Creamy Truffle Macaroni and Cheese
Rich and indulgent mac and cheese infused with earthy truffle oil and a touch of smoked paprika for depth of flavor. This american-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes layers macaroni pasta, whole milk, grated cheddar cheese into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp truffle oil
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a separate saucepan, whisk together 2 cups whole milk, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese, 1 tbsp truffle oil, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper over medium-low heat.
- Step 3: Stir continuously until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes — the cheese should be fully melted and the sauce glossy.
- Step 4: Fold in cooked macaroni until evenly coated. Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with additional parmesan, and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Creamy Truffle Macaroni and Cheese take to make?
Total time is about 55 minutes (30 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home bakers find this fits a weekend afternoon; chill or store as the recipe directs before serving.
How do I store leftover Creamy Truffle Macaroni and Cheese?
Cool fully before storing. Most baked desserts keep at room temperature in an airtight container for 2–3 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Cream- or custard-based desserts must go in the fridge within 2 hours; reheat gently or serve cold per the recipe.
Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Truffle Macaroni and Cheese?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Creamy Truffle Macaroni and Cheese for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Creamy Truffle Macaroni and Cheese?
American pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 25-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
Nice recipe! Presentation was beautiful. Flavor was good, not great.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
