Truffle Mac and Cheese Bites

Indulge in the decadent flavor of Truffle Mac and Cheese Bites, a gourmet twist on a classic comfort food. These bite-sized delights blend creamy macaroni with rich truffle oil, transforming a childhood favorite into a sophisticated treat. Perfect for parties or cozy nights in, these bites combine the comforting essence of traditional mac and cheese with a touch of luxury. Elevate your culinary game and impress your guests with this irresistible recipe.

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Ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 cups whole milk

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese

1 teaspoon truffle oil (adjust to taste)

Salt and black pepper to taste

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

Add the Cheeses: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and Gruyère cheese until melted and smooth. Add the truffle oil, salt, and black pepper, adjusting according to your taste.

Combine Macaroni and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until well-coated. Let the mixture cool slightly.

Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a mini muffin tin with cooking spray or butter.

Fill the Muffin Tin: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, fill each muffin cup with the mac and cheese mixture, pressing down slightly to pack it in.

Topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle a generous amount over each filled muffin cup.

Bake: Place the muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crisp.

Cool and Serve: Allow the bites to cool for a few minutes before gently removing them from the muffin tin. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 20 minutes | 40 minutes | 24 bites