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Macaroni Cheese Waffle Burger

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πŸ§€ Leftover Mac and Cheese Waffles transform your creamy macaroni into crispy, cheesy bites that are perfect for snacking or a fun meal twist.
πŸ₯“ Adding optional bacon bits brings a savory crunch, making this recipe both delicious and a great way to use leftovers creatively.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 waffles

Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked macaroni and cheese

– 2 strips cooked and chopped bacon (optional)

– 8 oz (225 g) macaroni pasta The base for the mac and cheese

– 2 cups (200 g) sharp cheddar, shredded For melty flavor

– 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter Adds richness

– 2 tbsp (15 g) all-purpose flour To thicken the sauce

– 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) milk For the creamy base

– 1 large egg To bind the mixture

– 1/2 cup (50 g) panko or fine breadcrumbs For texture

– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste For seasoning

– 4 burger patties (4 6 oz / 115 170 g each) Choose your favorite protein

– 1 2 tbsp neutral oil for searing To cook the patties

– Toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and condiments (ketchup, mustard, sriracha mayo)

Instructions

1-Gather and Cook the Base: Begin with mise en place and cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 8 oz (225 g) macaroni, cooking until al dente. Drain and set aside. Next, make the cheese sauce by melting 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tbsp flour, then gradually add 1 1/2 cups milk and stir in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar until smooth.

2-Gather and Cook the Base: Combine the macaroni with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Let it cool, then mix in 1 large egg and 1/2 cup panko to bind. Chill for 20 30 minutes to firm up. This step ensures your waffles hold their shape, just like in the tips for handling leftover mac and cheese.

3-Preheat and Cook: Preheat your waffle iron to medium-high. Scoop about 3/4 1 cup of the mixture into the iron and cook until golden and crisp. For the patties, season and sear in a skillet with 1 2 tbsp oil. Top with cheese if desired, and assemble with toppings for a complete Macaroni Cheese Waffle Burger.

4-Preheat and Cook: Timing tips: If you’re cooking for a crowd, make batches and keep everything warm. Remember to add variations like chopped herbs or hot sauce for extra flavor, as suggested in the recipe notes.

Last Step:

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Notes

πŸ§‡ A waffle iron crisps leftover macaroni and cheese perfectly and is versatile for other dishes.
πŸ₯› Add milk to the macaroni and cheese mixture if it is too thick for easier cooking.
⚠️ Be extremely careful cleaning melted cheese fat from the waffle iron between waffles to avoid buildup and ensure even cooking.

  • Author: Brandi Oshea
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Snack, Appetizer
  • Method: Waffle Iron Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Omnivore

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 waffle
  • Calories: 395
  • Sodium: 906mg
  • Fat: 13g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Protein: 15g