Truffle Macaroni Cheese Blend

Featured in: Lazy Day Meals

This creamy macaroni dish combines tender elbow pasta with a luscious cheese sauce featuring Gruyère, sharp white cheddar, and Parmesan. Truffle oil imparts an earthy aroma, elevating the traditional comfort food. A golden, buttery panko topping adds a delightful crunch. Ready in just 40 minutes, this easy-to-prep main combines rich flavor and smooth texture, perfect for a satisfying vegetarian meal.

Updated on Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:17:00 GMT
Creamy truffle macaroni and cheese bubbling in a golden crust, ready to serve.  Save to Pinterest
Creamy truffle macaroni and cheese bubbling in a golden crust, ready to serve. | snackandmack.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.

This recipe quickly became a family favorite. Every bite feels indulgent yet comforting, perfect for cozy nights.

Ingredients

  • Pasta: 350 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
  • Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 500 ml (2 cups) whole milk 120 g (1 cup) grated Gruyère cheese 120 g (1 cup) grated sharp white cheddar cheese 60 g (½ cup) grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp sea salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper 1½ tbsp truffle oil (plus more for drizzling)
  • Topping: 60 g (½ cup) panko breadcrumbs 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Butter a medium baking dish (about 2 liters/2 quarts).
Step 2:
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
Step 4:
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 4 minutes.
Step 5:
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.
Step 6:
Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir to coat evenly.
Step 7:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Step 8:
In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and 2 tbsp Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
Step 9:
Bake for 15 18 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
Step 10:
Let rest for 5 minutes. Drizzle with extra truffle oil and sprinkle with parsley before serving if desired.
Decadent truffle macaroni and cheese topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, perfect for dinner.  Save to Pinterest
Decadent truffle macaroni and cheese topped with crispy panko breadcrumbs, perfect for dinner. | snackandmack.com

Sharing this dish at family dinners always brings smiles and requests for seconds.

Notes

For a stronger truffle flavor, use a few drops of truffle oil just before serving. Swap Gruyère for Fontina or Emmental for a different cheese profile. Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch. Pair with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay.

Allergen Information

Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard. Check cheese and truffle oil labels for allergens or cross-contamination if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 590. Total Fat: 32 g. Carbohydrates: 52 g. Protein: 24 g per serving.

Rich and cheesy truffle macaroni, elegantly drizzled with extra truffle oil and herbs. Save to Pinterest
Rich and cheesy truffle macaroni, elegantly drizzled with extra truffle oil and herbs. | snackandmack.com

Enjoy this decadent dish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an unforgettable comfort food experience.

Recipe FAQs

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Elbow macaroni holds the creamy sauce well, but small tubular or shell pasta can also be used for a similar texture.

How can I enhance the truffle flavor?

Drizzling extra truffle oil just before serving intensifies the earthy aroma and flavor without overpowering the cheese blend.

Can I substitute the cheeses used?

Yes, alternatives like Fontina or Emmental can replace Gruyère to offer a different cheese profile while maintaining creaminess.

What makes the topping crunchy?

Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan create a crisp, golden crust after baking that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the ingredients are vegetarian-friendly, but be sure to verify the cheese and truffle oil sources to confirm no animal rennet or additives are present.

How long should the dish rest before serving?

Allowing the dish to rest for 5 minutes helps it set and makes serving easier while enhancing flavor melding.

Truffle Macaroni Cheese Blend

A luxurious blend of cheeses and truffle oil creates a rich, comforting macaroni dish.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
25 min
Overall Time
40 min
Recipe by Snack And Mack Ryan Mitchell

Recipe Type Lazy Day Meals

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Output 4 Serving Size

Dietary Details Vegetarian-Friendly

Ingredient List

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)

Steps

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Butter a medium baking dish of approximately 2 quarts capacity.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Make roux: Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.

Step 04

Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly until smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 05

Incorporate cheeses and seasonings: Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, sharp cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, sea salt, black pepper, and truffle oil until cheese is melted and sauce is uniform.

Step 06

Combine pasta and sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni mixture.

Step 09

Bake until golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 10

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

Equipment Needed

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

Allergy Info

Double-check every item for known allergies. If unsure, reach out to a healthcare provider.
  • Contains milk (dairy), wheat (gluten), and may contain mustard.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrient details are offered for reference only. Speak with your doctor for personal health questions.
  • Calorie Count: 590
  • Fat Content: 32 g
  • Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Proteins: 24 g