The Ultimate Ina Garten Truffled Mac & Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

Truffled mac & cheese represents the ultimate comfort food elevated to gourmet status.

Such a luxurious dish transforms ordinary pasta into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Creamy, rich textures blend seamlessly with earthy truffle notes that dance across your palate.

Sophisticated ingredients work together to create something truly memorable and indulgent.

Decadent cheese combinations and aromatic truffle elements make this recipe a standout dinner option.

You might find yourself craving this irresistible comfort classic time and again: prepare to be amazed.

Ways to Customize Ina Garten’s Truffled Mac & Cheese

• Veggie Fusion: Replace mushrooms with roasted seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus for a colorful and nutritious alternative.
• Smoky Bacon Blast: Crisp up bacon pieces and fold them into the mac and cheese, adding a savory and smoky flavor profile that complements the truffle notes.
• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños and a sprinkle of pepper jack cheese to introduce a fiery element that balances the creamy richness of the dish.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap out some cheese for crumbled feta, add sun-dried tomatoes, and mix in fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired mac and cheese experience.

Concluding Notes on Ina Garten’s Truffled Mac & Cheese

Culinary magic emerges from Ina Garten’s truffled mac and cheese, blending luxurious ingredients with comforting technique.

Gruyère and Cheddar cheeses create a silky sauce that elevates classic pasta to gourmet heights.

Earthy mushrooms and fragrant truffle butter infuse complex layers of flavor throughout each creamy bite.

Crisp breadcrumb topping adds delightful texture, transforming this dish into an irresistible centerpiece.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe promises a memorable dining experience that connects comfort with elegance.

Passionate food enthusiasts won’t resist sharing this delectable dish – you’ll want to snap a photo, tag your favorite foodie friends, and let the culinary inspiration spread like melted cheese.

Why Ina Garten’s Truffled Mac & Cheese Is the Ultimate Comfort Food

• Luxurious Truffle Twist: Elevate classic mac and cheese with the sophisticated and earthy flavor of truffle butter, transforming an everyday comfort food into a gourmet experience that feels like a restaurant-quality dish.
• Texture Paradise: Enjoy a delightful contrast between the crispy, herbed breadcrumb topping and the creamy, rich cheese sauce, creating a multi-layered sensory experience that keeps every bite interesting and exciting.
• Mushroom Magic: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms for an extra depth of flavor and meaty texture, adding a sophisticated element that makes this mac and cheese more complex and interesting than traditional versions.
• Foolproof Elegance: Perfect for both experienced home cooks and beginners, this recipe offers straightforward steps with impressive results, allowing anyone to create a restaurant-worthy dish without stress or complicated techniques.

What Goes Into Ina Garten’s Truffled Mac & Cheese

Main Ingredients:

• Pasta: Classic comfort food base with a perfect al dente texture for creamy mac and cheese.
• Gruyère Cheese: Rich, nutty Swiss cheese that melts smoothly and adds deep flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides classic mac and cheese tanginess and color.

• Mushrooms: Earthy ingredient that adds depth and umami to the dish, preferably fresh and firm.
• Sherry: Fortified wine that enhances mushroom flavor with subtle sweetness and complexity.

• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create smooth, velvety cheese sauce.
• Milk: Creamy liquid base that helps create rich sauce consistency.
• Bread: Provides crunchy, golden topping with added herbal notes from parsley.

• Truffle Butter: Luxurious ingredient that introduces intense, sophisticated mushroom-like flavor.
• Garlic: Aromatic that adds robust, pungent background note to breadcrumb topping.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to breadcrumb mixture.

• Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg: Essential spices that balance and elevate overall dish flavor profile.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that provide richness and help develop flavors.

Cooking Ina Garten’s Truffled Mac & Cheese Step by Step

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F (190°C), getting ready for a cheesy adventure.

Step 2: Sauté Mushroom Magic

In a large skillet, melt butter with olive oil. Toss in mushrooms and cook until they’re tender and golden. Splash in some sherry and let it sizzle away. Set aside these flavor-packed fungi.

Step 3: Pasta Preparation

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Slide the pasta in and cook until it’s perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Craft The Creamy Sauce

• Gruyère cheese
• Cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Nutmeg

Step 5: Mix It All Together

Combine the cooked pasta with the luscious cheese sauce and two-thirds of the sautéed mushrooms in a large mixing bowl.

Step 6: Prepare Crunchy Topping

• Bread
• Garlic
• Fresh parsley

Blend until you have fine, golden crumbs.

Step 7: Assemble And Bake

Transfer the creamy mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly on top. Scatter the remaining mushrooms across the surface. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes until the top is gloriously golden and the edges are bubbling with cheesy goodness. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving up this ultimate comfort food.

Tips to Master Ina Garten’s Truffled Mac & Cheese

• Select Premium Cheese: Choose high-quality sharp cheddar and Gruyère for deep, complex flavor that melts beautifully and creates a luxurious texture.
• Control Truffle Intensity: Start with a small amount of truffle butter and taste as you go, since the flavor can quickly become overpowering.
• Master White Sauce Technique: Whisk constantly when creating the roux to prevent burning and ensure a smooth, silky cheese sauce without lumps.
• Layer Cheese Gradually: Add cheese off the heat in small batches, stirring until completely melted for a consistent, creamy sauce that won't separate.
• Match Pasta Shape Perfectly: Select short, sturdy pasta like cavatappi or elbow macaroni that holds sauce well and provides satisfying bite in every spoonful.

How to Store Ina Garten’s Truffled Mac & Cheese

• Seal in Flavor Locks: Store mac and cheese in glass containers with tight-sealing lids to preserve truffle essence and prevent moisture loss. Glass maintains temperature better than plastic and stops unwanted odor absorption.
• Portion and Protect: Divide leftovers into individual serving sizes before refrigerating. Wrap each portion tightly with plastic wrap or place in separate sealed containers. This strategy prevents repeated temperature changes and preserves texture when reheating smaller amounts.
• Freezer Strategy: Transfer cooled mac and cheese to freezer-safe containers with at least half an inch of headspace. Label containers with date and contents. Consume within two months for optimal taste and creamy consistency. Avoid refreezing to maintain quality and prevent potential bacterial growth.

Ina Garten Truffled Mac & Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s truffled mac & cheese elevates comfort cuisine with luxurious truffle notes and creamy Gruyère complexity. Culinary magic blends classic macaroni with sophisticated ingredients, promising a memorable dining experience you’ll savor to the last indulgent bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Mushrooms:

• 0.5 pound shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced 0.5 inch thick
• 0.5 pound cremini mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced 0.5 inch thick

Cheese and Base Ingredients:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 cups grated Gruyère cheese (10 ounces)
• 3 cups grated extra-sharp white Cheddar (8 ounces)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 ounces white truffle butter, such as Urbani
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasoning and Other Ingredients:

• 0.25 cup cream sherry, such as Harveys Bristol Cream
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1.5 cups diced white bread, crusts removed
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound cavatappi pasta, such as De Cecco
• Good olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 190°C / 375°F, ensuring a perfectly warm environment for baking.
2. Transform mushrooms into a savory base by sautéing them in a blend of butter and olive oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. Introduce sherry and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes, allowing the liquid to be fully absorbed. Transfer the mushrooms to a separate dish.
3. Create a pasta foundation by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil. Submerge the pasta and cook for 6-8 minutes, achieving an ideal al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving its perfect consistency.
4. Craft a luxurious cream sauce by first scalding milk in a medium saucepan. In a separate large saucepan, melt truffle butter and whisk in flour, creating a smooth roux. Gently cook on low heat for 2 minutes, stirring consistently. Gradually incorporate the scalded milk, continuing to cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and enrich with Gruyère, Cheddar, salt, pepper, and a hint of nutmeg.
5. Assemble the dish by combining the cooked pasta, velvety cream sauce, and approximately two-thirds of the prepared mushrooms in a spacious mixing bowl. Transfer this harmonious mixture into a 10x13x2-inch (25x33x5 cm) baking dish.
6. Develop a crispy topping by pulverizing bread, garlic, and parsley in a food processor until transformed into fine, aromatic crumbs. Distribute these breadcrumbs evenly across the pasta surface, then artfully arrange the remaining mushrooms on top.
7. Bake the assembled dish in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown surface that signals perfect doneness. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and settle.

Notes

• Elevate your breadcrumb game by blending fresh bread with garlic and parsley, creating a crispy, flavor-packed topping that outshines any store-bought version.
• Nail the pasta texture by cooking it al dente, ensuring a perfect bite that won’t turn mushy when baked with the luxurious sauce.
• Transform milk into a silky sauce by scalding it carefully, stopping just before it boils to prevent curdling and create a dreamy, creamy base.
• Unlock the sauce’s full potential by seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg, bringing out the rich, decadent flavors of cheese and truffle butter.
• Give your ingredients a flavor boost by letting milk and truffle butter warm to room temperature, guaranteeing a smooth, lump-free sauce that blends like a dream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 6 servings)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 44g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 13g
• Cholesterol: 60mg