Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s about to take your taste buds on the ride of their lives! This Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake is the ultimate indulgence, blending rich, creamy mac and cheese with the earthy, luxurious notes of truffles. It’s an epic, over-the-top dish that’s sure to become the star of your holiday feast!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake
This Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake is an absolute flavor sensation that’s about to change the way you think about mac and cheese. The decadent, velvety cheese sauce is infused with the intoxicating aroma of truffles, creating a truly mind-blowing experience. Plus, the crispy, golden-brown topping takes this dish to the next level, adding an irresistible crunch that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Get ready to impress your friends and family with this epic, over-the-top culinary masterpiece!
Ingredients
For this Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake, you’ll need a delicious blend of elbow macaroni, heavy cream, a variety of shredded cheeses (think cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan), butter, flour, garlic, black truffle oil, and a touch of nutmeg for that perfect finishing flavor. Get ready to create an explosion of creamy, cheesy, truffle-infused goodness!
- 1 lb (454g) – Elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (480ml) – Heavy cream
- 2 cups (240g) – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (120g) – Shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) – Grated Parmesan cheese
Ingredient Substitutions
- Black Truffle Oil: You can substitute it with a high-quality white truffle oil or even just a few teaspoons of freshly grated truffle (it’ll still taste amazing!)
- Gruyère Cheese: If you’re not a fan of Gruyère, you can swap it out for another melty cheese like fontina or mozzarella.
How to Make Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake
Let’s get started on this cheesy, truffle-infused masterpiece! I’m about to show you how to take your mac and cheese game to the next level.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cooking the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. In a separate bowl, shred the cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses. Mince the garlic and have it ready to go. This step is all about getting your mise en place on point so the rest of the cooking process is a breeze.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens into a smooth, creamy sauce. Stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove the sauce from heat and gradually whisk in the shredded cheeses until they’re fully melted and incorporated. This is where the magic happens, y’all! The cheese sauce is going to be so creamy and luxurious, it’ll make your taste buds do a little dance.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the creamy, cheesy sauce. Drizzle the black truffle oil over the top and give it a gentle stir to distribute the flavor. Sprinkle some extra shredded cheese on top, if desired. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and bubbly. This is where the truffle flavor really shines, and the crispy topping takes this dish to new heights of deliciousness.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Bacon Bits or Sautéed Mushrooms: For an even more decadent twist, try adding crispy bacon bits or sautéed mushrooms to the mac and cheese.
- Different Cheese Varieties: You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as fontina or gouda, to find your perfect flavor profile.
- Crunchy Topping: If you really want to take this dish over the top, top it with a layer of panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for an extra crunchy topping.
- Veggie Additions: Sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or even caramelized onions would all be delicious additions to this Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: This Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake is best enjoyed on its own as the star of the show, but it would also pair beautifully with a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy, truffle-infused goodness.
Storage: Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and bake it right before serving. Just assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Nutrition Information
This Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake is an indulgent treat, but it’s also packed with essential nutrients. Each serving contains a satisfying balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats to fuel your body. Of course, this dish is meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
- Serving Size: 1/8 of the recipe
- Calories: 525 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Carbs: 39 g
- Fat: 33 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, you can use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, cavatappi, or even small shells.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance and bake it right before serving. Just assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.
Can I add extra vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Sautéed spinach, roasted broccoli, or even caramelized onions would all be delicious additions to this Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, this mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or baking dish.
Can I use a different type of truffle oil?
Yes, you can use either black or white truffle oil, depending on your personal preference. Just keep in mind that white truffle oil has a slightly different flavor profile than black.
Try These Next
- Creamy Pumpkin Spice Mac N Cheese Bake
- Creamy Buffalo Chicken Mac And Cheese Bake
- Creamy Mac N Cheese Pumpkin Bake
Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Mac & Cheese Recipes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Creamy Holiday Truffle Mac & Cheese Bake is a luxurious twist on the classic comfort food, perfect for holiday gatherings and cozy nights in. Rich, creamy, and infused with the delightful aroma of truffles, it’s sure to impress your guests!
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons truffle oil
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt to taste
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3. 2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
4. 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
5. 4. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute until bubbly.
6. 5. Gradually whisk in the milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, nutmeg, and salt.
7. 6. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
8. 7. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted.
9. 8. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
10. 9. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
11. 10. In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, truffle oil, and parsley.
12. 11. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
13. 12. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
14. 13. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
15.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding cooked bacon or mushrooms to the mac and cheese.
This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked just before serving.
Truffle oil can be adjusted based on your preference for truffle flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy, holiday, truffle