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Ultra-Creamy Baked Truffle Mac and Cheese for the Holidays

Ultra-Creamy Baked Truffle Mac and Cheese for the Holidays

A decadent, holiday-worthy mac and cheese featuring a velvety blend of sharp cheddar, nutty Gruyère, and Parmesan, finished with truffle oil and a golden panko crust.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Holiday, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 580

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Gruyère cheese shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 2 tbsp truffle oil
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 tsp salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter melted, for topping
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 3-quart baking dish with butter.
  2. Cook the elbow macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and bubbly.
  4. Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, grated Parmesan, truffle oil, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper until completely smooth and melted.
  6. Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
  8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges.
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For the best texture, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded varieties. The truffle oil can be adjusted to taste—start with 1 tablespoon if you prefer a more subtle flavor. This dish can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated; add 10 minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
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