Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese! This isn’t your average mac and cheese; it’s an indulgent, creamy dream that will have you swooning with every bite. The moment you dig in, you’re met with a rich, velvety sauce infused with the delightful tang of burrata cheese. I remember the first time I made this dish for a cozy dinner with friends—everyone’s eyes lit up, and I couldn’t stop smiling as they devoured it! Trust me, the combination of sharp cheddar and that luscious burrata on top is pure magic. It’s easy to whip up, making it perfect for both special occasions and a comforting weeknight treat. You’re going to love it!
Ingredients for Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese
- 8 oz elbow macaroni – the classic choice that holds all that cheesy goodness
- 2 cups milk – I always use whole milk for that extra creaminess
- 1 cup heavy cream – because we want this dish to be as decadent as possible!
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – sharp or mild, depending on your taste
- 1 cup burrata cheese – make sure it’s fresh for that ooey-gooey texture on top!
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – adds a wonderful depth of flavor
- 1/4 cup butter – this will help create our luscious cheese sauce
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – to thicken our sauce just right
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – for that aromatic kick
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic beautifully
- Salt and pepper to taste – don’t be shy, season it well!
How to Prepare Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness! Making this Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese is super straightforward, and I promise it’ll be worth every second in the kitchen!
Cooking the Macaroni
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in 8 oz of elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes until al dente. You want it just right since it will bake later. Once done, drain the macaroni and set it aside. Trust me, the perfect pasta is the foundation of this dish!
Making the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once it’s nice and bubbly, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour for about 2 minutes to form a roux. Now, slowly whisk in 2 cups of milk and 1 cup of heavy cream until it’s smooth and creamy—this is where the magic happens! Keep whisking until the mixture thickens, then stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and heavenly. Oh, that smell is divine!
Combining Ingredients
Now, grab your cooked macaroni and combine it with that luscious cheese sauce. Mix in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Make sure every piece of pasta is coated with that gooey goodness! It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl!
Baking the Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the cheesy pasta mixture into a baking dish and top it with 1 cup of fresh burrata cheese—it’s going to melt beautifully! Bake for about 20 minutes, until bubbly and slightly golden on top. Just imagine that warm, creamy goodness as it comes out of the oven. You’re going to want to dig in right away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra-creamy texture that feels like a warm hug in every bite
- Rich, indulgent flavor from the combination of cheddar and burrata
- Easy to prepare with simple steps—perfect for cooks of all skill levels
- Great for meal prep; you can make it ahead of time and bake just before serving
- Versatile enough to impress guests at dinner parties or satisfy your weeknight cravings
- It’s a comforting classic that brings everyone together at the table
Tips for Success
To really elevate your Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese, here are some handy tips! First off, always use fresh burrata cheese for that creamy, dreamy topping—trust me, it’s worth it! When you’re cooking the pasta, make sure to salt your water well; it makes a huge difference in flavor. If your cheese sauce seems too thick, just whisk in a splash of milk or cream until it reaches that perfect consistency. Also, don’t skip on seasoning; a little extra salt and pepper can really bring out the flavors! And if you want a bit of crunch on top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs before baking. Lastly, let it cool for a few minutes after baking; this helps everything set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your cheesy masterpiece!
Nutritional Information
Just a heads up, the nutritional values for my Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so take these numbers as a general guideline rather than an exact science. Here’s what you can typically expect per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 650
- Fat: 40g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
Keep in mind that these values are for about one cup of this delicious dish. If you’re counting macros or calories, it’s always a good idea to adjust based on your specific ingredients. Enjoy every bite guilt-free!
FAQ About Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese
Can I use different cheeses?
Absolutely! While I love the combo of cheddar and burrata, feel free to mix it up. Gruyère or mozzarella can add a lovely twist, too. Just keep that creamy texture in mind!
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the mac and cheese up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge for a day or two. When you’re ready, just top it with burrata and bake as directed.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, swap out the elbow macaroni for a gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! This mac and cheese freezes well. Just portion it into airtight containers after it cools down, and you can freeze it for up to a month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
This Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese is a meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies for a complete dinner!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about keeping your Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese fresh and delicious! If you have any leftovers (which I doubt will happen, but just in case!), let the dish cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to save it for later, you can also freeze it! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers after cooling, and it should last for up to a month.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, I recommend reheating in the oven to preserve that creamy texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in, and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until heated through. If you want a little extra magic, add some more fresh burrata on top before reheating! You’ll be amazed at how delicious it still is!
Print
Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and indulgent mac and cheese dish featuring burrata cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup burrata cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes.
- Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Combine cheese sauce with macaroni.
- Top with burrata cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
Notes
- Use fresh burrata for best flavor.
- You can add breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture.
- This dish can be made ahead and baked before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: million dollar burrata mac n cheese