Melt the cheese into the warm bechamel off a boil, since high heat breaks the sauce into an oily, grainy mess. For truffle flavor, real truffle paste or shaved fresh truffle beats truffle oil, which is usually synthetic 2,4-dithiapentane. Undercook the pasta so it does not turn to mush in the oven.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook25 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineAmerican
Cost$$$
Vegetarian
Contains dairy · gluten
Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Aged cheddar
Sharp, well-aged cheddar for the backbone of the sauce.
Undercook the pastaBoil the macaroni two minutes shy of the box time and drain. It finishes cooking in the oven, so leave it firm.
Make the bechamelCook butter and flour into a blond roux for two minutes, then whisk in warm milk and the cream until it coats a spoon.
Melt cheese off the heatPull the pot off the burner and stir the grated cheeses in by the handful until smooth, then fold in the truffle paste. Boiling now would break the sauce.
Top and bakeFold in the pasta, top with buttered panko, and bake at 375F for 20 to 25 minutes until bubbling with a browned crust.
Can you make Truffle Mac and Cheese in an air fryer? — Yes
Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.
Can you freeze Truffle Mac and Cheese? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Truffle Mac and Cheese ahead of time? — Prep ahead
Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.
Is Truffle Mac and Cheese gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
Is Truffle Mac and Cheese vegan? — Vegetarian, not vegan
It’s vegetarian but not vegan as written — it has dairy. Make it vegan: use plant milk, oil, or a vegan cheese for the dairy.
Community Notes
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