Name: Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound pasta, cooked al dente; 2-3 cremini mushrooms, stems trimmed and finely diced; 2 Tbsp butter; 2 Tbsp flour; 1 1/2 cups milk; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half and half; 1/2 cup evaporated milk; 2 tsp truffle oil; 3/4 tsp truffle salt (or to taste); 8 ounces truffled soft goat cheese; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 3 Tbsp bread crumbs; truffle oil (to moisten breadcrumbs); truffle salt (a pinch for topping); fresh cracked black pepper (to taste)

I absolutely love sharing this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe with you because it’s one of those dishes that turns simple comfort food into an elegant, flavor-packed experience. When I first tried this, the earthy allure of truffle paired with gooey cheeses blew me away, and I bet once you make it, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. It’s creamy, cheesy, and has just the right hint of truffle to make your mac and cheese feel like a special occasion.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Creamy Texture: The mix of milk, cream, and evaporated milk keeps the sauce incredibly smooth and luscious.
Luxurious Truffle Flavor: Truffle oil, truffle salt, and truffled goat cheese bring an earthy, sophisticated taste without overwhelming.
Perfectly Balanced Comfort Food: It’s baked just right with a crispy breadcrumb topping that adds great texture.
Easy to Customize: You can tweak the cheeses or add your favorite mushrooms for a unique spin every time.

A close-up view of a white dish filled with creamy pasta, showing thick, tubular noodles covered in a smooth, white sauce. On top, a generous layer of light brown breadcrumbs is scattered, adding a textured, crumbly surface. The dish has two handles and sits on a light beige cloth, all set against a white marbled surface. The focus is sharp on the front pasta pieces and breadcrumbs while softening toward the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe has a crucial role in creating its luscious sauce and perfect texture. I love picking good quality truffle oil and fresh cremini mushrooms to really make that earthy flavor pop.

Pasta: Use elbow macaroni or any small pasta shape; cook it al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Cremini Mushrooms: Finely diced to release that lovely umami richness without overpowering.
Butter: Helps create a smooth roux for the cheese sauce base.
Flour: Thickens the sauce gently without lumps when whisked in properly.
Milk: Whole milk works best for creaminess without heaviness.
Heavy Cream: Adds richness and silkiness to the sauce.
Evaporated Milk: This is my secret weapon for creamy texture that stays stable after baking.
Truffle Oil: Brings the signature truffle aroma—add a little at a time to avoid overpowering.
Truffle Salt: Enhances the truffle flavor just like a pinch of magic seasoning.
Truffled Soft Goat Cheese: Melts beautifully and infuses a delightful truffle note.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides the classic sharpness and gooey melt we all crave in mac and cheese.
Bread Crumbs: Mixed with truffle oil and seasoning for a crisp, flavorful topping.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds subtle spice and depth.

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 encouraging you to make this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe your own. Whether you’re tweaking the types of cheese or adding mix-ins, it’s all about what makes your taste buds happy.

Add More Mushrooms: When I want extra earthiness, I toss in sautéed shiitake or oyster mushrooms along with the cremini.
Use Different Cheeses: Swap sharp cheddar for gruyere or fontina for a nuttier flavor profile.
Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milks and cheeses, plus nutritional yeast, and a drizzle of truffle oil to capture that umami.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a little heat contrast with the truffle elegance.

How to Make Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Mushrooms to Deepen Flavor

Start off by heating a dry saucepan and gently sautéing the finely diced cremini mushrooms. Stir almost constantly to evenly release their moisture and to help them darken slightly without burning — you want a nice caramelized depth here. This step builds the umami base for your sauce and gives the mac and cheese that earthy complexity that truffle absolutely loves to hang out with.

Step 2: Create a Smooth Roux

Once the mushrooms have softened and darkened, toss in the butter and melt it down. Sprinkle the flour in and cook, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes. Don’t let it brown — you’re just looking to cook out the raw flour taste. This classic roux is the foundation for the creamy sauce you’re about to build.

Step 3: Whisk in Milky Goodness

Now comes the luscious part — slowly add in your milk, heavy cream, and evaporated milk while whisking constantly. This helps prevent lumps and ensures your sauce gets nice and smooth. Turn the heat up slightly so the sauce reaches a gentle simmer and thickens — but watch it carefully, because you don’t want it to boil, or it can curdle. Thickened just right, the sauce will coat the back of a spoon beautifully.

Step 4: Infuse with Truffle Goodness

Take the sauce off the heat and stir in your truffle oil and truffle salt. This is where that signature aroma kicks in — trust me, just a little goes a long way here. Let the sauce cool for a minute before adding the cheeses to avoid any graininess.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheeses

Gently blend in the truffled goat cheese and sharp cheddar until everything is melted and silky smooth. I like to stir gently but thoroughly, so the cheeses meld without separating. You’ll already be smelling how heavenly this is turning out!

Step 6: Toss in Pasta and Prep for Baking

Fold in the cooked pasta, making sure every bite is coated with that gorgeous sauce. Pour the mixture into a lightly buttered gratin or baking dish — buttering the dish prevents sticking and helps develop a nice crust on the edges.

Step 7: Top with Truffle Breadcrumbs

Mix the breadcrumbs with a bit of truffle oil, a pinch of truffle salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper. I like adding cracked pepper here because it adds just a subtle kick that balances the creamy cheese. Sprinkle this over your pasta casserole for a crunchy, flavorful topping that bakes up beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 8: Bake Until Bubbling and Perfect

Bake at 325°F for about 20 minutes until it’s hot and bubbling. If you want a little more browning and crunch, I like running it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes — but don’t wander off! That breadcrumb topping can burn quickly. Then, dig in while it’s warm and gooey.

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Pro Tips for Making Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: I learned the hard way that overcooked pasta turns mushy after baking — cook it al dente for the best texture.
Use Good Quality Truffle Oil: Some oils can taste artificial, so I recommend investing in a reputable brand for authentic flavor.
Avoid Boiling the Sauce: Watch the heat closely to keep your sauce silky smooth and prevent it from breaking.
Breadcrumb Topping Trick: Lightly butter your breadcrumbs before seasoning for extra crispness in the oven.

How to Serve Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white oval dish filled with baked macaroni and cheese. The top layer is golden brown with some dark toasted spots, made by a creamy cheese sauce bubbling around large pasta tubes. There is a crunchy breadcrumb layer in the center with a mix of golden and light brown crumbs. The dish is placed on a dark gray textured cloth over a white marbled surface. A silver spoon is partially inside the dish, scooping out some of the creamy pasta on the lower right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling fresh chopped chives or parsley on top right before serving — it adds a splash of color and a mild oniony brightness that cuts through the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I add a few thin slices of fresh truffle if I have them on hand for a real wow factor.

Side Dishes

This mac and cheese pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads dressed with simple lemon vinaigrette or steamed veggies like asparagus or green beans to bring a fresh crunch. For a heartier meal, I’ll serve it alongside roasted chicken or grilled steak.

Creative Ways to Present

For celebrations, I’ve baked this mac and cheese in individual ramekins — it feels fancy and perfect for plating at dinner parties. You can also try adding a drizzle of truffle oil right before serving for an extra aromatic presentation that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I like to cool any leftovers quickly, then cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens up in the fridge, so when you reheat, you’ll want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, though I recommend doing so before baking for the best texture upon reheating. Freeze in a tight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until warmed through, adding a little milk if the sauce looks thick. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to restore creaminess.

FAQs

What type of truffle oil should I use for this recipe?

Look for high-quality truffle oils made with real truffles rather than synthetic aromas. White truffle oil complements cheeses well in mac and cheese, but you can use black truffle oil if you prefer a stronger flavor. Start with small amounts and adjust to taste.
Can I make this recipe without truffled goat cheese?

Absolutely! If you can’t find truffled goat cheese, regular soft goat cheese works fine or swap with a mild cream cheese. Just add a touch more truffle oil and salt to keep that signature earthy flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian since it doesn’t use meat products. Just ensure your cheese is vegetarian-friendly (some cheeses use animal rennet). You can also add extra sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies to boost flavor and nutrition.
Is truffle mac and cheese healthy?

While this Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe isn’t low-calorie, it offers wholesome ingredients and lots of protein from cheese and milk. Enjoy it as an indulgent comfort dish balanced with fresh salads or veggies to complement your meal.
Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour in the roux with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. Make sure your breadcrumbs are also gluten-free, or skip them for a crispy topping using crushed nuts or gluten-free crackers.

Final Thoughts

This Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe has become my go-to dish when I want to impress guests or treat myself to rich, comforting flavors with a gourmet twist. It’s approachable, uses ingredients you can widely find, and comes together without fuss—but the payoff is huge. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I enjoy sharing it, and that it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen too. Trust me, once you dip your spoon in, you’ll feel like you’re indulging in something truly special.