Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese Recipe

This Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe is creamy and indulgent, which includes Gruyère cheese and white truffle oil. It’s a restaurant-quality dish, ready in about 45 minutes.

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Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• 1 quart whole milk
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 12 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated
• 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons white truffle oil (or 3 tablespoons truffle butter)
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan (optional)

How To Make Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese

1. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the pasta until just al dente (1–2 minutes less than the package suggests). Drain and set aside.
2. Make the béchamel sauce: Warm the milk in a saucepan (do not boil). In another pot, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in warm milk until smooth. Cook for 3–5 minutes until thickened.
3. Add cheese and truffle: Remove from heat. Stir in Gruyère, cheddar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until melted. Mix in truffle oil or truffle butter.
4. Combine with pasta: Stir the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce until well coated.
5. Assemble and bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mac and cheese. If using a topping, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter and mix with panko and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
6. Bake and serve: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Can I use other cheeses? Yes, fontina, havarti, or mozzarella can replace Gruyère or cheddar.
• What’s the best pasta for mac and cheese? Cavatappi or elbow macaroni hold sauce well.
• Can I skip the truffle oil? You can, but it adds a gourmet touch. Substitute with a drizzle of olive oil for flavor.
• How to keep the sauce creamy? Don’t overbake. Just cook until the top is golden and bubbling.
• Is this recipe freezer-friendly? Best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze before baking.

What To Serve With Truffle Mac And Cheese

This rich dish pairs well with fresh, crisp sides. Try:

• Arugula or spinach salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Garlic bread or baguette
• Grilled chicken or steak

How To Store Truffle Mac And Cheese

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave in portions with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.

Freeze: Freeze unbaked mac and cheese for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.

Truffle Mac And Cheese Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 780 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 29g
• Sodium: 780mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the dish and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.

Can I use truffle salt instead of oil?
Yes, but use sparingly and adjust other salt accordingly.

Why is my sauce grainy?
Add cheese off-heat and stir gently to avoid separation.

Is there a gluten-free version?
Use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives like cornstarch.

Try More Recipes:

• Ina Garten Oven Fried Chicken Recipe
• Ina Garten Italian Drunken Noodles Recipe
• Ina Garten Roasted Vegetable Lasagna Recipe