The Mac n Cheese Burger You’ll [Forever] Be Addicted to

MELT

SLICE

SERVES: 2

Rating:

5/5 (1 Review)

Let’s be honest. Whoever invented the mac and cheese burger … we owe that person a huge debt of gratitude. Now combine that historic innovation with the goodness of Cooper^® Sharp, and you’re in bona fide food revolution territory. Try this recipe and you’ll gain a whole new understanding of the term “comfort food.” For real.

INGREDIENTS

Mac and cheese:
• 8 ounces elbow macaroni
• 2 1/4 tablespoons butter
• 1 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 pound Cooper® Sharp White or Yellow cheese, sliced

Burgers:
• 1 pound lean ground beef*
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 leafy green lettuce leaves
• 2 hamburger buns with seeds

DIRECTIONS

• Set aside 4 slices of the Cooper^® Sharp cheese. You’ll use these on the burgers, so keep them in the fridge until you’re ready for them.

• Cook macaroni according to package directions.

• Melt butter in a 3-quart saucepan until sizzling. Stir in flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Add milk and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until mixture thickens (about 5-7 minutes).

• Reduce heat to low. Stir in remaining Cooper^® Sharp cheese slices (not the 4 slices in your fridge), stirring constantly until cheese is melted. Add cooked macaroni and stir well.

• In a medium bowl, mix ground beef, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Form into 4 patties.

• Cook the burgers in a medium skillet for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, and burgers are browned all the way through. On two of the burgers, during the last minute or so of cooking, layer 2 slices of Cooper^® Sharp each. Continue heating until the cheese is as melty as you like it.

Assemble burgers:
• Place a piece of lettuce on the bottom section of one of the buns and add one burger patty (without cheese). Scoop a generous portion of the mac and cheese onto the burger. Layer the second burger patty (with cheese) on top of the mac and cheese. Top the burger with a condiment of your choice and place the top of the bun on the burger.

*Consuming raw or undercooked meats, poultry, seafood, shellfish, or eggs may increase your risk of foodborne illness.