Prepare to have your taste buds rocked, because we’re about to unleash a culinary masterpiece that will leave you begging for more! Get ready to experience the ultimate in mac and cheese decadence – a creamy, dreamy truffle-infused delight, topped with the ultimate crunch of crispy bacon. This isn’t your average mac and cheese, folks. This is a full-on flavor explosion that will have you licking your plate clean.
Why You’ll Love This Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon
This Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon is the stuff that dreams are made of. The rich, velvety cheese sauce is infused with the earthy, umami-packed flavor of real truffles, creating a luxurious base that will have you swooning. But we didn’t stop there – we’ve topped this epic dish with a crispy, salty crown of bacon bits that will have you coming back for bite after bite. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and completely irresistible. Prepare to experience mac and cheese like you’ve never tasted before!
Ingredients
To create this Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon masterpiece, you’ll need a few key ingredients: macaroni noodles, butter, all-purpose flour, milk, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, truffle oil, salt, and pepper. Of course, no truffle mac and cheese is complete without a generous helping of crispy, smoky bacon on top.
- 1 lb – Macaroni noodles
- 4 tbsp – Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup – All-purpose flour
- 2 cups – Whole milk
- 1 cup – Heavy cream
- 1 cup – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp – Truffle oil
- 1 tsp – Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp – Freshly ground black pepper
- 6 slices – Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
Ingredient Substitutions
- Truffle Oil: Substitute with a high-quality olive oil or even a splash of white truffle paste (for that same umami-packed punch).
- Bacon: If you’re not a bacon fan, you can top this dish with crispy panko breadcrumbs or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly option.
How to Make Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon
This Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon is surprisingly simple to put together, but the flavors are anything but ordinary. Get ready to wow your friends and family with this indulgent, restaurant-worthy dish!
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking your macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour to create a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce has thickened to a velvety consistency. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese, truffle oil, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Add the cooked macaroni noodles to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Transfer the truffle mac and cheese to a baking dish and top with crispy, crumbled bacon.
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Bake the Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon in a preheated oven until the top is golden brown and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. Serve hot and prepare to have your taste buds blown away!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Extra Cheesy: For an even more decadent and cheesy experience, you can add an extra half cup of Parmesan or try incorporating a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and fontina.
- Add-Ins: Want to take this Truffle Mac & Cheese to the next level? Try adding sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top.
- Crunchy Topping: For an extra crispy finish, top the whole thing with a layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- Veggie-Friendly: Swap out the bacon for sautéed mushrooms or crispy panko breadcrumbs for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: A fresh, crunchy salad or some crusty garlic bread.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Make-Ahead: This Truffle Mac & Cheese can be assembled and baked up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven before serving.
Nutrition Information
This Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon is a rich and indulgent dish, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation. But trust me, every bite is worth it!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbs: 25 g
- Fat: 30 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! While we love the combination of Parmesan and truffle, you can experiment with other cheese varieties like cheddar, gruyère, or even a blend.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this Truffle Mac & Cheese gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute in the cheese sauce.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To cut down on calories and fat, you can use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. You can also skip the bacon topping or use a lighter alternative like panko breadcrumbs.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This Truffle Mac & Cheese can be assembled and baked up to 2 days in advance. Just be sure to reheat it in the oven before serving.
How can I make this dish extra cheesy?
For an even more decadent and cheesy experience, you can add an extra half cup of Parmesan or try incorporating a blend of shredded cheeses like cheddar, gouda, and fontina.
Try These Next
- Creamy Garlic Mac And Cheese With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Three Cheese Macaroni With Crispy Bacon Crumble
- Three Cheese Macaroni With Crispy Bacon Crumble
Truffle Mac & Cheese with Crispy Bacon
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in this creamy Truffle Mac & Cheese with crispy bacon, a luxurious twist on a classic comfort food. Perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in.
Ingredients
8 ounces elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 tablespoons truffle oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. 1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
2. 2. In a large saucepan, cook the bacon until crispy; remove and crumble.
3. 3. In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. 4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
5. 5. Gradually whisk in milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; cook until thickened.
6. 6. Stir in cheeses until melted and smooth, then add truffle oil.
7. 7. Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
8. 8. Top with crumbled bacon and additional cheese if desired.
9. 9. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
10. 10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For an extra touch, drizzle more truffle oil on top before serving. Adjust cheese types based on preference for a unique flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: truffle, mac and cheese, bacon, comfort food