppings
- ½ cup breadcrumbs, regular or panko
- 1-2 teaspoons black truffles, shaved or finely sliced
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and salt. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain, toss with a bit of olive oil and set aside.
- Have your measured flour, butter, milk and cheese ready along with a small whisk. Recommended: Warm the milk in the microwave or a small saucepan.
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and wait a few moments until melted. Then add the flour and garlic powder, whisking to incorporate and form a roux.
- Let the roux bubble for about 30 seconds. Then dribble about a half cup of (warm) milk into the roux, whisking continuously. The sauce should be thickening steadily. Keep dribbling in more milk and whisk until it bubbles and thickens. Repeat until all the milk is used up. The sauce should be thick enough to coat a spoon, like a runny pancake batter. If not, then let cook longer but continue whisking to avoid lumps or sticking.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Using a wooden spoon, mix in the grated cheese until completely smooth. Then mix in the truffle oil (it should lend a pleasant musky aroma to the cheese sauce).
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until completely coated.
- Optional: For a golden topping, broil the mac and cheese. Preheat the broiler to maximum, setting the oven rack to the upper middle position (so the top of the pan will be 2 to 3 inches from the broiler). Turn the mac and cheese into a 13×9” pan. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly on top. Place the pan in the oven and broil until bubbly and golden on top, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Black truffle mac and cheese: If you have black truffles available, you can cut into very thin pieces or shave them on top before serving for extra flavor and a stunning presentation.
- White truffle mac and cheese: If you have white truffles, you can cut/shave them on top before serving. The flavor is muskier but also delicious.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
