You know how I can be with desserts— light bites one day and then heavy-hitting and belt-busting another day—well, same goes for savory. See the below picture for clarification.
It’s pretty much a full day’s calorie count in one meal. This burger is stacked with pastrami, smoked white cheddar mac and cheese, peppercinis and deep fried onions. How you attack is up to you, but my advice: tuck your napkin into the collar of your shirt and go for it. Never mind the mess on your face because you’ll need to pay attention and make sure all the fallen pieces are scooped and tucked back into the burger.
Of course you can leave out any of the add-ins, but you really shouldn’t. As for the smoked mac and cheese – I’ll be back next week with the recipe. That said, any mac and cheese will work, I just prefer my smoked mac and cheese for an added layer of flavor.
On another note, Matt and I had some fun doing another blogger vs. blogger face-off with the theme of burgers being picked by our Chopped-watching, Food Network-loving son. He chose burgers. And boy did he have a lot to say about the winning burger—Matt’s. Wah.
Yep, Matt has me on this one. Cole thought his rib-eye mixed patty was more flavorful and that my burger was “too busy”. This is an eight-year-old?! But I guess that is what happens when you watch nearly every Food Network show, you learn to judge and dish it up—even if it is to your mom.
Pastrami, Smoked Mac and Cheese Burger
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. ground beef chuck (80/20)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 oz. pastrami
- 4 slices fontina cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mac and cheese
- 4 tablespoons peppercinis
- 3/4 cup of crispy onions
Instructions
Evenly divide beef and shape patties approximately 4 inches in diameter and about 1 inch thick, making sure not to pack the patties to tightly.
Spread mayonaise on the inside of the bun and place it on the griddle to toast it. Then heat 2 tablespoons of oil on the griddle and place the hamburger patty down and sprinkle with kosher salt. Once the bun is toasted, remove it from the griddle; set aside. Place the pastrami on the griddle and sear. Flip the patty sprinkle with kosher salt and cook to desired doneness. Place the cheese on top and melt. Remove from heat and add the pastrami on top of the cheese. Top the pastrami with the mac and cheese, peppercinis and crispy onions. Serve immediately.
This looks like such an epic burger!!!
Goodness me this had me salivating. I love it!
Cole is one lucky little dude – getting to “judge” both of these epic burgers. Sounds like a great gig. He’s well on his way to a career in restaurant review! This burger = killer! I would have to eat this with no one watching me because I know I would make a horrible mess! 🙂
This burger is everything and then some! PERFECT for football season!
This burger looks fantastic, Naomi! I must like my burgers “busy” because I am totally digging each and EVERY component. Face-Stuffin-No-Napkins-For-Me-Deliciousness! Pinned! Cheers to a fabulous, burger-tastic Weekend!
This burger is beyond epic! Like WOW!
I COULD NOT pick between your guys’s burgers! They both blow my taste buds off my head. I mean mac and cheese on a burger? This is food HEAVEN. Pinned!
I second Taylor, I don’t think I can choose! Both burgers are to-die-for. I was literally drooling when you posted this on Instagram yesterday. And I don’t think it’s too busy AT ALL. 🙂
Sounds like a seriously decadent sandwich!
I love that you guys did your own version of Chopped at home! such a great idea! and I beg to differ. . this burger is fabulous .. clearly, Cole was bribed with M&M’s or something 😛 and can’t wait for your smoked mac and cheese! damn!
I’m all for belt-busting when it involves putting mac & cheese on a burger! Epic! I’m sorry you’re burger lost the face-off though 🙁 :p
One of my favorite restaurants occasionally has a burger special that has pastrami on it…I haven’t had the chance to try it yet but it sounds amazing. This looks to die for!
Such an epic burger, love this face-off!
Genius to pile that pastrami on a burger! Have a great weekend 🙂
OMG!!!! this is insane!!! I can’t tell you how good this looks Naomi
Holy mother of Mac and Beef, woman!! This is like all of my FAVORITE Things in between a bun!!
I love these pictures, Naomi! They’re a perfect combo of “magazine” cover slash rustic and-get-creative-with-your-blog type. That probably doesn’t make sense to anyone, haha! And I have to say I looove pastrami but don’t have it often since it can be pretty hearty. Not sure if you’ve been to this place, but THE HAT in Fullerton has really amazing sandwiches! Ps: You and Matt are so cute and fun! .I bet we all wish we could have face offs with our hubbies. 😉
This sounds SO delicious. The combination of flavors and textures sound amazing.
OMG! You’ve really outdone yourself on this one Naomi. I looked at your smoked mac and cheese recipe as well. Super impressive food seduction going on here.