Barefoot Contessa’s Luxurious Truffle Mac and Cheese Recipe

When it comes to comfort food with a luxurious twist, this Barefoot Contessa truffle mac and cheese recipe stands out as a culinary gem that promises pure indulgence.

Ina Garten’s style shines through in this elegant take on a classic dish.

Rich, creamy cheese blends perfectly with the earthy essence of truffle, creating a decadent experience that goes beyond ordinary mac and cheese.

Sharp cheddar and gruyère form the cheese base, while truffle oil adds an unexpected depth of flavor.

The crispy breadcrumb topping provides a delightful crunch that complements the smooth, velvety sauce.

Each forkful delivers a sophisticated blend of textures and tastes that will elevate your dinner from simple to spectacular.

Get ready to savor a mac and cheese experience that redefines comfort food.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 6

What’s in Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese

• Cavatappi Pasta: Curly pasta perfect for trapping creamy sauce, choose high-quality brands for best texture.
• Shiitake Mushrooms: Earthy and rich flavor, select firm and dry mushrooms without blemishes.
• Cremini Mushrooms: Provides meaty texture and deep umami taste, look for smooth and firm caps.
• Cream Sherry: Adds depth and sophisticated flavor to mushrooms, choose a quality cooking sherry.

• Truffle Butter: Luxurious ingredient that infuses rich, aromatic flavor, select authentic truffle-infused butter.
• Whole Milk: Creates smooth, creamy base for sauce, use fresh and full-fat milk.
• Gruyère Cheese: Nutty and complex flavor, opt for aged varieties with deeper taste profile.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy component, select extra-sharp for more pronounced flavor.

• White Bread: Creates crispy, herbed breadcrumb topping, use day-old bread for better texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds brightness and herbal notes, choose vibrant green leaves.
• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth to breadcrumb topping, select fresh, firm cloves.
• Nutmeg: Subtle warming spice that enhances cheese sauce, use freshly grated for best flavor.
• Salt And Pepper: Essential for balanced seasoning, use high-quality kosher salt and freshly ground pepper.

Tools You’ll Need for Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese

• Large sauté pan: 12-inch pan for cooking mushrooms with even heat distribution.
• Large pot: For boiling pasta with enough space to prevent sticking.
• Medium saucepan: Perfect for scalding milk gently.
• Large 4-quart saucepan: Essential for creating smooth cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending flour and creating silky sauce.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining pasta and cheese sauce.
• Food processor: Transforms bread into fine, even breadcrumbs.
• 10 × 13 × 2-inch ovenproof baking dish: Ideal for baking mac and cheese.
• Colander: For draining cooked pasta quickly.
• Wooden spoon: Helpful for stirring mushrooms and mixing ingredients.

Cooking the Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese

Woodland Truffle Mac And Cheese

• Mushroom Preparation Sauté shiitake and cremini mushrooms in butter and olive oil until tender. Splash with cream sherry and let the flavors mingle, creating a rich aromatic base for the dish.
• Pasta Foundation Boil cavatappi in salted water until perfectly al dente. The pasta should have a slight bite, promising a wonderful texture in the final creation.
• Creamy Cheese Essence Craft a luxurious sauce by melting truffle butter and whisking in flour. Gradually introduce scalded milk, creating a silky foundation. Fold in Gruyère and Cheddar, allowing the cheeses to melt into a dreamy landscape of flavor.
• Herbed Crunch Transform white bread into delicate crumbs with garlic and fresh parsley. This magical topping will provide a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta beneath.
• Baking Magic Assemble the dish by layering pasta, cheese sauce, and sautéed mushrooms in a baking dish. Crown with herbed breadcrumbs and remaining mushrooms. Bake until the top turns golden and the sauce bubbles with anticipation.
• Comfort Serving Allow the mac and cheese to rest briefly, letting the flavors settle. Serve immediately, revealing a dish that speaks of comfort and culinary adventure.

Gourmet Tips for Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese

• Select fresh, high-quality shiitake and cremini mushrooms for maximum depth. Consider mixing different wild mushroom varieties to create a more complex taste profile.
• Experiment with alternative cheese combinations like fontina, gouda, or blue cheese to personalize the mac and cheese. Grate cheeses fresh for superior melting and richer flavor.
• Cook cavatappi pasta exactly al dente to prevent mushiness. Rinse with cold water immediately after draining to stop the cooking process and maintain ideal pasta consistency.
• Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free bread for the crispy breadcrumb topping to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Drizzle extra truffle oil just before serving for an intense aromatic finish. Store truffle butter in small portions in the freezer to preserve its delicate flavor and extend shelf life.

How to Serve Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese

• Elevate Your Dining Experience: Pair this luxurious truffle mac and cheese with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add a fresh, light contrast.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the earthy mushrooms and truffle notes with a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir to enhance the dish's complex taste profile.
• Gourmet Side Kick: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add a nutritious and colorful element that cuts through the mac and cheese's decadence.
• Comfort Food Upgrade: Garnish with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of truffle salt just before serving to add a final touch of elegance and boost the aromatic truffle essence.

Refrigerating Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese

• Maximize Meal Enjoyment: Quick Refrigeration Guide
• Chill Quickly: Cool the mac and cheese to room temperature within 2 hours after cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store Smartly: Transfer leftovers into airtight containers, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Freeze for Later: Package mac and cheese in freezer-safe containers, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creamy Barefoot Contessa Truffle Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.9 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s truffle mac and cheese elevates classic comfort with luxurious ingredients like gruyère and white truffle oil. Creamy pasta promises a rich, indulgent experience that brings gourmet elegance to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) cavatappi pasta
• 4 cups (946 ml) whole milk
• 4 cups (340 g) grated Gruyère cheese
• 3 cups (226 g) grated extra-sharp white Cheddar cheese
• 0.5 lb (227 g) shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced 0.5 inch thick
• 0.5 lb (227 g) cremini mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced 0.5 inch thick
• 3 oz (85 g) white truffle butter
• 0.5 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 0.25 cup (60 ml) cream sherry
• 1.5 cups (180 g) diced white bread, crusts removed
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• 3 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
• 0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Mushroom Preparation: Sauté shiitake and cremini mushrooms in butter and olive oil until tender, then deglaze with cream sherry. Set aside the aromatic mixture.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil cavatappi in salted water until al dente, then drain completely and reserve.
3. Cheese Sauce Development: Create a smooth roux with truffle butter and flour, gradually incorporating scalded milk. Whisk until thickened, then remove from heat and blend in Gruyère, Cheddar, salt, pepper, and nutmeg for a luxurious sauce.
4. Pasta and Mushroom Integration: Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, mixing in two-thirds of the prepared mushrooms. Transfer the creamy mixture to a 10 × 13 × 2-inch baking dish.
5. Breadcrumb Topping: Pulse white bread, garlic, and parsley in a food processor to create fine herbed crumbs. Sprinkle generously over the pasta, and distribute remaining sautéed mushrooms across the surface.
6. Baking Process: Slide the dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes until the sauce bubbles and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
7. Serving Preparation: Rest the mac and cheese for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken. Serve immediately for optimal enjoyment.

Notes

• Mushroom Selection: Choose fresh, high-quality shiitake and cremini mushrooms for maximum flavor depth and rich umami taste.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove cheese sauce from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess and ensure smooth, creamy texture.
• Breadcrumb Pro Tip: Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet beforehand for extra crunch and deeper golden-brown color.
• Temperature Precision: Let mac and cheese rest 5 minutes after baking to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld perfectly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg