The Unexpected Ingredient Ina Garten Uses In Her Mac And Cheese

There's something so comforting about eating a hot bowl of gooey macaroni and cheese. Maybe it's the creamy texture or how it transports us back to childhood. Either way, there's nothing quite like it. Whether you enjoy just a plain version or something more decadent, such as lobster macaroni cheese, there's something for everyone. 

If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, Olivelle recommends trying a bacon and pimento version. Not into pimento? You could also whip up a buffalo chicken variety. But if you want to stick with a more classic take, Ina Garten has you covered.

The chef took to Instagram to share her recipe, which includes a unique ingredient. "When it's cold outside, Mac & Cheese is always a good idea but my Truffled Mac & Cheese will make your dinner feel like a celebration," she wrote. "It has two kinds of cheeses, two different mushrooms, and the secret ingredient — truffle butter." Garten added that the ingredients are less expensive than you might think.

While normal truffles are delicious, they can be pretty expensive to buy. They also aren't super easy to cook and throw into a meal. That's where truffle butter comes in. 

According to MyRecipes, truffle butter is basically a seasoned spread that contains tiny pieces of actual truffles blended into it. That means you can achieve that mouth-watering flavor without all of the hassle. It's also a fraction of the cost, coming in at around $7 for a 3.5-ounce tub. And if you're thinking about using truffle oil instead, it's not the same; most oil versions don't actually have real truffles in them.

If you're still unsure whether this unique macaroni and cheese recipe will be a hit, just take a look at the comments on Garten's Instagram post. One wrote, "I made it and was a success. I used Urbani Truffle butter, it was delicious." Another added, "My daughter made this for our Christmas dinner and it stole the show!" So, if you want to impress your guests the next time they're over, consider trying this flavorful showstopper.