If you’re looking for a fun, indulgent twist on classic comfort food, the Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This unique creation replaces traditional burger buns with golden, crispy macaroni and cheese waffles, stacked with juicy, cheesy beef patties and all your favorite toppings. It’s the perfect marriage of creamy, cheesy pasta and sizzling burger goodness that will captivate your taste buds and impress friends and family alike. Get ready to bring a mouthwatering new favorite to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and cheesy satisfaction. From creamy cheeses to perfectly seasoned beef, every element combines to make this dish unforgettable.
- Cooked macaroni (2 cups): The pasta base for the waffles that holds everything together and adds heartiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Melts beautifully to give that signature sharp and creamy flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a tangy, salty kick enhancing richness.
- Large eggs (2): Bind the waffles while adding a fluffy, tender texture.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Lightens the batter to keep waffles moist but firm.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Introduces subtle depth and warmth.
- Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a mild, spicy note for balance.
- Nonstick spray: Essential for crisp, golden waffles that release easily.
- Ground beef (1 pound, divided into 4 patties): The meaty heart of the cheeseburger, juicy and flavorful.
- Cheddar cheese slices (4): Melts over the patties for that ooey-gooey cheeseburger magic.
- Optional toppings: Lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, red onion, ketchup, mustard, mayo—choose your favorites to personalize every bite!
How to Make Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Mac and Cheese Waffle Batter
Start by preheating your waffle iron and spraying it generously with nonstick spray—this prevents sticking and helps your waffles come out perfectly crispy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until well incorporated; this batter is the foundation of your waffles, balancing creamy, cheesy flavor with just enough binding to hold together through cooking.
Step 2: Cook the Mac and Cheese Waffles
Spoon about half a cup of the mac and cheese mixture onto the preheated waffle iron, pressing it down firmly so it holds its shape. Close the lid and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until the waffle is golden brown and crispy on the outside but tender and cheesy inside. Repeat this to make a total of 4 waffles. Let them cool for a few minutes—they’ll firm up as they rest, making them easier to handle during assembly.
Step 3: Cook the Burger Patties
While your waffles are cooling, season the beef patties with salt and pepper. Cook them over medium-high heat, either in a skillet or on a grill, for 3 to 4 minutes per side or until they reach your preferred level of doneness. Just before they’re done, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each patty to melt into delicious, gooey perfection.
Step 4: Assemble Your Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger
Take two golden mac and cheese waffles and sandwich a cheesy burger patty between them. Then add the optional toppings you love—crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, tangy pickles, sharp red onions, and your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. This assembly is where all the textures and flavors come together in one satisfying bite.
How to Serve Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes elevate this dish from delicious to downright irresistible. Crisp lettuce and juicy tomato slices add freshness that perfectly balances the rich, cheesy waffles and meaty patties. Pickles bring a tangy crunch, and red onion slices add a pop of sharpness that cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
For a complete meal, serve your Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger Recipe alongside crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or a fresh garden salad. Coleslaw also makes a fantastic side, offering cool crispness and acidity that contrast mouthwatering cheeseburger flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress guests or turn this into a fun party dish? Serve mini versions as sliders with toothpicks and an array of colorful toppings for a build-your-own burger bar. Alternatively, plate each burger with a stack of mac and cheese waffle fries for a themed twist that showcases the versatility of this creative recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, wrap each mac and cheese waffle cheeseburger tightly in foil or use an airtight container to store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, flavors stay fresh and textures hold up surprisingly well.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked mac and cheese waffles separately on a parchment-lined tray first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze burger patties individually too. This method lets you reheat components quickly for future delicious meals without sacrificing quality.
Reheating
To revive your leftovers, toast the mac and cheese waffles in a toaster oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness, and warm the burger patties gently in a skillet or microwave. Then reassemble for a meal that’s almost as good as fresh off the grill.
FAQs
Can I use different cheeses for the mac and cheese waffles?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack to change the flavor profile. Just be sure they melt well and complement the cheddar in the patties.
How do I prevent the macaroni waffles from falling apart?
Using cold, cooked macaroni works best as it helps the batter stick together. Also, be sure to press the batter firmly into the waffle iron and let the waffles cool briefly before handling.
Can I make the burgers vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the beef patties with plant-based burger options or even grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian take on this fun recipe.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The mac and cheese waffles can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen, and burger patties can be cooked in advance too, then assembled just before eating for quick meals.
What sides pair best with the Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger Recipe?
Crispy fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad all make excellent side dishes. These options balance the rich flavors and complete the meal nicely.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully playful and satisfying about the Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger Recipe that makes it a fantastic dish to share and savor. It takes beloved comfort foods and elevates them into a stunning combo bursting with texture and flavor. Whether for a weekend treat, a crowd-pleasing party platter, or just because, this recipe is destined to become a new classic in your kitchen. So grab your waffle iron and get ready for some serious deliciousness!
Print
Macaroni and Cheese Waffle Cheeseburger Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
A fun and indulgent twist on the classic cheeseburger, featuring juicy grilled beef patties sandwiched between crispy, cheesy macaroni and cheese waffles. This creative comfort food combines rich cheddar flavors with a satisfying waffle texture to elevate your burger experience.
Ingredients
Mac and Cheese Waffles
- 2 cups cooked macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick spray
Burger
- 1 pound ground beef (divided into 4 patties)
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Red onion
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
Instructions
- Prepare the waffle iron: Preheat the waffle iron and generously spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix waffle batter: In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until fully blended.
- Cook the mac and cheese waffles: Scoop about 1/2 cup of the mixture onto the waffle iron and press down firmly. Cook for 4–6 minutes until the waffles are golden and crisp. Repeat to make a total of 4 waffles. Allow them to cool slightly to firm up.
- Cook burger patties: While waffles are cooking, season ground beef patties with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes on each side or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
- Melt cheese on patties: Top each cooked patty with a slice of cheddar cheese and let it melt while still on the heat.
- Assemble the burgers: Place one cheesy burger patty between two mac and cheese waffles. Add your preferred optional toppings like lettuce, tomato, pickles, red onion, ketchup, mustard, and mayo.
- Serve: Serve the assembled macaroni and cheese waffle cheeseburgers immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use cold, leftover macaroni for the waffles as it holds together better during cooking.
- Mac and cheese waffles can be made in advance and reheated in a toaster oven to regain crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste for the burger and the waffle batter.
