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; 1/4 cup butter; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 3 1/4 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; 1/2 cup freshly shredded parmesan cheese; 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko; 2 tablespoons butter, melted; 1 tablespoon white truffle oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 704 reviews

If you’re craving comfort food but want to elevate it to something truly special, you’re going to love this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the irresistible aroma of truffle oil, creating a decadent twist on classic mac and cheese that will have everyone asking for seconds. I absolutely love how this turns out — it’s rich, flavorful, and just the right amount of indulgent. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every tip and trick to nail it perfectly every time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Luxurious Flavor: The white truffle oil brings a gourmet touch that transforms traditional mac and cheese into something decadent.
Perfectly Creamy: A blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere melts into a silky sauce that hugs every noodle with cheesy goodness.
Crunchy Topping: The golden breadcrumb crust adds just the right amount of texture and an extra pop of truffle aroma.
Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep the components in advance, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or entertaining.

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 recipes, creamy truffle mac and cheese, decadent cheese pasta, luxury comfort food

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe plays an important role in creating that rich, melty, and heavenly finish. I always recommend fresh, high-quality cheese— it makes all the difference. And the truffle oil? Trust me, a little goes a long way.

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 recipes, creamy truffle mac and cheese, decadent cheese pasta, luxury comfort food

Elbow macaroni: This classic pasta shape holds sauce beautifully and bakes nicely in the oven.
Butter: For richness and helps build the roux base for the sauce.
All-purpose flour: To thicken the cheese sauce into a creamy béchamel.
Salt: A vital seasoning that enhances all the flavors.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and depth.
Garlic powder: Just a hint to compliment the truffle without overpowering.
Milk: Use whole or your preferred type to keep sauce smooth.
Half and half: Adds extra creaminess and silkiness to the sauce.
Extra sharp white cheddar cheese: Provides bold cheesy flavor and melts wonderfully.
Gruyere cheese: Brings a buttery, nutty note that pairs amazingly with cheddar.
White truffle oil: The star ingredient for that signature truffle aroma.
Freshly shredded parmesan cheese: A sprinkle on top for tangy umami goodness.
Breadcrumbs (or panko): For a crunchy topping that gets golden and crisp in the oven.
Melted butter: Mixed with breadcrumbs to brown and flavor the crust.

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

I love experimenting with this truffle mac and cheese recipe depending on what I have on hand or who I’m serving it to. Don’t be afraid to tweak it to your liking—it’s so forgiving!

Truffle and Mushroom: For an earthy twist, I sauté chopped mushrooms and fold them in for extra umami that takes it to the next level.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, dairy-free cheese, and vegan butter—you’ll still get that creamy texture with a truffle kick.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creaminess.
Gluten-Free: Swap elbow macaroni for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour to keep this dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends.

How to Make Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your elbow macaroni just until it’s al dente—meaning it should still have a little bite. Overcooking pasta here is a common mistake that results in mushy mac and cheese later, so set a timer and keep an eye on it. Once done, drain well and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes—this cooks out the floury taste and creates the base for your sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk and half and half, stirring to keep it smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer. After just a minute, remove from heat and stir in your shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyere cheeses along with the white truffle oil. Stir until the cheese melts but be careful not to overheat or let the sauce become grainy—low and slow wins every time.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Pour the cooked macaroni into the sauce, stirring gently to coat every single noodle. Divide half of this mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, sprinkle with a portion of the parmesan cheese, then layer with the rest of the pasta followed by more parmesan. Layering the parmesan like this creates a nice cheesy crust under the breadcrumb topping.

Step 4: Prepare the Truffle Breadcrumb Topping

In a skillet, combine the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and white truffle oil. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the crumbs turn a gorgeous golden brown and smell irresistible. This extra step totally elevates the crunch factor and infuses an additional burst of that lovely truffle aroma. Evenly sprinkle this topping over the mac and cheese before popping it into the oven.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 15-20 minutes until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden and crisp. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning the crust, but you want it to have a nice color and crunch. Let it cool just a few minutes before serving—this step helps the cheese thicken up slightly for the perfect texture.

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Pro Tips for Making Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Add Truffle Oil Last: I learned the hard way that heating truffle oil too much can dull its flavor, so always stir it in off the heat.
Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded tends to have anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Slightly undercooked pasta will finish cooking in the oven, giving you that perfect bite.
Toast Breadcrumbs Separately: It’s my secret for a crunchy topping, rather than just layering raw crumbs on top.

How to Serve Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a light dusting of extra parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for color and a hint of freshness. Sometimes a few shaved truffle slices if I’m feeling fancy! The garnishes make it feel special but don’t overwhelm that rich cheesy-truffle goodness.

Side Dishes

This pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a simple side of garlicky sautéed spinach. I often serve it alongside a protein like roasted chicken or pork tenderloin to round out the meal. The mac and cheese is definitely the star here, so keep sides simple and fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to make individual ramekins of this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe topped with truffle-tossed breadcrumbs—guests love the personal touch! Another fun idea is baking it inside hollowed-out mini pumpkins or squash to add fall flair and a natural bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I typically refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to two days. Because of the creamy cheese sauce, they can firm up a bit but that’s easy to fix when reheating. My advice? Let leftovers come to room temp slightly before warming to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish many times by assembling it completely but baking only after thawing. Wrap tightly with plastic and foil to prevent freezer burn and store up to 3 months. When baking from frozen, I bake it covered at first to let it thaw thoroughly and then uncover to crisp the topping.

Reheating

To reheat, pop leftovers in a 350°F oven covered with foil to keep moisture, uncover in the last 5 minutes to refresh the crust. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works but you might lose a bit of that crunchy topping—so I always recommend the oven for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use truffle oil instead of truffle butter in this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe uses white truffle oil to infuse flavor into the cheese sauce and breadcrumb topping. Truffle butter can be used but oil disperses more evenly and adds a delicate aroma without altering texture.
What type of cheese works best for truffle mac and cheese?

I recommend a blend of sharp white cheddar for boldness and Gruyere for its creamy, nutty qualities. Parmesan on top adds a nice finishing touch. These cheeses melt beautifully and complement the truffle flavor.
How much truffle oil should I use without overpowering the dish?

About one tablespoon of white truffle oil is perfect to add that signature earthy aroma without being overwhelming. Always add it off heat to preserve its delicate flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Yes! Use your favorite plant-based milk and dairy-free cheeses, plus vegan butter. While it won’t be quite the same, adding truffle oil will still give you that luxurious note.
Is it better to bake the mac and cheese or serve it stovetop?

Baking adds that beautiful golden crust and melds the flavors even more. However, you can certainly enjoy it stovetop if short on time, but I highly recommend baking to get that full sensory experience.

Final Thoughts

This Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe is truly a game-changer in the world of comfort food. I remember the first time I made it for my family—watching their eyes light up with each creamy, flavorful bite made all the effort worth it. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just want to treat yourself on a weeknight, this recipe offers that perfect balance of indulgence and familiarity. Give it a whirl—you’ll enjoy it as much as we do, and it might just become your new favorite way to do mac and cheese.