Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burgers

This dish is inspired by the Cheesecake Factory dish.  Our version may vary a bit, but this copycat is a really good diy version of the restaurant favorite.  

Why Make Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burgers at home?

I LOVE a good trip to a restaurant, but, let’s be real, for most of us, this is not an everyday occurrence.  So here are a few great reasons you may want to try to make Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burgers at home:

• Location, Location, No-cation
  • As of writing this, the Cheesecake Factory has 211 locations.  That means, plenty of us simply do not live close enough to make stops at th e actual restaurant a regular occurrence.  Trying our version of the dish at home, helps you to try the next best thing any time you are in the mood for some restaurant food.
• Got kids? Or Bills? Or both!?
  • Let’s be real, going out to a restaurant is fun, but isn’t necessarily budget friendly.  For a lot of us, dining out is not the most frequent occasion.  I find it fun to try to recreate some of my favorite restaurant dishes at home so I can have a bit of a taste of the restaurant in my own home.
  • Here are the numbers on this dish.  I’m including this for example purposes; however, I am well aware that prices for groceries and restaurants can vary widely around the country, and, certainly, the world.  But, for 2021, in Tennessee, here is the breakdown:
    • To make this recipe as written with all optional additions, a side of fries for a family of 6.  Your entire total would be less than $20.
    • To order Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burgers with a side of fries for 6 people at the Cheesecake Factory Restaurant in town would cost $89.55  And that is before drinks, Cheesecake (yep, don’t think you are getting the kids out of there without that), possibly parking.  And sure, you could visit kid free, but babysitters cost….
• No Place Like HOME!
  • There just isn’t.  Life is so stressful these days and the ability to just enjoy a restaurant quality dish in your PJ’s is literally irreplaceable.  

Specific Notes for Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burgers

• What type of macaroni and cheese should I use?
  • I used a box of Kraft with a “squeeze” cheese sauce that had a wider noodle to be more like the type used by the restaurant.  
  • For these burgers, you can really use whatever macaroni and cheese you prefer, boxed, homemade, etc.  Any noodle style you prefer will work just fine.
  • Whatever style you prefer, it is best to make in advance by at least a day to then chill and allow to thicken a bit before attempting to make the patties.
• What type of burgers should I use?  I used “pre-cooked” patties by Ballpark.  I like the convenience and the flavor of these patties.  There are other options though:
  • Any other brand of pre-cooked burgers that you prefer would also be great
  • Fresh or frozen, pre-made, uncooked patties would also be great, just cook according to package directions.
  • You can also make your own patties and cook until it reaches your desired done-ness.

Tips for Making Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burger in Advance:

• For the Mac and Cheese Patties:
  • As stated above, making the macaroni and cheese in advance is VERY helpful and will help to save time
  • The entire patties can also be assembled in advance.  Place the sheet pan in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.  There is no need to adjust the cooking time, simply remove the patties from the fridge as you preheat the oven.
• For the Cheese Sauce:
  • The sauce can be made entirely in advance.  Please note that the sauce will definitely thicken once it cools.  If you are making it ahead, store it in the refrigerator.  The sauce can be thinned in the microwave (much like you would a jarred queso sauce)
• For the Toppings:
  • Pickles, tomatoes, lettuce and onions can be cut up in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Like Copycat Recipes, give these a try:

• Copycat Little Caesar’s Cheesy Bread is the perfect side dish for pizza night.
• Our version of Red Robin’s Burnin’ Love Burger is perfect if you like a bit of spicy with your burger.

Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burger

This easy to make at home copycat of a Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burger is sure to please the whole family.

5 from 1 vote

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Servings 6

Ingredients

  

For the Mac & Cheese Patties

• 1 batch prepared macaroni and cheese
• 2 eggs beaten
• ½ cup all purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
• 2 Tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

For the Cheese sauce

• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 5 dashes of hot sauce
• 2 cups cheddar cheese

For the burgers

• 6 sesame buns
• 6 burger patties

To serve:

• Lettuce
• Tomato slices
• Pickles
• Onion slices
• Mayonnaise

Instructions

 

For the Mac & Cheese patties:

• Heat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
• Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a large bowl. Stir through the eggs until well combined.
• Combine the flour, paprika, seasoned salt, parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs.
• Stir the dry mixture into the macaroni.
• Use your hands and form burger-style patties, pressing firmly to keep together. Set on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake for 10-15 minutes until crisped and cooked through.

For the Cheese Sauce:

• Add the butter to a small saucepan. Heat over medium low until melted.
• Add the evaporated milk, paprika, salt, garlic powder and hot sauce and continue to cook until warmed through.
• Add the cheese, ½ cup at a time, stirring, until melted.
• Remove from heat.

For the burgers:

• Cook the burgers as directed on the package (or cook to your specifications if fresh).

To assemble:

• Lay out a bun base. Top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, or mayonnaise to your liking.
• Top with a mac & cheese patty and spoon over a good helping of the cheese sauce. Top with the other bun piece.
• Serve immediately with a side of fries if desired.