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
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12 oz (340 g) macaroni or other short pasta
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Salt (for pasta water)
Mushrooms
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2 tbsp butter
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8 oz (225 g) mushrooms (cremini, button, or shiitake), sliced
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1 clove garlic, minced
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Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)
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Salt & pepper
Cheese Sauce
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3 tbsp butter
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3 tbsp all-purpose flour
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2½ cups whole milk (warm)
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1 cup shredded sharp cheddar
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1 cup shredded Gruyère or fontina
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¼ cup grated Parmesan
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1–2 tsp truffle oil (start small)
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Salt & black pepper, to taste
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Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Optional Topping
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½ cup breadcrumbs or panko
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1 tbsp melted butter
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Extra Parmesan
Instructions
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Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in well-salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside. -
Sauté the mushrooms
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Melt 2 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium heat.
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Add mushrooms and cook until browned and moisture evaporates (6–8 minutes).
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Add garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds more.
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Set aside.
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Make the cheese sauce
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In a saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute (don’t brown).
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Slowly whisk in warm milk. Simmer until thickened (3–5 minutes).
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Lower heat and stir in cheeses until smooth.
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Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and truffle oil (taste as you go).
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Combine
Stir pasta and mushrooms into the sauce until well coated. -
Optional bake (extra cozy)
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Preheat oven to 375°F / 190°C.
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Transfer to a baking dish.
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Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top with extra Parmesan.
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Bake 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
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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