Truffle Mac and Cheese is the ultimate indulgence for anyone who loves the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese with a touch of luxury. By adding earthy white truffle oil, sharp cheeses, and a crispy breadcrumb topping, this dish transforms a familiar comfort food into a gourmet experience. Whether you're serving it at a family dinner or a special occasion, this truffle-infused mac and cheese is sure to impress!
Yields: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (cavatappi or your favorite type)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half or light cream
- 12 ounces white cheddar cheese, extra sharp, shredded
- 4 ounces cream cheese
- 2 ounces Romano cheese, grated (or grated Parmesan)
- 2-3 tablespoons white truffle oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons red bell pepper, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pasta: Preheat your oven to 375°F and butter a 9x12 baking dish. Set it aside. Cook the pasta to al dente, according to package instructions, then set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook for 2-3 minutes while whisking, making sure it doesn't burn.
- Add the Milk: Heat the milk until it’s just about to boil, then slowly pour it into the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Create the Sauce: Once the milk is fully incorporated, add the half-and-half, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan, and whisk to combine.
- Add the Cheeses: Stir in the cream cheese and whisk until completely blended. Gradually add in the grated Romano and ⅓ of the shredded white cheddar, whisking until fully incorporated. Repeat this with the remaining cheddar, adding ⅓ at a time, until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Finish the Sauce: Drizzle in 1-2 tablespoons of truffle oil, depending on how strong you want the truffle flavor. Continue whisking until everything is fully incorporated.
- Add Veggies and Pasta: Stir in the finely diced red bell pepper and half of the chopped parsley into the sauce. Then, add the cooked pasta and stir until the pasta is fully coated with the cheese sauce.
- Assemble the Dish: Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with a generous layer of panko breadcrumbs and drizzle the remaining truffle oil over the breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbling.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with the remaining chopped parsley and enjoy this creamy, flavorful, and indulgent truffle mac and cheese. Serve with Day 7 Advent Wine.
Tip: For an extra crispy topping, broil the dish for the last 2-3 minutes of baking, but be sure to keep an eye on it to avoid burning!