Sometimes you just have to kick it up a notch, and this mac and cheese recipe does just that. It has a little bit of chedda, some truffle oil (YES! Bc we’re still obsessed with it), some bacon, and it has some…wait for it…whiskey. If this isn’t a bad ass, mans-man mac and cheese then I don’t know what is.

• 1 box of elbow macaroni
• 3 tbsp truffle oil
• 1 tbsp minced fresh basil leaves
• A pinch of salt and pepper

Sauce

• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/4 tbsp dried thyme
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups half & half 
• 1 tbsp whiskey (I used a little Jack)

Topping

• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 1/2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Cook the macaroni to your liking and drain. (I prefer al dente.). Add the macaroni back in to the pot and mix in the truffle oil, basil, salt, and pepper. While the pasta is cooking you can start on the sauce. But before you do, turn on your broiler to high.

Using a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat and add in the bacon, garlic, and thyme. Add in the flour, half & half, and whiskey and bring it to a boil. After roughly 3 minutes of stirring, reduce to a simmer and add in 2 1/2 cups of the cheddar, mixing until sauce thickens. Then pour it over that delicious smelling truffle macaroni and mix until it’s fully coated. On to the topping. In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, 1/2 a cup cheddar cheese and melted butter. Oil up your ramekins (I used eight 8oz ones) or a baking dish and distribute the macaroni. Sprinkle on the topping and a dash of fresh basil for some color.

Broil the dish for about 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it as you don’t want it to burn.

Happy Eating, XO.