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Perfect Baked Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe with Crispy Panko Crust

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A creamy, indulgent baked mac and cheese with a crispy panko and Parmesan crust, enhanced by the earthy aroma of truffle oil. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining, this recipe balances rich cheese sauce with a crunchy topping.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 1/4 cups)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter (1/4 cup)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese
  • 1 to 2 tsp truffle oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley (optional, chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook al dente according to package instructions (about 7-8 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in all-purpose flour and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until smooth and nutty but not browned.
  4. Gradually whisk in whole milk, continuing to whisk until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Lower heat and stir in shredded sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses until melted and smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  6. Remove sauce from heat and gently stir in truffle oil.
  7. Mix cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  8. In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss with a pinch of salt and a little melted butter if desired.
  9. Pour mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle panko-Parmesan mixture evenly over the top.
  10. Bake for 25-30 minutes until topping is golden brown and crunchy and cheese sauce is bubbling.
  11. Let rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Add truffle oil off heat to preserve its delicate aroma. Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushiness after baking. Toss panko with Parmesan and melted butter for extra crispiness. Tent with foil if crust browns too quickly. Leftovers can be reheated covered in oven or microwaved; broil briefly to restore crunch.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked mac and cheese, truffle mac and cheese, crispy panko crust, comfort food, cheesy pasta, truffle oil recipe

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/perfect-baked-truffle-mac-and-cheese-recipe-with-crispy-panko-crust/