Why Make This Recipe
Oven Truffle Mac and Cheese is a fantastic dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a fun family gathering. It combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with the rich, earthy flavor of truffle oil, making it a special treat that elevates a beloved favorite. This dish is warm, creamy, and incredibly satisfying, appealing to both kids and adults, which makes it a versatile choice for any occasion.
How to Make Oven Truffle Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 cups of elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 4 cups of milk
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons of truffle oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until it is golden and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and stir until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs and the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Oven Truffle Mac and Cheese
Serve Oven Truffle Mac and Cheese hot from the oven, allowing everyone to dig in while it’s warm and gooey. You can pair it with a simple green salad for a balanced meal or enjoy it as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak.
How to Store Oven Truffle Mac and Cheese
If you have leftovers, let the mac and cheese cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Oven Truffle Mac and Cheese
- Make sure to stir the cheese sauce constantly to avoid any lumps.
- Feel free to adjust the amounts of the cheeses based on your preference.
- For added flavor, you can mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms.
Variation
You can easily modify this recipe by adding different types of cheese, like gouda or fontina, to create your own special twist. You can also add vegetables like spinach or broccoli to make it more nutritious.
FAQs
1. Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use gluten-free elbow macaroni instead of regular pasta.
2. Is truffle oil necessary for this recipe?
While truffle oil adds a unique flavor, you can make the dish without it, though it may not have the same gourmet touch.
3. How can I make it spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.
Print
Oven Truffle Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and rich mac and cheese enhanced with truffle oil, perfect for cozy dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons truffle oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes, until it is golden and bubbly.
- Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
- Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and stir until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs and the remaining parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Notes
For added flavor, you can mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms. Feel free to use gluten-free elbow macaroni if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg