Name: Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 300g macaroni or other short pasta; 50g butter; 50g plain flour; 500ml milk; 1 bay leaf; 2 tsp English mustard powder; 50g parmesan, finely grated; 100g mature cheddar, grated; 100g gruyère; 3-4 tbsp truffle pesto; 50g panko breadcrumbs; 2-3 tbsp truffle oil; 1 black truffle, shaved to serve (optional); 1 small red onion, finely sliced; 3 tbsp red wine vinegar; bunch of parsley leaves, picked

If you’re anything like me and love a dish that feels both comforting and a little luxurious, this Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe is going to rock your world. I absolutely love how the earthy notes of truffle blend seamlessly with creamy, cheesy pasta, making it an absolute showstopper. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is foolproof and full of flavor. Trust me, keep reading because this is one you’ll want to save and make again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich, Decadent Flavor: The combination of truffle oil, pesto, and a trio of cheeses creates a creamy, indulgent sauce that elevates classic mac ’n’ cheese.
Perfect Texture: The crispy panko topping contrasts beautifully with the gooey pasta beneath — an absolute textural delight.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using everyday pantry staples with a few special touches makes this recipe approachable yet sophisticated.
Great for Entertaining: Your guests will be impressed, and you’ll love how easy it is to prepare ahead and serve.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with three layers of creamy macaroni and cheese, topped with a golden brown crispy breadcrumb layer, decorated with thin slices of black truffle, bright pink pickled onion rings, and fresh green parsley leaves scattered on top. Next to it on a white round plate is a serving of the macaroni and cheese showing its creamy texture with the same toppings of black truffle slices, pink pickled onions, and parsley. Around the dishes, there are small white bowls with more black truffle slices and pickled onions, a white marbled surface underneath, green leaves in a glass bottle, and gold cutlery over a stack of white plates. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe plays a part in creating that dreamy, earthy flavor and perfect creamy texture. I’ve found that using a mix of mature cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan gives the sauce depth and sharpness. Also, be sure to grab good-quality truffle oil and pesto — they really make all the difference.

Macaroni or other short pasta: Choose a shape that holds sauce well — elbows or shells are fantastic choices.
Butter: For a creamy roux base; opt for unsalted so you can control seasoning.
Plain flour: This thickens your cheese sauce without lumps.
Milk: Whole milk works best for richness.
Bay leaf: Adds subtle herbal depth during the sauce-making.
English mustard powder: Adds a gentle kick that balances the cheese.
Parmesan cheese (finely grated): Sharpness and umami in every bite.
Mature cheddar (grated): Classic mac ’n’ cheese richness.
Gruyère cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor.
Truffle pesto: This is your truffle flavor superstar — adds that unmistakable earthy aroma.
Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping.
Truffle oil: Ensures an extra punch of truffle aroma and flavor.
Black truffle (optional, shaved): A fancy finishing touch if you can find it.
Small red onion (finely sliced): To make quick pickled onions for a fresh, bright contrast.
Red wine vinegar: Brings acidity to balance richness in the pickled onions.
Parsley leaves (picked): Freshness and color to finish your dish.

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 keeping this Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe mostly classic, but every now and then I switch it up depending on what’s in my fridge or what mood I’m in. Don’t be afraid to experiment — this recipe is flexible and forgiving.

Vegetarian Variation: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly, but you could add sautéed mushrooms or steamed broccoli for extra veg and texture.
Extra Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for even more lusciousness — I use this trick when serving to guests for a special occasion.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or some finely chopped chili if you like a little heat with your truffle.
Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend and pick gluten-free pasta to make this suitable for gluten sensitivities.

How to Make Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Pickle the Onions for Bright Contrast

I always start by making the quick pickled onions — they give a juicy fresher note that cuts through all the cheese richness perfectly. Just mix your finely sliced red onion with red wine vinegar, a pinch of salt and sugar, and some hot water. Toss it all together and set it aside while you get on with the rest. This little step adds a surprising pop to the final dish.

Step 2: Cook Pasta to Al Dente

Boil your macaroni until just al dente — you want it to still have some bite because it will cook again once baked. Drain the pasta, but don’t toss out the pasta water! Save a mugful; you’ll use it to loosen the cheese sauce if it gets too thick later on.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Warm your butter gently until foaming, then sprinkle in the flour and cook for a few minutes to form a smooth roux. Slowly whisk in the milk a splash at a time — patience here pays off with a silky smooth sauce. Add the bay leaf and cook until thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, add a bit of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir in half the parmesan, all the cheddar, gruyère, and that glorious truffle pesto. Taste as you go — add more pesto if you want that truffle flavor to really sing. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce, Then Bake

Mix your pasta into the cheese sauce, adding a splash of pasta water if needed for ease of stirring. Transfer everything to a baking dish. Now, mix your panko breadcrumbs, the rest of the parmesan, and enough truffle oil to coat the crumbs for that beautiful, truffle-infused crunch on top. Scatter this mixture evenly over your mac ’n’ cheese and grill on medium heat for about 10 minutes until golden and bubbling.

Step 5: Serve with Pickled Onions and Fresh Parsley

Drain your pickled onions and toss with fresh parsley leaves, then scatter this vibrant topping over your mac ’n’ cheese just before serving. If you’ve got black truffle on hand, shaving a little on top elevates this dish even further — trust me, it feels like pure magic! But if not, the double hits from the pesto and truffle oil mean you won’t miss it.

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Pro Tips for Making Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe

Don’t Skip Saving Pasta Water: Its starchiness helps loosen sauce without watering down flavor — I always keep a cup nearby when cooking pasta.
Use Good Quality Truffle Products: I learned that even small batches of quality truffle oil and pesto make a huge difference compared to cheaper alternatives.
Watch the Roux Closely: Cooking flour and butter just long enough ensures no raw taste — a smooth base is key to luscious sauce.
Keep an Eye on Baking Time: Under the grill, it’s easy to go from golden to burnt quickly — stay close and check often for that perfect crust.

How to Serve Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a creamy macaroni and cheese casserole topped with a golden brown crust. The top layer has crispy breadcrumbs with a sprinkling of sliced truffles and thin pink pickled onions, along with some green parsley leaves for garnish. A portion of the casserole has been scooped out, revealing the elbow macaroni mixed in a rich, creamy white sauce below the crust. Next to the baking dish, there is a serving of the macaroni and cheese on a white round plate, also garnished with pickled onions and parsley. Around the dishes, there are small bowls with extra truffle slices and pickled onions, a green candle holder, two gold forks on a stack of white plates, some gold and green Christmas decorations, and pears on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with those tangy pickled onions and fresh parsley. The onions add a sharp contrast that balances the richness, while parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that makes the dish inviting. If you have black truffle, even just a few delicate shavings will impress your guests — it’s like the cherry on top.

Side Dishes

Because this mac ’n’ cheese is so rich, I like pairing it with something green and crisp. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon keeps the meal balanced. For heartier options, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed kale work beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked this in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets and topped with shaved truffle and a sprig of parsley — it feels fancy but is totally easy to do. It’s a great way to wow guests without extra fuss. You can even add a drizzle of extra truffle oil right before serving for that extra wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I’m happy to report that this Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe keeps really well! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, but you might want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to keep it creamy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this before with good results — just make sure to cool it completely before freezing in a suitable container. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. The texture changes slightly, but it’s still delicious and a huge time saver for busy days.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to life, reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil for 15-20 minutes. Stir halfway through and add a splash of milk to loosen thickened sauce. Avoid microwaving if possible — the oven helps maintain that creamy texture and crisp topping better.

FAQs

Can I make this Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe without fresh truffles?

Absolutely! Fresh truffles are optional and considered a luxury touch. The recipe relies heavily on truffle oil and truffle pesto, which pack plenty of that earthy, umami-rich truffle flavor even without fresh truffle shavings. So don’t worry if fresh truffles are hard to find.
What pasta works best for this Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe?

I prefer macaroni or any short pasta like shells or cavatappi because their shape holds the cheese sauce well. But really, use whatever you have on hand — just make sure it cooks al dente and isn’t too delicate, so it doesn’t get mushy after baking.
How do I prevent my cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Slowly adding milk to your roux while whisking constantly helps form a smooth base. Also, use freshly grated cheeses rather than pre-shredded, which often contain anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Lastly, avoid overheating the sauce once cheese is added, as high heat can cause it to separate.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

This recipe relies on cheeses for its signature flavor and creaminess, so adapting it for a vegan diet would require using plant-based cheese alternatives and dairy-free milk. However, be aware that replicating the exact rich creaminess and truffle cheesy depth might require some experimentation with ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Ultimate Truffle Mac ’n’ Cheese Recipe is one of those dishes that’s both familiar and a little bit fancy — the kind you make when you want comfort food that feels special. The combination of cheesy, silky sauce with the truffle’s earthy elegance, plus the crunchy breadcrumbs and zing of pickled onions, truly makes it a standout. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a dish to impress friends, I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Give it a go, and don’t forget to savor every bite!