Do you need something rich, filling and unforgettable? Meet the Macaroni Cheese Burger Recipe. You get a twofer in this recipe: macaroni.
Macaroni Cheese Burger Recipe
This macaroni cheese burger is great for family dinners, game-day snacks or a fun spin on your typical burger night. For the full recipe, method and frequently asked questions keep scrolling to see how you can make this luxury dessert.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Ingredients
The Recipe — Step by Step Instructions on How to Cook it.
Different Types of Mac and Cheese Burgers
How to get the perfect Macaroni Cheese Burger
Serving Suggestions
FAQ
Conclusion
Ingredients You’ll Need
Now, lets go over the recipe and list of things you will need. The macaroni cheese burger ingredients, are 8 in total and were relatively easy to get hold of at my local supermarket. Additionally, this recipe is fully customizable.
For the Macaroni and Cheese:
How to make a Classic Tuna Noodle Toaster Oven CasseroleIngredients1 cup elbow macaroni (regular or gluten-free)
2 c. grated sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup milk
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Salt and pepper to taste
Small pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Mustard Powder 1/2 tsp (optional, adds depth of flavor)
For the Burgers:
1 pound (80/20 blend) ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
4 brioche or sesame seed hamburger buns
1.) Optional: lettuce, tomatoes and pickles for condiments
Optional Add-ons:
Crispy bacon strips for added flavor
Caramelized onions
Barbecue sauce
Sriracha mayo
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions in a pot of boiling salted water. The pasta will keep cooking later once we mix it with the roasted cheese sauce, so let´s cook al dente. Drain and keep the paste aside.
How to Make Cheese Sauce Step 2: Cheesy Bechamel
While the macaroni is cooking, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. When it has melted, add the flour to make a roux. Cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes to remove the taste of raw flour. Whisk in the milk slowly and keep stirring until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and stir in time grated cheddar cheese until melted smoothly. Add salt, pepper and cayenne to taste and a pinch of mustard powder if using. Add the cooked macaroni and mix to ensure that all of the pasta is covered in cheese sauce.
Step 3: Chill the Macaroni
Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture on a baking sheet, it will help make handling easier just chill in your fridge for 15-20 minutes. This helps the macaroni set a bit to better form patties that you can put on your hamburger.
Step 4: Prepare the Burgers
As the macaroni chills, combine ground beef in four equal portions and pattie. Sprinkle each side generously with salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers
Preheat a skillet (on the stove) over medium-high. Drizzle a little oil (or none) in the pan, and add patties — cook about 4–5 minutes on each side depending how done you like your burgers. For medium, they should be about 160°F internally.
Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Grill or griddle the insides of the burger buns so that they toast up crispy and golden. ♦ Get the patty with your spatula and put it on to of he bottom bun. Spoon a large scoop well chilled macaroni and cheese on the patty. If you want even more cheese, put a slice or shredded cheddar on top of the mac and then melt it for roughly 1 min.
Top with your favorite fixings, lettuce and tomato or pickles —or bacon! Top with the top burger bun and your macaroni cheese burger is ready to eat!
Macaroni Cheese Burger Ideas
Although the regular macaroni cheese burger is good enough, but here are a few variations to experiment with :
1. Bacon Macaroni Cheese Burger
Include several strips of crispy bacon in between the burger patty and macaroni for a savory smoky sensation to go with that cheese just right.
2. Spicy Macaroni Cheese Burger
If you like some heat, throw in a few diced jalapeños or drizzle on sriracha sauce into the cheese. Alternatively, you could use pepper jack cheese on top of the burger instead of cheddar.
3. The Ultimate Pulled Pork Mac N Cheese Burger
For a truly hearty meal, you can also top your burger patty with some barbecue pulled pork before slathering on the mac and cheese. BBQ fans will love this southern-inspired touch.
4. Veggie Macaroni Cheese Burger
Substitute beef patty with a plant-based burger or grilled portobello mushroom for vegetarian option. If you want to make the entire dish plant based, vegan cheese can also be used in the macaroni.
5. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni Cheese Burger
Substitute the beef patty for a buffalo sauce-coated breaded-and-fried chicken fillet. Add macaroni and cheese, a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing — for something zippy and luxurious.
How to Make the Best Macaroni Cheese Burger
High-Quality Cheese Matter: Do not settle for a subpar cheese, may it be sharp cheddar or an combination of gouda and cheddar both but you need really good quality to make this macaroni creamy yet more flavorful. Using pre-shredded cheese in the states is a bad idea because it’s full of anti-caking agents that will prevent you from obtaining smoothness.
Cool the Macaroni: By letting it chill, this helps prevent mac and cheese from melting like lava while you attempt to assemble your burgers. It also keeps the buns from getting too soggy and cheesy.
Generously Season the Patties: Given that fried mac ‘n’ cheese is so unctuous and rich, you need a beef patty to provide some savory flavor contrast. Season well, and don’t be scared of salt, pepper or other seasonings.
Never Overcook the Burgers: Remember to keep a pink center on your patties. If you overcook them, they are going to be really dry in there and the last thing that fits with our creamy mac is a super-succulent burger.
Try a Unique Bun: brioche is the perfect vehicle for this recipe because of it’s slight sweetness and richness that compliments your burger meat, cheese But sesame seed buns (or pretzel bun) are fine, too.
Serving Suggestions
Our macaroni cheese burger will be served with:
French Fries: Regular fries, sweet potato fries or loaded frieds all make great sides.
However, if you wanted to add some more crunch and sweetness onion rings will be perfect for this.
Coleslaw: A fresh slaw with a tanginess to offset the richness of the burger.
Pickles: Serve some of these dill pickles on the side to cut through all that fatty meat while taking a break from bites.
Here are some commonly asked questions (FAQs).
1. Can I prepare Mac and cheese ahead?
Yes! Mac and Cheese can be made up to 1 day ahead of time stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps to firm up the macaroni so its easier to work with when creating your burger.
2. What is the Best Type of Cheese to Use in a Philly Cheesesteak Crescent Ring And Can I use Another type Of Cheese?
Absolutely! Cheddar, or sharp cheddar is the standard but you can always play with things like gouda,mozza. monterey jack etc for different profiles.
3. Can You Freeze Mac and Cheese?
Can you freeze mac and cheese leftovers? Just store it in an air-tight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost your shortcrust pastry, place in fridge overnight and before use gently heat.
4. What can I substitute for meat?
You can sub meatless burger patties or grilled portobello mushrooms if you’d prefer the vegetarian route. When You Like a Lighter MeatA good option when you are in the mood for something milder, use ground turkey or chicken instead.
5. Do you think I could bake these burgers?
You can also bake the burgers at 375°F for roughly about 15–20 minutes tops, just keep an eye on them especially if your patties are thick. Remember to turn them over around 1/2 way thru cooking so they brown and crisp up evenly on both sides.
6. What keeps the macaroni cheese from seeping to the burger?
The macaroni cheese can be quickly cooled before you make up the burger, to prevent a soggy finish. You can also toast the burger buns a bit as this helps to create an additional barrier between the bun and all of those toppings.
7. Can gluten-free pasta be used for the mac and cheese?
TIP: For a gluten-free version, do as I did and swap out the regular pasta with your favorite GF varietal. Make sure that your flour and burger buns are gluten-free as well
8. What goes with mac and cheese burgers?
Don’t forget some French Fries, onion rings,, maybe coleslaw or even a side salad to go alongside with that burger.
9. But what about if I want more veg in there?
Sautéed spinach, caramelized onions and roasted bell peppers inside the burger add a big flavor blast with lots of vitamins.