The Chef's Complete Guide to Cooking with Truffles

The earthy aroma and complex flavor of truffles make them a unique ingredient for chefs. When incorporated, they can add an exquisite dimension to your dishes and a touch of luxury to the guest dining experience. Once rare and highly exclusive, truffles are now more accessible and available in various forms. If you’re interested in cooking with truffles, Gourmand’s professional chefs share how to bring these culinary gems to the table.

WHAT ARE TRUFFLES?

Truffles are a type of fungus that grows underground and is typically found near the roots of specific tree species. Known for their unique taste and aroma, truffles bring an earthy, umami richness to dishes. Their distinct aroma contributes a layer of depth to savory dishes. They pair exceptionally well with meats, cheeses, and creamy sauces. 

Truffles come in various types, each with its own flavor profile—including the most popular white and black truffles. Other types include tuber aestivum (or summer truffles), tuber uncinatum (or burgundy truffles), and tuber indicum (or Chinese truffles). Truffles are available in multiple forms, allowing for flexible use in kitchens:

• Truffle Oil: A convenient way to infuse truffle flavor, available in black and white varieties.
• Truffle Peelings: Thinly shaved truffle pieces can be used as a garnish or mixed directly into dishes.
• Whole Truffles: Ideal for chefs who want the full truffle experience, whole truffles can be grated or shaved fresh onto dishes for maximum impact.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WHITE AND BLACK TRUFFLES?

White and black truffles differ in flavor, aroma, and culinary application, each bringing unique qualities. Here’s how to pick a type when cooking with truffles.

WHITE TRUFFLES

White truffles have a strong aroma and a slightly garlicky, musky flavor profile. They are usually served raw, as heat can diminish their aroma and delicate flavor. Common in Italian cuisine, white truffles are perfect for enhancing pasta dishes, risotto, and eggs. Their bold fragrance makes them an excellent choice for dishes where they can stand out.

BLACK TRUFFLES

With a subtler, more robust flavor, black truffles lend themselves well to cooked dishes. Their earthy, nutty aroma intensifies when heated. They work beautifully in sauces, meat dishes, and even baked goods. Black truffles are ideal for chefs looking to add an understated, rich depth to their creations.

HOW TO CHOOSE: WHITE VS. BLACK TRUFFLES

So, how do you select which truffle to use? Consider the desired flavor intensity and the type of dish you’re creating. White truffles are ideal for delicate dishes where the truffle is the star. Black truffles are the way to go for hearty, savory dishes that require a balanced yet pronounced flavor.

TRUFFLE RECIPES TO TRY AT YOUR RESTAURANT

Eager to try cooking with truffles? Adding truffles to your menu can be transformative—if done right. It may take some trial and error before you perfect truffle recipes. Try these creative ideas:

#1. TRUFFLE OIL RISOTTO

For a rich, aromatic risotto, stir in black truffle olive oil or white truffle sunflower oil before serving. Top with shaved Parmesan for an extra indulgent touch. Gourmand offers only the best truffle oil for cooking—available in 16.9 oz. plastic jugs or 8.4 oz. glass bottles for your restaurant.

#2. TRUFFLE-INFUSED AIOLI

Blend mayonnaise with a touch of black truffle sunflower oil to create a sophisticated aioli for sandwiches, fries, or roasted vegetables.

#3. SUMMER TRUFFLE MASHED POTATOES

Enhance mashed potatoes by folding in Gourmand’s summer truffle peelings—sourced directly from Spain—for a rustic, earthy finish. These peelings offer the perfect texture and flavor balance, adding visual appeal and a rich, nutty taste.

#4. BLACK TRUFFLE BUTTER FOR STEAK

Mix softened butter with Gourmand’s whole black truffles to create a luxurious truffle butter. Serve it atop grilled steaks or roasted vegetables for an elevated touch. If you’re not comfortable cooking with truffles yet, this is a simple way to begin incorporating their flavors into your menu offerings.

#5. TRUFFLE CARBONARA

Elevate classic carbonara by adding black truffle olive oil or black truffle sunflower oil to the egg and Parmesan sauce. Toss with pasta and crisp pancetta, then garnish with summer truffle peelings or freshly grated black truffle for a decadent, truffle-infused twist.

#6. CREAMY TRUFFLE MUSHROOM SOUP

Create a velvety mushroom soup enhanced with white truffle sunflower oil. Sauté onions, garlic, and mushrooms, simmer with broth, and blend until smooth. Finish with cream and a drizzle of truffle oil, and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for an elegant starter.

#7. TRUFFLE PARMESAN FRIES

This is one of the easiest truffle recipes to try! Simple toss crispy French fries with a drizzle of black truffle olive oil and freshly grated Parmesan. Finish with a sprinkle of sea salt and chopped parsley for a savory, high-end take on a classic favorite.

#8. TRUFFLE MAC AND CHEESE

Upgrade mac and cheese by stirring in black truffle olive oil before serving. Add a sprinkle of summer truffle peelings for extra depth and garnish with breadcrumbs or Parmesan for a comforting dish.

TIPS FOR SUCCESSFULLY COOKING WITH TRUFFLES

Like any ingredient, truffles require unique care during the cooking process. Our professional chefs offered some firsthand insights into cooking with truffles:

• Use Sparingly: Truffles are potent—so a little goes a long way. When cooking with truffles, start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
• Pair with Neutral Flavors: Truffles shine best when paired with mild ingredients like pasta, rice, and eggs, which allow their flavor to come through.
• Grating vs. Shaving: Grating truffles provides a more even distribution throughout the dish, while shaving adds a striking visual element and intense bursts of flavor.
• Avoid Excessive Heat: White truffles, in particular, are best enjoyed raw or added at the end of cooking. High heat can diminish their flavor.
• Pair with Fat-rich Ingredients: Truffles bond well with fats, which help carry their flavor. Try pairing truffles with ingredients like butter, cream, or cheese. 
• Season Lightly: Since they have an intense flavor, keep seasoning minimal when cooking with truffles to let them shine. A bit of salt and pepper is often all that’s needed. Avoid using strong herbs or spices that might overpower the truffle.
• Serve Immediately: Truffles lose their aroma quickly after being sliced or grated, so it’s best to prepare dishes right before serving. Once you’re finished cooking with truffles or adding garnishes, present the dish as soon as possible to preserve the aroma for your guests.

READY TO START COOKING WITH TRUFFLES?

If you’re ready to bring unparalleled flavor to your dishes, Gourmand offers premium truffle products to elevate your culinary creations. From high-quality oils to peeled and whole truffles, Gourmand's selection provides everything you need to begin cooking with truffles and incorporating them into your menu. Contact us to take your dishes to the next level.