White Truffle Mac'n'Cheese with Crispy Topping

I got this recipe from Chef Hanis of Carnitas Snack Shack in San Diego - he gave me permission to share it, so I am passing on this amazing treat to you all.

The recipe serves 2, but I've started making this for Thanksgiving too - for that I quadruple the recipe and add in a little extra pasta. 

Step 1: Supplies

Supplies

Hardware
Stove Top
Broiler
Large Pot
Medium to Small Sauté Pan
Large Spoon
Sheet Pan
Oven Safe Bowl or Ramekin (depending on how much you are making) - mine are about 7oz each


Mac'n'Cheese
1 Cup Heavy Cream
1 1/2 Cups Cooked Pasta - I used orchiette for this Instructable
2 Tbsp White Truffle Oil
Pinch of salt (or to taste)
1/2 Cup Grated Fontina Cheese
1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/4 Cup Panko Bread Crumbs

Comments

[tomh2001]

carmesan - OK thanks! I went ahead and was a bit conservative and just did half the recommended recipe amount of white truffle oil. Also, I used fontina cheese as per the recipe. And the the result: Rave reviews! It frankly made all the other dishes pale in comparison. And it was so easy to make! Thanks for the great recipe. Next time I might try the full amount of truffle oil just to find out, but even with half the specified amount, it was great.
[I replied here, because the stupid anti-spam Recapcha tool doesn't work right.]

[carmesan]

YAY! I knew it would be a hit. Be prepared to make this every year, my family starts looking forward to this dish starting in August!

[linrodann]

Ooh, looks amazing! If only I weren't the only member of my family who eats pasta. >_>

[tomh2001]

This recipe calls for 2 TABLEspoons of white truffle oil (or 1 TABLEspoon per serving). Is that correct? Other recipes call for just 1 TEAspoon to 2 teaspoons (as low as 1/4 TEAspoon per serving). So I just wanted to make sure I don't overload it. Thanks.

Also, the recipe calls for fontina cheese, but the photo shows pecorino romano. Which is supposed to be used?

[carmesan]

Yes, it's TABLEspoons, but you can use less depending on how much you like truffle oil. I find in restaurants that where they are serving something with truffle oil, that I can barely taste it, but maybe that's my problem. I like most things it comes down to personal preference. But most everyone loves this recipe.

The "official recipe" calls for fontina, but I don't think I could find fontina that day, so I just picked up some pecorino-romano. Honestly, I think any cheese will work, it's just about the flavors you are going for.

Hope that helps!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Your Mac 'n' Cheese is so so good :)

[wilgubeast]

Seriously. This stuff is ridiculous. Mac and cheese is already awesome. This just kicks it up a notch to nearly-addictive.

After tasting this, I would not have been surprised if the secret ingredient was nicotine or cocaine. Ramekins are a necessity for portion control, or you will wind up on a three-day cheese & truffle oil bender. Returning sheepishly to your family or work with a slick of delicious grease smeared all over your face, ten pounds heavier, but smiling like a pig in slops.

After furiously scraping out the bowl with my fork, I found myself dipping a finger into the leftovers and rubbing it against my gums. This stuff should be called crack'n'cheese.

[eyewalk]

!!! Best comment ever !!????!

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Alright, you captured the feeling of eating it perfectly :)

[Lindie]

Now I'm really hungry. This looks awesome!

[angelabchua]

oh, and on a side note, its good to remember that truffle oil spoils pretty quick. I think it has like a shelf life of a couple months before it goes rancid.

I made a batch of truffle oil grilled cheese sammies and they came out awful bc the oil went bad.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

I have never actually used truffle oil. Is it good with all cheese things?

[carmesan]

I think it would be safe to say that it is good with most creamy, cheesy things like soups, sammies, but also sprinkled on french fries!

[angelabchua]

GET IN MY BELLY

[Newton]

i have to try this, it looks great :)

[Beauceron]

I want to try this. Looks delicious!