Who Needs Bread When There's These Mac & Cheese Burger Buns?

People have been adding mac & cheese to burgers for awhile now. It makes sense -- all that creamy cheese pairs so well with a succulent, impeccably cooked burger -- but this recipe from Food Steez takes the beloved combination to the next level. Think bigger: mac & cheese isn't just a topping, it's abun. Who needs bread when you can bite into two of your favorite foods at the same time? Try this easy recipe and have your mind blown. 

Mac & Cheese Burger Buns

INGREDIENTS:
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup coarse panko bread crumbs
  • ½ teaspoon salt, divided
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 2 eggs, whisked
  • Canola oil for frying
  • ½ pound ground beef
  • American cheese slices
For the Mac & Cheese:
  • 2 cups heavy whipping cream
  • ⅔ cup Parmesan, grated
  • 1 cup cheddar Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup medium cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 box elbow macaroni, prepared per instructions on box 
DIRECTIONS:
  • Make The Mac & Cheese: In a large sauce pan over low heat, simmer the heavy cream until reduced by a third (the cream should lightly coat the back of a spoon). Add in Parmesan, cheddar Jack, and cheddar. Whisk thoroughly, and remove from heat. Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl and pour the cheese sauce over the pasta. Season with salt and pepper, mix until well combined, and let it cool to room temperature.
  • Line a 13x9 baking sheet with parchment paper, and mist with cooking spray. Pour the prepared mac & cheese onto the baking sheet and spread out evenly; cover with another piece of parchment paper. Place flat inside freezer for approximately 1-2 hours or until hard.
  • Whisk the eggs in a small bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper; in a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. 
  • Remove the mac & cheese from the fridge. Using a 3-4’ inch burger ring, cut out 2-4 circular discs. With your hands, dip each macaroni disc in each bowl, and place on the baking sheet.
  • In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the discs in batches, cooking the discs for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they become golden brown. Remove and set on a paper towel-lined plate to let the oil drain out.
  • Make The Burgers: Place the burgers in a medium-sized skillet over medium heat. Cook each burger for approximately 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through as desired. Top with slices of American cheese, and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes before removing the burger from the skillet.
  • Sandwich the burger patty between the mac & cheese buns, and serve. 
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