Leftover Mac and Cheese Waffles
Got leftover mac and cheese? Turn leftover macaroni and cheese into crispy, cheesy Macaroni and Cheese Waffles. They’re the perfect excuse for making my ooey gooey cavatappi mac and cheese!
So read on for all the tips and tricks (and cautions!) for making Leftover Mac and Cheese Waffles. Or just grab your waffle iron, hit that Jump to Recipe button, and let’s make waffles.
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Ingredients
All you need for this macaroni and cheese waffle recipe is macaroni and cheese leftovers. You can add other things (see Variations below), but there’s no need.
Other favorite uses for Thanksgiving leftovers are my turkey pot pie with puff pastry, ham and cheese waffles, or cranberry meatloaf. But don’t forget the pie crust cookies!
Variations and substitutions
There are lots of ways you can vary your cheesy waffles:
- Sprinkle cooked bacon bits over the mac and cheese in the waffle iron.
- Mix in chopped herbs like chopped parsley or chives.
- Stir in some hot sauce or hot honey.
- Extra cheese never hurts! Kenji Lopez-Alt recommends sandwiching shredded cheese between two thin layers of macaroni.
Recipe tips and tricks
It might surprise you that the waffle iron is a great tool for cooking and crisping. I often make falafel waffles and French toast waffles. I’ve also waffled things that don’t go so well, like chocolate chip M&M cookies!
Mixing leftover bits into more traditional waffle batter is another great way to use up leftovers in your fridge. For examples, check out these ham and cheese waffles or caramelized onion waffles.
To make the macaroni and cheese waffles, start by preheating your waffle iron. Take your cold, leftover macaroni and cheese and chop into small pieces. If the mac and cheese is too thick, you can also add a splash of milk.
Scoop about half to one cup of the mixture, depending on your waffle maker, spreading it evenly. Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden and crispy.
You’ll almost certainly get fat from the cheese breaking oozing out into your waffle iron. Carefully clear that fat between each waffle.
Serve immediately.
How to serve mac and cheese waffles
I asked a bunch of you how you’d eat these, and here were your suggestions:
- Quickly, ferociously, and with both hands!
- Classic: Topped with butter and cinnamon sugar, maple syrup, or an egg on top.
- Healthy: With fresh arugula or steamed broccoli.
- Indulgent: Topped with ham and a cheese sauce, BBQ pork or pulled chicken, or underbaked and rolled around spicy fried chicken, a sausage, or hot dog.
- Totally over the top: If you love the Cheesecake Factory Mac and Cheese Burger, add a macaroni and cheese waffle to your favorite cheeseburger. Oh my.
Recipe FAQs
Store leftover macaroni and cheese waffles in the refrigerator for three to five days. These waffles reheat perfectly in a toaster oven or oven on a baking sheet or foil. I would not recommend using a traditional toaster because of the cheese.
Related waffle recipes
Check out other waffle recipes from the archives, like:
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-heart 💜💜💜💜💜 rating in the recipe card below. Let me know how much you loved it, or any problems you had, in the comments section further down.
Recipe
Leftover Mac and Cheese Waffles
Equipment
- Waffle iron
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked mac and cheese
- 2 strips bacon cooked and chopped fine, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your waffle iron. Take your cold, cooked macaroni and cheese and chop into small pieces. If your mac and cheese is too thick, you can also add a splash of milk.2 cups cooked mac and cheese
- Scoop about half cup of the mixture, depending on your waffle maker, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle on the bacon bits if you're using them. Close the waffle iron and cook until the waffles are golden and crispy.2 strips bacon
- Serve your mac and cheese waffles immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Bored with the recipes you’ve been cooking and baking lately? Get inspiration here:
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