Name: Truffle Cheese 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; 3¼ 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’ve ever dreamed of elevating classic comfort food to something absolutely decadent, you’re in for a treat. Today, I’m sharing my all-time favorite Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe that turns creamy, cheesy goodness into a sophisticated dish bursting with rich, earthy truffle flavor. This recipe feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to make — a total win-win that will have your family and guests swooning.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultimate Comfort with a Gourmet Twist: This mac and cheese takes the cozy you know and love and ups the ante with truffle oil’s luxurious aroma and flavor.
Perfectly Creamy, Never Gritty: The blend of sharp cheddar and nutty Gruyere creates a luscious sauce that clings to every curl of pasta.
Crunchy Topping That Steals the Show: Golden toasted panko infused with truffle oil adds a satisfyingly crisp finish.
Simple to Make Ahead: Prepare parts in advance to save yourself stress without sacrificing flavor or 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 Cheese Mac and Cheese, gourmet mac and cheese with truffle oil, decadent cheese pasta recipe, easy luxurious mac and cheese, gourmet comfort food recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe plays an important role — from the tender macaroni that provides a sturdy base for the creamy sauce, to the trio of cheeses that build layers of flavor and melty texture. Using quality truffle oil is key because it truly transforms the dish with its earthy essence.

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 Cheese Mac and Cheese, gourmet mac and cheese with truffle oil, decadent cheese pasta recipe, easy luxurious mac and cheese, gourmet comfort food recipe

Elbow macaroni: Classic shape that holds sauce well and bakes evenly.
Butter: For making a rich roux and also to toast the breadcrumbs perfectly.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce without lumps if cooked properly.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors; start with a teaspoon and adjust as needed.
Freshly ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balances richness.
Garlic powder: Brings gentle warmth without overpowering truffle notes.
Milk (any kind): Creamy base of the sauce; whole milk works best for richness.
Half and half: Adds extra creaminess without being too heavy.
Extra sharp white cheddar: Sharp, tangy bite that’s essential for classic mac and cheese flavor.
Gruyere cheese: Melts beautifully, offers nutty sweetness that deepens the sauce.
White truffle oil: The star ingredient — a little goes a long way to impart that luxurious aroma.
Freshly shredded parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth both inside and on top of the dish.
Breadcrumbs (or panko): For that irresistible crunchy topping.

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 that this Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe is a fantastic base to get creative, depending on your mood or dietary preference. Here are some tweaks I’ve tried and found pretty fantastic.

Make it with gluten-free pasta: I’ve swapped in gluten-free elbow macaroni with no problem — just be sure to watch cook times closely for perfect al dente texture.
Add cooked mushrooms: For an extra earthy vibe, sauté some cremini or shiitake mushrooms and stir them in before baking. It really amps up the truffle partnership!
Use vegan cheeses and milk: If you prefer dairy-free, I’ve tried cashew-based cheeses and oat milk; while it shifts the taste, the truffle oil still makes it feel indulgent.
Spicy kick: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika stirred into the roux delivery a surprising warmth that balances the creamy cheese.

How to Make Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Macaroni to Perfect Al Dente

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni just shy of fully tender — al dente means it still has a bit of bite but won’t be mushy after baking. Drain the pasta and set it aside. I’ve learned that if the pasta is too soft here, it can get a bit soggy once baked, so don’t skip this important step.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Truffled Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to form a smooth roux. Cooking this mixture for a couple of minutes is important — it removes the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk and half and half, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and simmers. Remove from heat, stir in the white truffle oil, then quickly mix in the shredded cheddar and Gruyere cheeses until smooth and velvety.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce, Layer Up the Dish

Pour the cheesy sauce over the cooked macaroni and toss to coat every bit thoroughly. Here’s a trick I picked up: layering half the mixture in the greased baking dish, then sprinkling a generous quarter cup of parmesan cheese before adding the rest helps create pockets of cheesy bites throughout the casserole. Finish by topping with the remaining parmesan.

Step 4: Make the Golden Truffle Breadcrumb Topping

In the same saucepan or a skillet, melt butter and mix in panko breadcrumbs and a tablespoon of truffle oil. Stir constantly over medium-high heat until the crumbs turn golden brown and smell heavenly. This extra step adds an unbeatable crunch and truffle aroma that’s just irresistible.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubble and Golden

Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb mixture evenly on top and bake your mac and cheese at 325°F for 15 to 20 minutes or until it’s bubbling and the topping is perfectly crisp. Serve hot straight from the oven and enjoy that wonderful truffle-cheesy aroma filling your kitchen.

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Pro Tips for Making Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Choose the Right Truffle Oil: I’ve found white truffle oil offers a delicate, perfume-like aroma that complements cheese perfectly without overpowering.
Don’t Overcook Your Pasta: Cooking pasta al dente prevents it from becoming mushy after baking, giving the dish a great texture.
Toast Breadcrumbs Separately: It’s worth the extra step to achieve a crunchy, golden topping rather than soggy crumbs on top.
Mix Cheeses Quickly: Add shredded cheese off the heat to avoid clumping and get a silky, smooth sauce every time.

How to Serve Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe

Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I love to finish this mac and cheese with a light sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley — it adds a fresh pop of color and brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I add a tiny drizzle of extra truffle oil right before serving for an extra aromatic boost.

Side Dishes

This truffle mac pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. If I’m serving it as a main course, some garlic bread or a light tomato salad balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes bake single servings in mini cast iron skillets or ramekins for individual presentation. It makes for a cute and cozy way to wow guests, plus the crispy edges are even better in smaller portions!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After your meal, cool leftovers to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the fridge. I’ve found that the mac and cheese stays creamy and flavorful for 2-3 days, making it an excellent meal prep option.

Freezing

One of my favorite tricks is to assemble the entire dish but freeze it before baking. Just make sure to let it cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you want it, thaw in the fridge overnight then bake as directed.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and crisp topping. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too, but you might lose some crispness on top.

FAQs

Can I use black truffle oil instead of white in this recipe?

Absolutely! Black truffle oil has a earthier, more intense flavor compared to white truffle oil. It will give your mac and cheese a bolder aroma. I recommend using it in the same quantity and tasting as you go to balance the flavor.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for this recipe?

Shredding your own cheese from blocks ensures better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often contains anti-caking agents. Use a box grater for even shreds that melt beautifully in the sauce.
Can I skip the breadcrumb topping?

You can, but I highly recommend keeping it! The toasted, truffle-infused crumbs add that perfect textural contrast and a toasty note that takes the dish to another level.
Is there a non-dairy alternative for this recipe?

Yes! Try using plant-based milks like oat or cashew milk and vegan cheese blends that melt well. You can still add truffle oil for that luxe flavor. Keep in mind, texture may vary but the flavor will still delight.
How do I avoid a grainy cheese sauce?

Two keys: First, add shredded cheese off the heat and stir gently. Second, use freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-packaged shredded cheese to prevent clumping and graininess. Patience makes all the difference!

Final Thoughts

This Truffle Cheese Mac and Cheese Recipe is hands down one of my most requested dishes because it’s comforting, elegant, and downright delicious. Once you make it, you’ll see why it’s a game changer — the balance of creamy, cheesy layers and that delicate truffle touch feels so special but is surprisingly simple to pull off. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party side, I promise this recipe won’t disappoint. Give it a try and watch everyone go crazy for this elevated twist on a classic!