Introduction: White Truffle Mac'n'Cheese With Crispy Topping

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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





Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Boil the pasta

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and drop in your pasta and add a little olive oil to the water, so the pasta doesn't stick together. To get 1.5 cups of pasta, use about 3/4 cups of dry pasta.

Follow directions on the package for timing. I cooked the orchiette for about 5-6 minutes.

Once its done, drain it and set it off to the side.

Step 3: Boil the Cream

Even though we need to bring the cream to a boil, use a medium setting on your stove top, because cream/milk products can easily burn and/or boil over - so keep a close watch.

In your medium to small sauté pan, bring the cream to a boil. Once it is boiling, let it reduce slightly - meaning let it keep boiling for about 30 seconds to a minute.

A good tactic if your cream starts to boil over is blowing on it and/or stirring it. You can also reduce the heat, and once things are under control bring it back up again.

Step 4: Add the Pasta, Truffle Oil and Salt

Add the pasta, truffle oil and salt into the sauté pan and stir everything together. I tried to break up the pasta that was stuck together a little bit, but its really not a big deal.

Bring everything back to boiling for 2-3 more minutes.

Step 5: Add the Cheese!

Add the cheese!

Add both cheeses and stir until the cheese is just melted. 

If the consistency seems too thin, just add more cheese. If it seems to thick, add more cream.

Step 6: Transfer to Your Oven Safe Ramekin or Bowl

Transfer to your oven safe ramekin or bowl.

I have these cute ceramaic containers, which I love to use with this recipe for individual servings - no fighting over who gets the last bite!


Step 7: Top With Panko Bread Crumbs

Top with Panko.

Sprinkle a nice layer over the top of your mac'n'cheese dish.

Step 8: Broil and Voila!

Broil until browned and Voila!

Place your container(s) onto a baking sheet and put into the broiler for just a few minutes, until the tops have browned. This will happen fairly quickly, so don't go anywhere.

You are about to have the yummiest mac'n'cheese ever. Enjoy!