Name: Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb elbow macaroni, uncooked; ¼ cup butter; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 3 ¼ cups milk (any kind); 2 cups half and half; 3 cups extra sharp white cheddar, shredded; 2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded; 1 tablespoon white truffle oil; ½ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon white truffle oil

If you’re anything like me and have a weakness for creamy, dreamy, and just downright indulgent comfort food, you’re going to adore this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe. It’s got everything you want from classic mac and cheese but with that luxurious twist of truffle oil that turns everyday into special occasion. I promise, once you try this, it’ll be your go-to whenever you want to impress your family or just treat yourself.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Decadent Flavor: The white truffle oil adds an earthy, sophisticated depth without overpowering the cheese.
Perfectly Creamy Texture: Using both milk and half-and-half creates a sauce that’s silky, not heavy or grainy.
Simple Yet Impressive: It’s surprisingly easy to make but will wow even picky eaters and guests.
Crunchy Topping Bonus: The golden breadcrumb topping with a touch of truffle oil adds amazing texture.

A close-up view of a white rectangular casserole dish filled with mac and cheese, showing three layers: a creamy white cheesy pasta base, a middle layer of soft macaroni mixed with cheese sauce, and a thick golden brown crispy crumb topping covering the whole surface. A gold spoon scoops out a portion, revealing the melty cheesy pasta underneath the crunchy top. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Truffle Mac and Cheese, gourmet mac and cheese, easy truffle pasta, creamy mac and cheese with truffle oil, luxury comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

The key to this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe is balancing creamy, sharp, and nutty cheeses with that unmistakable truffle aroma. Plus, the breadcrumb topping with truffle oil really seals the deal. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand.

Flat lay of uncooked elbow macaroni scattered naturally, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow butter, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine all-purpose flour, one whole uncracked brown egg, a small white ceramic bowl with coarse white salt crystals, a small white ceramic bowl containing freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with light beige garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth half and half, a small white ceramic bowl heaped with shredded sharp white cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with shredded golden Gruyere cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with delicate shredded parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing clear white truffle oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden breadcrumbs, and a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, all symmetrically arranged in perfect proportions on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Truffle Mac and Cheese, gourmet mac and cheese, easy truffle pasta, creamy mac and cheese with truffle oil, luxury comfort food

Elbow macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully.
Butter: For richness in the roux and topping.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce just right.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors—don’t skip it.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle bite; freshly ground is best.
Garlic powder: Gives a gentle, savory undertone.
Milk: Helps make the sauce creamy without heaviness.
Half and half: For that extra smooth texture.
Extra sharp white cheddar: Offers that punchy, tangy flavor I love.
Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty complexity.
White truffle oil: The star ingredient—use sparingly but don’t skip!
Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded for topping and extra flavor.
Breadcrumbs or panko: For that irresistible crunchy topping.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Everyone likes to make recipes their own, and this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe is no exception. I’ve played around with it a lot and love how easy it is to swap things out depending on what you have or your dietary needs.

Vegetarian-friendly: I use veggie broth instead of any meat-based additions and it’s just as satisfying.
For extra decadence: Adding crispy pancetta or a sprinkle of fresh chives on top takes it next level.
Dairy-free swap: Try vegan cheese blends and plant-based milk—though you’ll miss some classic texture, the truffle oil still shines!
Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free blend.

How to Make Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the macaroni al dente

Start by boiling your elbow macaroni just until it’s al dente—you want it to have a little bite because it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain well and set aside. I usually rinse briefly with warm water to stop the cooking so it doesn’t get mushy later.

Step 2: Make the cheesy sauce with a roux base

Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then whisk in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to form a smooth roux. Cook this mixture for about 2 minutes—this cooks out the raw flour taste and thickens the base. Slowly pour in the milk and half and half while stirring constantly so you don’t get lumps. Bring it to a gentle simmer and cook for about a minute until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and gently stir in the white truffle oil, then add your sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, mixing until everything is melted and silky smooth. I learned that adding the truffle oil off the heat preserves its delicate aroma.

Step 3: Combine pasta and cheese sauce, layer with Parmesan

Fold your cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well coated. Next, pour half of this luscious mix into a buttered 9×13 inch baking dish, sprinkle a quarter cup of freshly shredded Parmesan over it for an irresistible flavor layer, then add the rest of the macaroni and top with the remaining Parmesan. This layering trick creates pockets of cheesy, crispy goodness.

Step 4: Crispy truffle breadcrumb topping

In a skillet, combine the breadcrumbs or panko with melted butter and a splash of truffle oil. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly until the crumbs turn golden brown and toasty — this step amps up the flavor and crunch like nothing else. Sprinkle this evenly over your mac and cheese just before baking.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Bake your masterpiece at 325°F for about 15-20 minutes until you see bubbly cheese peeking through and the breadcrumb topping is perfectly golden. When you pull it out, just let it sit a couple of minutes before serving to let everything settle and thicken slightly (it’s hard to wait, I know!).

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Pro Tips for Making Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta ensures it won’t turn mushy after baking — I learned this the hard way!
Add Truffle Oil Off Heat: Stirring it in after removing from heat preserves the delicate truffle aroma.
Toast Breadcrumbs Yourself: Cooking the breadcrumbs in butter and truffle oil before topping gives unbeatable crunch and flavor.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that affect melting; take the extra minute for best results.

How to Serve Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I typically sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan and some freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top for freshness and color. Sometimes, I add a few thinly shaved truffle slices or a drizzle more of truffle oil if I’m feeling fancy — it’s an incredible finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad for balance or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. My family also loves serving it alongside grilled chicken or steak for a special Sunday dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or celebrations, I’ve baked individual portions in ramekins topped with microgreens. It not only looks elegant but everyone gets their own perfectly crispy topping. You can also serve it in hollowed-out mini pumpkins or bread bowls — it’s a fun twist that guests always rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep it creamy, I add a splash of milk when reheating and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave. It reheats beautifully without drying out if done right.

Freezing

For longer storage, I assemble the dish but freeze it before baking. Once it’s cool, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it completely in the fridge before baking. This trick means you can prep ahead for holidays or busy weeks without sacrificing taste.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I usually warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes until warmed through and the topping crisps back up. Adding a little extra truffle oil or cheese on top can freshen up the flavors nicely.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is traditional and holds sauce well, you can swap in shells, cavatappi, or even penne if you prefer. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when baked.
How much truffle oil should I use without overpowering the dish?

Truffle oil is potent, so I recommend sticking to about 1 tablespoon total in the sauce plus a little for toasting the breadcrumbs. Adding too much can make the flavor bitter or overwhelming, so taste as you go and adjust carefully.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just make sure to store it separately from the pasta to avoid sogginess. When ready, gently reheat sauce and pasta before combining and baking.
What’s the best way to get a crunchy topping?

Toasting the breadcrumbs yourself in butter and truffle oil before sprinkling on top makes all the difference. It adds flavor and crunch that pre-made toppings just can’t match.
Is this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe suitable for freezing?

Definitely! I freeze it assembled but unbaked, then thaw completely before baking. It holds its flavor and texture surprisingly well, making it great for make-ahead meals.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe is one of my all-time favorites for a reason: it takes comfort food up a notch while still feeling cozy and approachable. Whether you’re making it for a dinner party or just treating yourself on a quiet night, it’s bound to win hearts. Give it a try—I know once you do, it’ll become your new secret weapon in the kitchen.