Truffle + Ham Mac and Cheese
I was recently out at a lunch in Greenville with some friends, and one of them ordered a dish that came with truffle and jambon macaroni. I obviously snuck a bite and knew immediately I had to recreate it! The best news for you is that this is a pretty simple dish to whip up. The truffle salt adds such a power-punch. It’s one ingredient that catapults this dish from good to fabulous. I keep truffle salt on hand and use it to amp up the flavor in lots of dishes, including my favorite late night snack, truffle and parmesan popcorn. Yum! I recently grabbed a ham from Costco and this is the perfect way to use up some of the leftovers. Just cube it up into half-inch pieces and add it into the mix. The truffle adds a depth that will truly blow you away. God this is good… Make this and tag me on the interwebs when you do! I love seeing your creations.
TRUFFLE + HAM MAC AND CHEESE
Yields 6-8 portions
Total time: 20 minutes plus optional bake time of 20 minutes
Ingredients:
12-oz elbow noodles
3 T butter
3 T flour
1½ cups half and half or milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups cheddar cheese
½ cup freshly grated parmesan
½ t truffle salt
½ t black pepper
Paprika, to taste
1½ cups cubed ham
½ cup toasted panko breadcrumbs
Directions:
1.) Boil the pasta in salted water.
2.) Meanwhile in a dutch oven, mix butter and flour on low heat. Stir to create a roux. Pour in the half and half and chicken broth, and mix until there are no lumps remaining. Once the liquid is all warmed through, turn off the heat and mix in the cheeses and seasonings.
3.) Cube cooked ham into half inch pieces and mix into the cheese sauce. Add the cooked pasta and mix everything together. Turn the heat onto low to wam everything through.
4.) In a separate pan, toast the panko breadcrumbs over low heat being careful not to burn. Add a bit of additional truffle salt and stir to brown the breadcrumbs.
5.) Serve in individual bowls and top with breadcrumbs, or bake in the oven in a casserole dish for 15-20 minutes before serving.
Pro tip: Including sharp cheddar in this is a must for me! I like to use part mild cheddar and part sharp to get the perfect flavors.
