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Creamy White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Truffle Oil

creamy white cheddar mac and cheese with truffle oil - featured image

A velvety, comforting mac and cheese made with sharp white cheddar and a subtle hint of earthy truffle oil, perfect for cozy dinners and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk, warmed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 3 cups shredded white cheddar cheese (about 12 ounces)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 to 2 teaspoons truffle oil
  • Optional: fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: panko breadcrumbs (to sprinkle on top if baking)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 ounces of elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for about 2 minutes until pale golden and nutty-smelling.
  3. Slowly pour in 2 cups of warmed whole milk and 1/2 cup of heavy cream while whisking constantly. Simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
  4. Lower heat to medium-low. Gradually add 3 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.
  5. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat all the pasta evenly.
  6. Remove the pot from heat and stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of truffle oil.
  7. Optional: Transfer mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Notes

Warm the milk and cream before adding to the roux to prevent lumps. Grate cheese fresh for smooth melting. Add truffle oil off the heat to preserve its aroma. Slightly undercook pasta as it will finish cooking in the sauce or oven. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, white cheddar, truffle oil, creamy, comfort food, easy recipe, cheesy pasta