Description
At its core, Mushroom & Truffle Mac and Cheese is an elevated version of the traditional macaroni and cheese. While the classic version focuses primarily on the interplay between pasta and a sharp cheese sauce, this variation introduces layers of texture and “umami”—that savory fifth taste that makes food truly irresistible.
Ingredients
Pasta
12 oz (340 g) macaroni or other short pasta
Salt (for pasta water)
Mushrooms
2 tbsp butter
8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), sliced
1 clove garlic, minced
Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
Salt & pepper
Cheese Sauce
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2½ cups whole milk (warm)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 cup shredded Gruyère or fontina
¼ cup grated Parmesan
1–2 tsp truffle oil (start small)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Optional Topping
½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
1 tbsp melted butter
Extra Parmesan
Instructions
Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.Sauté the mushrooms
Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add mushrooms and cook until browned and moisture evaporates (6–8 minutes).
Add garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds more.
Set aside.
Make the cheese sauce
In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute (don’t brown).
Slowly whisk in warm milk. Simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes).
Lower heat and stir in cheeses until smooth.
Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and truffle oil (taste as you go).
Combine
Stir pasta and mushrooms into the sauce until well coated.Optional bake (extra cozy)
Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
Transfer to a baking dish.
Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top with extra Parmesan.
Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
Keywords: Truffle mushroom macaroni and cheese, creamy truffle pasta with mushrooms, gourmet truffle mac, earthy mushroom macaroni recipe
