Million Dollar Burrata Mac n Cheese

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe elevates traditional mac and cheese into something truly special. The blend of creamy, rich cheeses creates an ultra-smooth sauce that clings to every noodle, while the crispy, toasted breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch. The hot honey dipping sauce is the perfect finishing touch, providing a contrast of heat and sweetness that will have you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or a special occasion, this Million Dollar Burrata Mac n Cheese is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Toasted Herb Breadcrumbs:

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 teaspoon sage, chopped
• ½ teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves, stems removed
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Mac ’n’ Cheese:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons shallots, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Muenster cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• ½ cup burrata cheese (about 1 large ball or 2 small ones)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

For the Hot Honey Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup high-quality honey
• 1 tablespoon Frank’s hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce

Directions

1. To prepare the toasted herb breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped sage, rosemary, and thyme. Cook until the herbs have softened and become fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the panko breadcrumbs and continue cooking until they turn golden brown and crispy. Set aside.

2. For the mac and cheese: Cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallots, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the shallots soften, about 2-3 minutes. Add the flour and whisk to form a roux. Continue whisking for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture darkens and the flour taste is cooked out.

4. Slowly add the heavy cream, whisking constantly. Let the cream cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Add the Muenster and Gruyère cheeses, whisking until fully melted. Stir in the ricotta, hot sauce, and salt to taste. Remove from heat.

5. Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat each noodle. Pour the mac and cheese into a heatproof dish. Tear the burrata into bite-sized pieces and gently push them into the mac and cheese. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.

6. Turn the broiler to high. Place the mac and cheese under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and crispy.

7. Remove from the oven and top with the toasted herb breadcrumbs.

8. For the hot honey dipping sauce: Combine the honey, Frank’s hot sauce, and Sriracha in a small jar. Stir until fully incorporated. Store the sauce in an airtight container.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Cheese substitutions: Try using different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, fontina, or mozzarella to change the flavor profile.
• Spicy version: Add more hot sauce or fresh jalapeños to the mac and cheese for extra heat.
• Vegetarian version: Skip the hot honey dipping sauce if you prefer a less spicy meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, place the mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, like elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese up to the point of broiling. Cover it and store it in the fridge for up to a day before broiling and adding the breadcrumb topping.

4. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

While pre-shredded cheese can be used, freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and helps create a creamier sauce.

5. How do I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming too dry?

Make sure to cook the cream sauce until it's thick but still pourable. When reheating leftovers, adding a splash of milk or cream can help keep it creamy.

6. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the mac and cheese after baking, though the texture of the cheese may change slightly after freezing and reheating.

7. What can I serve this dish with?

This mac and cheese is a great side dish to serve with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad..

9. Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe includes a bit of heat from the hot sauce and red pepper flakes, but it’s not overly spicy. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

10. Can I make the breadcrumbs without butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative to make the breadcrumbs.

Conclusion

This Million Dollar Burrata Mac n Cheese is the ultimate indulgence for cheese lovers. With a rich, creamy sauce, crispy topping, and the perfect blend of cheeses, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or a side, it’s an unforgettable dish that’s worth every bite.

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Million Dollar Burrata Mac n Cheese

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This Million Dollar Burrata Mac n Cheese is a decadent twist on a classic comfort food. Creamy, rich cheeses like Gruyère, Muenster, ricotta, and burrata create an indulgent sauce, topped with cheddar and crispy herb-infused breadcrumbs. A sweet and spicy hot honey dipping sauce adds the perfect balance to this irresistible dish. Perfect for special occasions or cozy dinners, it’s sure to impress!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Side Dish
• Method: Baking, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

For the Toasted Herb Breadcrumbs:

• 1 tablespoon salted butter
• 1 teaspoon sage, chopped
• ½ teaspoon rosemary, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon thyme leaves, stems removed
• ⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Mac ’n’ Cheese:

• 1 pound rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons salted butter
• 2 tablespoons shallots, chopped
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup Muenster cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• ½ cup burrata cheese (about 1 large ball or 2 small ones)
• ½ cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup fresh ricotta cheese
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce

For the Hot Honey Dipping Sauce:

• 1 cup high-quality honey
• 1 tablespoon Frank’s hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the toasted herb breadcrumbs: Melt the butter in a small pan over medium-high heat. Add sage, rosemary, and thyme. Cook until fragrant (2-3 minutes). Stir in panko breadcrumbs and cook until golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
2. Cook the pasta: Boil rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the cheese sauce: In a large pot, melt butter and sauté chopped shallots with salt and red pepper flakes for 2-3 minutes. Add flour, whisking to form a roux. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, then add heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens (5-10 minutes). Stir in Muenster, Gruyère, ricotta, hot sauce, and salt to taste.
4. Combine the pasta and cheese sauce: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir gently to coat. Pour into a heatproof dish, tear burrata into pieces, and push into the mac and cheese. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar.
5. Broil the mac and cheese: Set broiler to high and broil the mac and cheese for 3-5 minutes or until golden and crispy.
6. Top with breadcrumbs: Remove from oven and sprinkle toasted herb breadcrumbs on top.
7. Prepare the hot honey dipping sauce: Mix honey, Frank’s hot sauce, and Sriracha sauce in a small jar. Stir well and store in an airtight container.
8. Serve: Enjoy your decadent mac and cheese with the hot honey dipping sauce.

Notes

• Use different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, fontina, or mozzarella for variety.
• For more spice, add extra hot sauce or fresh jalapeños.
• Vegetarian? Skip the hot honey dipping sauce for a milder version.
• You can make the breadcrumbs without butter using olive oil or dairy-free alternatives.