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Mushroom & Truffle Mac and Cheese

The Ultimate Creamy Mushroom & Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe


  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

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

Scale

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

  1. Cook the pasta
    Boil pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

  2. 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.

  3. 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).

  4. Combine
    Stir pasta and mushrooms into the sauce until well coated.

  5. 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

For extra depth and elegance, try topping your mushroom & truffle mac and cheese with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried mushrooms before serving. A sprinkle of fresh thyme or parsley adds freshness, while a drizzle of truffle oil right at the end enhances the aroma without overpowering the dish.

  • 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