Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: million dollar burrata mac n cheese! This dish is a creamy, dreamy masterpiece that combines rich burrata cheese with the classic taste of mac and cheese. I remember the first time I made it for a gathering; the moment I pulled it out of the oven, the cheesy aroma filled the room, and everyone gathered around, their eyes wide with anticipation. The unique texture of the burrata makes every bite feel like a warm hug, while the crispy breadcrumb topping adds the perfect crunch. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll be hooked! It’s perfect for cozy nights in or impressing friends at dinner parties. Seriously, it’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary meal into something spectacular!
Ingredients List
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces burrata cheese, torn into pieces
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, for that delightful crunch
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
How to Prepare the Million Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Cook
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your macaroni and cook it according to the package instructions. It usually takes about 7-8 minutes for that perfect al dente texture. Don’t forget to drain it well and set it aside. Trust me, the timing of everything is key to making sure your mac and cheese is creamy and delightful!
Step 2: Create the Cheese Sauce
Now, let’s move on to the star of the show: the cheese sauce! In a medium saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil together over medium heat. Once that’s sizzling, pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring until it’s warm but not boiling—about 2-3 minutes. Then, slowly mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it’s melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens! You’ll want to keep an eye on it to prevent any lumps, ensuring it’s velvety and divine.
Step 3: Combine and Bake
Alright, it’s time to bring it all together! Add the drained macaroni to your luscious cheese sauce and mix it until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness. Transfer this glorious mixture into a baking dish, and here comes the best part: tear your burrata into pieces and scatter it over the top. Finish it off by sprinkling the breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch! Pop it in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s golden and bubbling. Oh my goodness, the aroma will drive you wild—just wait until you dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and indulgent texture that’s pure comfort food
- Rich flavor from the burrata and Parmesan
- Simple preparation that anyone can master
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it perfect for everyone
- Great for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in
- Leftovers—if there are any—are just as delicious!
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s make your million dollar burrata mac n cheese even more amazing! First, don’t hesitate to mix up the cheeses—try adding a bit of smoked gouda or fontina for a unique twist. If you’re a garlic lover like me, sauté some minced garlic in the butter before adding the milk and cream; it adds such a wonderful depth of flavor. Fresh herbs, like thyme or basil, can also elevate this dish to a whole new level! Want a spicy kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. And remember, if you have any leftover veggies, like spinach or roasted tomatoes, feel free to stir them into the cheese sauce for a pop of color and nutrition. Trust me, these little tweaks can turn this already fantastic dish into a showstopper!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. On average, each serving of this million dollar burrata mac n cheese contains about 600 calories, 35g of fat, 20g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. It’s a rich and indulgent dish, so enjoy it as a cozy treat or special occasion meal!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While burrata adds a unique creaminess, you can mix it up with cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar. Just remember, each cheese will bring its own flavor and texture to the dish, so feel free to experiment!
How do I store leftovers? If you have any leftovers (which is rare, trust me!), let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to enjoy again!
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes! You can prep the entire dish, assemble it, and then cover it tightly with foil. Just pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. It might take a few extra minutes in the oven if it’s cold, but the flavor will still be incredible!
Is this mac n cheese suitable for kids? Definitely! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor are super kid-friendly. Just make sure to keep an eye on the oven while it bakes.
What can I serve with this million dollar burrata mac n cheese? It pairs wonderfully with a simple salad or roasted veggies. You could even go for some garlic bread on the side for an indulgent treat!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this decadent million dollar burrata mac n cheese (which is a rare occurrence, I know!), let it cool completely before storing. Transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the oven is your best friend! Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil to prevent drying out, and reheat for about 20 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, just heat in short intervals, stirring in between until it’s warmed through. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes page!
For tips on cooking pasta perfectly, you can refer to this Food Network guide on the health benefits of cheese.
PrintMillion Dollar Burrata Mac N Cheese: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and indulgent mac and cheese featuring rich burrata cheese.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces burrata cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the milk and heavy cream, stirring until warm.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Tear the burrata cheese into pieces and distribute over the top.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbling.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add garlic or herbs to the cheese sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: million dollar burrata mac n cheese