Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe
The Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy, cheesy and full of rich flavor. It is perfect for special dinners or comfort food nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup shredded Fontina cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon truffle oil adjust to taste
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for topping
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Boil macaroni in salted water until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Do not overcook; it will finish cooking in the oven.
Make the Roux
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
Add Milk and Cream
- Slowly pour in milk and cream. Keep whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt, pepper and nutmeg. Stir gently to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the Cheese
- Remove saucepan from heat. Stir in Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add truffle oil and mix well for a rich flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece with creamy cheese.
Transfer to Baking Dish
- Pour mac and cheese into a greased baking dish. Spread evenly. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top if desired for a crunchy topping.
Bake Until Golden
- Bake in preheated oven at 375°F for 20–25 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbling. Remove and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Serve Warm
- Scoop into bowls or onto plates. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and luxurious truffle flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting.
- Do not overcook the pasta in boiling water.
- Adjust truffle oil carefully; it is very strong.
- Whisk constantly when making the roux to avoid lumps.
- Let the baked mac and cheese rest slightly before serving.