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This creamy truffle baked macaroni and cheese is a comfort dish. It combines rich flavors with a crispy top. You can make it easily at home. This recipe serves six and takes about 50 minutes to prepare. To make this dish, you need these key ingredients: - 2 cups elbow macaroni - 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded - 1 cup milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour - 2 teaspoons truffle oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) These ingredients create a rich and creamy cheese sauce. The blend of cheddar and Gruyère gives deep flavor. The truffle oil adds a gourmet touch. You can customize your baked macaroni and cheese with these extras: - Cooked bacon for a savory twist - Smoked paprika for a hint of spice - Sautéed mushrooms for earthiness - Different cheeses like mozzarella or fontina These additions can enhance the taste and make the dish your own. Feel free to experiment! Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add a pinch of salt to the water. Once boiling, add 2 cups of elbow macaroni. Cook it until it is al dente, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes. Drain the macaroni and set it aside. This step makes sure your pasta has a nice bite. Now, grab a large pot and melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it melts, add 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Whisk them together for about 2 minutes. This mix is called a roux. Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream, whisking as you go. Keep whisking until it thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Next, stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, salt, and pepper. Then, gradually add 4 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Gruyère cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Finally, drizzle in 2 teaspoons of truffle oil for extra flavor. Take the cooked macaroni and mix it with the cheese sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta gets coated well. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the mac and cheese inside. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly on top of your mac and cheese. Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. Look for a golden and crispy top. After baking, let it cool a bit. Garnish with 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy your creamy and comforting dish! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To get the creamiest mac and cheese, use a mix of cheeses. Sharp cheddar gives a bold taste, while Gruyère adds depth. The heavy cream makes the dish rich. Always cook your macaroni just until al dente. This way, it holds up during baking. Stir your cheese sauce well to mix in all that creamy goodness. For a crunchy top, use panko breadcrumbs. They crisp up better than regular breadcrumbs. Mix them with melted butter for extra flavor. Spread the mixture evenly over your mac and cheese before baking. Bake it until the top turns golden brown. This adds a nice contrast to the creamy filling. Choosing the right cheeses is key. Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. Gruyère adds a nutty taste. You can also try mozzarella for stretchiness. Mixing cheeses creates a layered flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorites. Each choice can change the dish in a fun way. For more cooking details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} Bacon adds a nice crunch and flavor to baked macaroni and cheese. You can cook 4-6 strips of bacon until crispy. Then, chop them into small pieces. Mix the bacon into the cheese sauce or sprinkle it on top before baking. The salty, smoky taste pairs well with the creamy cheese. You don’t have to stick to just cheddar and Gruyère. For a fun twist, try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. You can also add fontina for a rich flavor. Experimenting with cheese lets you create your perfect blend. Just keep the total amount of cheese the same. To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the bacon. You can add veggies instead! Try mixing in steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. These add color and taste without losing the creamy goodness. You can also use plant-based cheese if you want a dairy-free option. After you enjoy your baked macaroni and cheese, let it cool. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cover it well to avoid drying out. When you're ready to eat leftovers, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the macaroni in a baking dish. Add a splash of milk on top to help keep it moist. Cover with foil and heat for about 20 minutes. This method makes it creamy again and warms it through. You can also use the microwave, but it may not keep the texture as nice. If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! First, let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to label them with the date. It can stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it using the oven for the best taste. Enjoy your creamy truffle baked macaroni and cheese anytime you want! Yes, you can make baked macaroni and cheese ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the baking step. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to bake, just pop it in the oven. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This makes it easy to serve on busy days or special occasions. If you don't have truffle oil, you can use olive oil or garlic-infused oil instead. These oils add flavor, though they won’t have the same earthy taste as truffle oil. You can also skip the oil if you prefer. Your baked macaroni and cheese will still be creamy and delicious. To make baked macaroni and cheese gluten-free, you need to swap out the flour and pasta. Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Check labels to ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this creamy dish without worry. This blog post covered everything you need for great baked macaroni and cheese. We explored essential ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for the perfect dish. I shared fun flavor variations and how to store leftovers. In the end, you can create a tasty meal easily with a few choices. Whether you pick extra cheese or a savory twist, enjoy making your own version. This recipe brings comfort and creativity to your kitchen!

- Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Indulge in a creamy and comforting baked macaroni and cheese that will delight your taste buds! This foolproof recipe features a blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyère, topped with crispy panko for the perfect crunch. Discover tips for achieving the creamiest sauce and delicious variations to make it your own. Ready to elevate your comfort food game? Click through to explore this delicious baked macaroni and cheese recipe and bring cheesy goodness to your kitchen!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons truffle oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

      In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to create a roux.

        Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth and thickened, about 4-5 minutes.

          Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.

            Remove from heat and drizzle in the truffle oil, mixing everything together.

              Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, ensuring all pasta is well coated.

                Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

                  In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter, then sprinkle them evenly over the mac and cheese.

                    Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.

                      Once done, let it cool slightly before serving, and garnish with fresh parsley.

                        Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6