The Mac and Cheese Burger is a culinary celebration that perfectly combines two quintessential comfort foods—juicy, flavorful burgers and creamy, indulgent mac and cheese. If you’ve ever found yourself torn between craving a hearty burger and a warm bowl of macaroni and cheese, this recipe is the solution you didn’t know you needed. Both iconic in their own right, these dishes have been staples of American gastronomy for generations, beloved for their nostalgic appeal, simple preparation, and satisfying flavors. By fusing them together, the resulting dish amplifies the decadence for those who truly love comfort food with a twist.
The inspiration for the Mac and Cheese Burger stems from the evolving world of fusion cuisine, where chefs push boundaries by blending familiar elements into something new and unexpected. Burgers and mac and cheese both represent the soul of American comfort food, and they offer a natural synergy. The creamy richness of mac and cheese complements the savory juiciness of a well-seasoned beef patty, creating a layered flavor profile that’s at once hearty, cheesy, and utterly indulgent. With the added textural contrast of toasted brioche buns—slightly crisp on the outside and soft on the inside—this recipe is a truly satisfying handheld feast.
This burger also captures the essence of good cooking: creating something memorable from everyday ingredients. In this dish, every element is elevated. The mac and cheese is made from scratch using sharp cheddar for maximum flavor, mustard powder for a touch of tangy complexity, and even a pinch of nutmeg to add a subtle, warming undertone. This is the kind of mac and cheese that could easily be served on its own, but here it finds a new purpose as a rich topping for the burger. The burger patties, meanwhile, are kept simple with just salt and pepper seasoning, allowing the beef’s natural flavors to shine—and made even better with a slice of melted sharp cheddar on top to complement the mac and cheese layer.
Presented between two toasted brioche buns, the Mac and Cheese Burger is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. The layers of cheesy macaroni both above and below the burger patty create a creamy, gooey delight with every bite, making it an ideal indulgence for food lovers who don’t mind getting a little messy. It’s perfect for a dinner party where the goal is to wow your guests, or for a cozy weekend treat when you simply want to indulge in comfort food at its finest.
The beauty of the Mac and Cheese Burger also lies in its versatility. You can customize it further based on your preferences. Add a smoky note by incorporating smoked gouda into the mac and cheese, or elevate the dish with crispy fried onions or thick-cut bacon for extra layers of flavor and texture. Pair it with a side of tangy coleslaw or crisp sweet potato fries for a meal that feels like a celebration.
In its essence, the Mac and Cheese Burger is more than just food—it’s a joyful mashup that invites nostalgia, creativity, and the universal desire to savor every bite. It’s the ultimate comfort food for those who dare to go beyond the ordinary.
Mac and Cheese Burger
Ingredients
Burger Ingredients
- 500 grams ground beef preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
- 1 teaspoon salt sea salt preferred
- ½ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- 4 slices cheddar cheese sharp
- 4 medium burger buns brioche
Mac and Cheese Ingredients
- 200 grams macaroni elbow pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk whole
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, grated sharp
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated, optional
Instructions
Prepare the Mac and Cheese:
- Cook the macaroni in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to form a roux. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Add the grated cheese, mustard powder, and optional nutmeg, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Combine with the cooked macaroni.
Prepare the Burgers:
- In a bowl, gently combine the ground beef with salt and pepper. Form into 4 patties, pressing slightly in the center to prevent puffing during cooking.
- Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4 minutes on each side for medium doneness, or until your desired level is reached. Place a slice of cheese on each burger during the last minute to melt.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Toast the buns lightly. Place a scoop of mac and cheese on the bottom bun, followed by the burger patty. Add another layer of mac and cheese on top, then the top bun.