Mac & Cheese Burger

Mac & Cheese Burger, the way we make it

Make it at home

Ingredients

• *For the mac and cheese:**
• 1 cup elbow macaroni, dry
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 cup whole milk
• 4 oz sharp cheddar, shredded
• 2 oz American cheese (2 slices), torn
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• *For the burger:**
• 12 oz 80/20 ground beef, divided into two 6 oz balls
• 2 brioche buns, split
• 2 slices American cheese
• 3 tbsp burger sauce or mayo-ketchup-pickle relish mix
• 6-8 dill pickle chips
• 4 tbsp cooked bacon, crumbled
• 1 jalapeño, sliced into rounds (fresh or pickled)
• Neutral oil for griddle
• Salt and black pepper

Instructions

1. 1

   **Make the mac and cheese:** Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat, whisk in flour and cook 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until thickened, 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in cheddar and American cheese until melted. Season with dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Add cooked pasta, stir to combine, and keep warm on lowest heat.

2. 2

   **Toast the buns:** Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place buns cut-side down and toast until golden, about 1 minute. Remove and set aside.

3. 3

   **Smash the patties:** Increase heat to high. Add a thin film of oil to the skillet. Place one 6 oz beef ball in the skillet and immediately press flat with a heavy spatula or burger press to about 1/4-inch thick. Season generously with salt and pepper.

4. 4

   **Cook the patty:** Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until a dark crust forms on the bottom. Flip, lay one American cheese slice on top, and cover the pan with a lid for 30 seconds to melt the cheese. Remove patty and repeat for second burger if making two.

5. 5

   **Build the burger:** Spread burger sauce on the bottom bun. Layer on the dill pickle chips, then set the cheese-topped patty on top.

6. 6

   **Add mac and cheese:** Spoon a generous 1/2 cup of hot mac and cheese directly over the patty.

7. 7

   **Finish and serve:** Scatter bacon crumbles over the mac and cheese, add jalapeño rounds, and cap with the top bun. Serve immediately with fries or chips.