White Truffle Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

White truffle is renowned for its rich, earthy flavor, making it a luxurious addition to many dishes. When incorporated into a creamy macaroni and cheese, it elevates the dish from a comforting classic to a gourmet delight. This White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese is opulent, comforting, and a treat for the senses.

Ingredients:

For the Macaroni:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or preferred pasta shape
• Salt, for boiling water

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, grated
• 1 tsp white truffle oil (adjust based on strength and preference)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/4 tsp white truffle oil

Instructions:

Cooking the Macaroni:

1. Boil the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the macaroni until it's al dente. Drain well and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce:

1. Warm the Milk: In a small saucepan, heat the milk over a low flame, but don't let it boil.
2. Roux Preparation: In a separate, larger saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, making sure not to let it brown.
3. Milk Incorporation: Gradually add the warm milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens.
4. Cheese Mixture: Remove the sauce from the heat and whisk in the white cheddar and Gruyère until the cheese is fully melted. Stir in the white truffle oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce:

1. Mix and Toss: Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to ensure each piece is coated in the rich, creamy mixture.

Preparing the Topping:

1. Breadcrumb Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter, parsley, and truffle oil, stirring until the mixture is well-coated.

Baking:

1. Assemble and Bake: Transfer the truffle macaroni and cheese to a lightly greased baking dish, and evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Cool and Serve: Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool slightly before serving, to let the flavors meld and intensify.

Notes:

• Truffle Oil: White truffle oil is strong, so use it sparingly. Adjust according to your preference.
• Cheese Variation: This recipe uses white cheddar and Gruyère for a rich taste, but feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses.

The White Truffle Macaroni and Cheese is a sumptuous dish that offers a delightful fusion of earthy truffle aroma with creamy cheese. It's a celebration of flavors that is perfect for a special occasion or when you're in the mood for some gourmet comfort food. Enjoy every bite!