The Bacon Mac 'n' Cheese Burger

The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger Recipe

The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger is a decadent and indulgent burger that combines the classic flavors of mac ‘n’ cheese with a juicy beef patty and crispy bacon. This burger is a feast for the senses, featuring a gooey mac ‘n’ cheese topping, savory bacon, and a perfectly seasoned beef patty all sandwiched between toasted buns. It’s a perfect choice for a hearty meal or a show-stopping burger night.

Ingredients:

For the Burger Patties:

1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend): Provides a juicy and flavorful base for the burger.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds flavor to the beef.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory taste.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness.
Salt and black pepper to taste: For seasoning.

For the Mac ‘n’ Cheese Topping:

2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked): Forms the base of the mac ‘n’ cheese.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess and helps with melting.
2 tablespoons butter: Used to make the cheese sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the cheese sauce.
1 1/2 cups milk (whole or 2%): Forms the base of the cheese sauce.
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder (optional): Adds a slight tang to the cheese sauce.
Salt and black pepper to taste: For seasoning.

For the Bacon:

6 slices bacon: Adds a crispy, savory crunch.

For Assembling the Burger:

4 hamburger buns: Toasted for serving.
Lettuce leaves (optional): Adds freshness and crunch.
Tomato slices (optional): Adds juiciness and flavor.
Pickles (optional): Adds tanginess.

Instructions:

Cook the Mac ‘n’ Cheese:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth. Season with mustard powder (if using), salt, and black pepper.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Set aside.

Prepare the Bacon:

Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Prepare the Burger Patties:

In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties.
Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness (165°F or 74°C for well-done).

Assemble the Burger:

While the burgers are cooking, toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom half of each bun.
Top each patty with a generous scoop of the mac ‘n’ cheese.
Add 1-2 slices of crispy bacon on top of the mac ‘n’ cheese.
Add lettuce, tomato slices, and pickles if desired.
Top with the other half of the bun.

Serve:

Serve the Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burgers hot, with your favorite side dishes such as fries, onion rings, or a simple salad.

Tips:

Cheese Sauce: For an extra creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, you can use a mix of cheeses like Gouda or Parmesan.
Burger Patties: Make sure not to overwork the ground beef to keep the patties tender and juicy.
Toasting Buns: Buttering the buns before toasting can add extra flavor and prevent sogginess.

Serving Suggestions:

Side Dishes: Serve with crispy French fries, sweet potato fries, or a fresh coleslaw.
Condiments: Offer additional condiments like ketchup, mustard, or BBQ sauce for customization.

The Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burger combines the ultimate comfort food elements into one indulgent burger. With its creamy mac ‘n’ cheese, crispy bacon, and juicy beef patty, this burger is sure to be a hit at any meal or gathering. Enjoy the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this delicious creation!