These Mac and Cheese Waffles are the best way to enjoy leftover macaroni and cheese! They’re crispy, crunchy on the outside, creamy, cheesy in the middle, and can be enjoyed for breakfast or dinner.
Why you’ll love these
- Crispy, creamy, cheesy. Just when you thought mac and cheese couldn’t possibly get any better, we throw it in a waffle maker to create a crispy, salty exterior and creamy center.
- Uses leftovers. I can never get my kids to eat leftover mac and cheese when I warm it up in the microwave, but they absolutely devour these.
- Versatile. Use your favorite mac and cheese recipe, play around with different mix-ins, and try a variety of cheese!
Ingredient notes
- Eggs – there is no substitute for the eggs, because this is what binds everything together. You’ll need 2 large eggs.
- Cornstarch – flour may be used as well, but the exterior may not be quite as crispy.
- Cheese – any shredded cheese is great: cheddar, gouda, gruyere, pepper-jack, etc. Shred your own for the best melty texture, but pre-shredded also works.
- Leftover Mac and Cheese – I used How to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese Better, but any recipe should work. You may need to play around with the amount of cornstarch and eggs depending on how creamy and gooey your leftovers were.
- Optional Spices: Smoked Paprika, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, and Salt – depending on the recipe used, you may need more or less of these. Other spices such as dried mustard and pepper would also be good.
How to make
- Mix together eggs, cornstarch, and optional spices in a large bowl, then stir in cheese and mac and cheese.
- Heat waffle maker according to manufacturer instructions (grease with cooking spray, if recommended), then scoop into hot waffle maker.
- Cook until crispy according to manufacturer instructions, then serve with desired toppings and enjoy!
Pro tip
I used the Cuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker and filled it with 1/2 cup “batter” to create 5 waffles!
Best toppings for mac and cheese waffles
Toppings will variety depending on what meal you’re serving these for, but here are some of my favorites.
- Maple syrup (pictured)
- Hot sauce (pictured)
- Fried eggs (pictured)
- Green onions
- Pickled red onions
- Sour cream
- Ketchup
- Hot honey
- Salsa
What to serve with mac and cheese waffles
The options are absolutely endless! Serve these for breakfast, an appetizer, or dinner! Anything you’d serve with waffles or mac and cheese will be delicious.
- Breakfast/Brunch: fried chicken (for fried chicken and waffles – don’t forget the maple syrup, hot sauce, fried egg, and butter)
- Appetizer: if serving these as an app, simply offer a variety of dipping sauces! Ranch, honey mustard, chick-fil-a sauce, cilantro lime sauce, etc.
- Dinner: pulled pork, tomato soup, slow cooker flank steak, etc.
How to store
Leftovers will last in the fridge for about 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container.
To enjoy again, heat in the oven until warm and crispy.
– Jennifer
Mac and Cheese Waffles
These Mac and Cheese Waffles are the best way to enjoy leftover macaroni and cheese! They're crispy, crunchy on the outside, creamy, cheesy in the middle, and can be enjoyed for breakfast or dinner.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Yield: 5 waffles
Equipment for this recipe
(equipment shown are affiliate links)
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Waffles
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheese
- 2 ½ cups leftover mac and cheese
Topping Suggestions
- Maple syrup pictured
- Hot sauce pictured
- Fried eggs pictured
- Green onions
- Pickled red onions
- Sour cream
- Ketchup
- Hot honey
- Salsa
Instructions
- Preheat and grease your waffle maker according to manufacturer instructions.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Stir in cheese and mac and cheese until combined.
- Scoop into hot waffle maker (amount depends on waffle maker used) and cook according to manufacturer instructions.
- Enjoy plain, with dipping sauces, or with any of the serving suggestions above!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:3 Days
Freezer:3 Months
Reheat:Bake until warm and crispy
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions
Notes
Depending on the recipe used, you may need more or less of each ingredient! Nutritional information is for 5 (1/2 cup) waffles. I used the Cuisinart WMR-CAP2 Round Classic Waffle Maker and filled it with 1/2 cup "batter" to create 5 waffles! Nutritional information will vary depending on mac and cheese used. Here are more ideas on what to serve with mac and cheese waffles (think chicken and waffles!).
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Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Mac and Cheese Waffles
Amount Per Serving (1 waffle)
Calories 589 Calories from Fat 234
% Daily Value*
Fat 26g40%
Saturated Fat 7g44%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 3g
Cholesterol 108mg36%
Sodium 1390mg60%
Potassium 297mg8%
Carbohydrates 62g21%
Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugar 0.2g0%
Protein 26g52%
Vitamin A 546IU11%
Vitamin C 0.1mg0%
Calcium 424mg42%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Keywords: breakfast mac and cheese, cheesy waffle, leftover mac and cheese, mac and cheese waffle, thanksgiving leftover recipe, thanksgiving leftovers