When hunger strikes and you’re caught in a fast-food rut, there’s nothing more satisfying than taking a culinary adventure right in your kitchen. Enter the Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger: a delightful mashup that combines crispy waffles with creamy macaroni and juicy burgers for an unforgettable comfort food experience. Picture this: the golden, crunchy exterior of the waffle encases a warm, cheesy macaroni filling, all while being lifted by a perfectly cooked burger patty—pure bliss in a bite!
Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend gathering with friends, this dish brings together flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, the versatility of this recipe means you can easily customize your toppings to match your mood. From crispy bacon to a luscious runny egg, the choices are endless! Join me in making this amazing recipe that promises to transform your mealtime into something thrilling and delicious. Let’s dive right in!
Why is the Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger unique?
Unforgettable Flavor: The fusion of gooey macaroni and a juicy burger creates a taste sensation you won’t forget.
Crispy Perfection: Experience the satisfying crunch of a waffle outside, perfectly encasing the creamy goodness within.
Customizable Delight: Choose your favorite proteins and toppings to suit everyone’s cravings—options are limitless!
Quick Meal Solution: Perfect for those hectic nights when you need comfort food on the table fast.
Family-Friendly Fun: Kids and adults alike will love this interactive dish that makes mealtime feel special. Perfect for families craving something exciting yet satisfying!
Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese
- Elbow Macaroni – A classic base carbohydrate that cooks quickly and pairs perfectly with cheese.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Provides a creamy, rich flavor; feel free to substitute with your preferred cheese variety.
- Milk – Adds a luscious creaminess to the cheese sauce; use almond or oat milk for a dairy-free option.
- Unsalted Butter – Essential for richness and moisture; coconut oil works well for a dairy-free twist.
For the Waffle Mixture
- Eggs – Binds the waffle mix together; flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) can be a great substitute.
- All-Purpose Flour – Adds structure to the waffles; whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour can also work.
- Cornmeal – Introduces delightful texture to the waffles; opt for fine-ground cornmeal for a smoother finish.
- Baking Powder – Helps the waffles rise; make sure it’s fresh for optimal fluffiness.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors; sea salt is a fantastic choice for a gourmet touch.
- Black Pepper – A touch of spiciness; adjust to your taste preference.
For the Burger
- Ground Beef/Turkey – The heart of the burger; substitute with plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger variation.
- Worcestershire Sauce – Adds a deep, umami flavor; vegan versions are available for those avoiding animal products.
- Cooking Spray/Oil – Prevents sticking in the waffle iron; a light coat of oil keeps it healthier.
Optional Toppings
- Bacon – Crispy bacon elevates the flavor; who can resist the crunch?
- Fried Egg – A runny yolk adds richness; perfect for the breakfast lover in you!
- Sliced Jalapeños – For a spicy kick; customize the heat level to your liking.
- Ranch Dressing or Hot Sauce – Drizzle on to take your burger experience to the next level.
With a wonderfully inventive blend of classic flavors, the Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger is set to be your new favorite comfort dish!
How to Make Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger
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Cook the Macaroni: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until al dente, about 8 minutes, and drain the pasta.
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Make Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the milk and let it simmer. Gradually add the sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth. Mix in the cooked macaroni until well combined.
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Prepare Burger Patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into 4-6 equally sized patties.
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Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, until they’re fully cooked and have a nice golden-brown crust.
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Make the Waffle Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
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Preheat Waffle Iron: While you prepare the filling and patties, preheat your waffle iron to ensure it’s ready for cooking.
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Assemble Waffles: Lightly spray the waffle iron with cooking spray. Pour a scoop of the waffle mix into the iron, add a generous portion of the macaroni and cheese, place a burger patty on top, and cover with more waffle mix.
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Cook Waffle Burger: Close the waffle iron and cook for 5-7 minutes. You’re looking for a beautiful golden brown exterior and a hot, gooey center.
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Serve: Carefully remove the waffle burger from the iron and repeat the process until you’ve used all your ingredients.
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Top Your Creation: Get creative and add your favorite toppings, like crispy bacon, a runny fried egg, sliced jalapeños, ranch dressing, or your preferred hot sauce.
Optional: For extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed potato chips on top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger?
Pairing this delightful mashup with complementary sides will create a full meal experience that’s nothing short of spectacular.
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Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness balances the savory burger while adding a crunchy texture for contrast.
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Garlic Butter Green Beans: These vibrant green beans tossed in garlic butter bring freshness and a slight crunch to your plate.
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Coleslaw: This creamy or vinegar-based salad adds a refreshing crunch that beautifully contrasts the richness of the burger. A tangy coleslaw can brighten up the meal and offer a balanced bite that everyone will enjoy.
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Classic Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a crunchy, refreshing counterpart to the hearty burger. Plus, the creamy dressing echoes the comforting flavors of the main dish.
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Pickle Chips: A side of tangy pickles adds a zesty crunch that cuts through the richness, making each bite more enjoyable. They can also serve as a fun topping if desired.
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Homemade Onion Rings: Extravagant yet fun, crispy onion rings offer a pleasant crunch and a delicious flavor that complements the burger perfectly.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing drink, like lemonade or iced tea, cuts through the richness with a bright and refreshing flavor. A splash of lemon can make your meal feel vibrant and lively!
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Churros or Brownies: For dessert, light and crispy churros dusted with cinnamon sugar or dense chocolate brownies would end the meal on a sweet note, rounding out this unforgettable dining experience.
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burgers are perfect for meal prep, saving you time during busy weeknights! You can prepare the macaroni and cheese and the burger patties up to 24 hours in advance; simply cook the macaroni, make the cheese sauce, and store them together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Form the burger patties and cover them tightly with plastic wrap or in a sealed container. When you’re ready to cook, just reheat the macaroni and cheese and shape the waffles around your chilled burger patties. Ensuring the waffle iron is preheated will help achieve that perfect crispy texture. You’ll delight in a quick, sumptuous meal that’s just as delicious as fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger
Fridge: Store leftover waffle burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to restore crispiness.
Freezer: Freeze individual waffle burgers wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. This ensures the Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger remains crispy and delicious.
Make-Ahead: Prepare all components ahead of time and store separately in the fridge. Assemble and cook when ready to serve, adding freshness to your comfort food experience.
Expert Tips for the Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger
- Heat Your Waffle Iron: Ensure it’s properly pre-heated to achieve that satisfying crispy exterior everyone loves. A cold waffle iron can lead to soggy results.
- Burger Juiciness: Avoid overcooking the burger patties. Cook them just until they reach a safe temperature to keep them juicy and flavorful.
- Macaroni Layering: Don’t overload the waffle iron with too much macaroni. A balanced amount allows the waffle batter to cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheese varieties! While sharp cheddar is classic, mozzarella or pepper jack can add unique flavors to your Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger.
- Topping Variety: Consider unique toppings, like sautéed onions or a spicy aioli, to elevate your burger experience. Customize it to suit your mood or occasion!
Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger Variations
Feel free to put your own spin on this comforting masterpiece and create flavors that you love!
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Cheese Swaps: Replace cheddar with gouda or brie for a creamy, melty experience that brings a delightful twist.
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Zucchini Noodles: Substitute elbow macaroni with spiralized zucchini for a lighter, low-carb version that adds fresh flavor.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes into the burger patties for a fiery surprise that’ll warm your soul.
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Herbed Delight: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley into the waffle mix for a fragrant, garden-fresh flavor that elevates each bite.
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Veggie Boost: Stir chopped spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers into the cheese sauce to sneak in more nutrition while adding depth of flavor.
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Different Proteins: Swap ground beef for chicken or turkey, or try lentil-based crumbles for a hearty vegetarian option everyone will adore!
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Sweet and Savory: Top your waffle burger with caramelized onions or a drizzle of honey for a scrumptious contrast to the savory elements.
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Bun-less Option: Use the waffle burger construction without the meat; stack up layers of macaroni and cheese with toppings for a gluten-free, hearty dish!
Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger Recipe FAQs
What type of pasta is best for the macaroni component?
I recommend using elbow macaroni for the classic touch, but you can absolutely use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs. Just make sure to cook it until al dente, which typically takes about 8 minutes.
How should I store leftover Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burgers?
Place any leftover waffle burgers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to enjoy them again, reheat in the oven or a toaster oven to maintain that delightful crispiness.
Can I freeze the Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burgers?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap each individual waffle burger tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for about 2 months. When ready, just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a tasty meal.
What should I do if my burger patties are dry?
To keep your burger patties juicy, avoid overcooking them. Cooking them for 4-5 minutes per side over medium-high heat should maintain their juiciness. Additionally, adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce not only enhances flavor but also aids in keeping the patties moist.
Are there any allergy considerations?
Yes—this recipe contains dairy and gluten. For dairy-free options, substitute regular milk with almond or oat milk and use plant-based cheese. If someone has a gluten allergy, ensure to use gluten-free pasta and flour. Always check packaging for any hidden allergens.
What are some great topping ideas for the Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger?
The more the merrier when it comes to toppings! Feel free to get creative—consider adding crispy bacon, a runny fried egg, sliced jalapeños for heat, or even ranch dressing to enhance flavor. Customize it based on what you and your family love!
Macaroni & Cheese Waffle Burger: Your New Favorite Comfort Dish
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a pot of water to a boil, add elbow macaroni, and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain the pasta.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in milk and let it simmer. Gradually add sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth, then mix in the cooked macaroni.
- Prepare Burger Patties: In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Shape into 4-6 equal patties.
- Cook the Burgers: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook patties for 4-5 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Make the Waffle Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Preheat Waffle Iron: Ensure it’s ready for cooking while preparing other components.
- Assemble Waffles: Lightly spray waffle iron, pour a scoop of waffle mix, add macaroni and cheese, place a burger patty on top, and cover with more waffle mix.
- Cook Waffle Burger: Close waffle iron and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and gooey inside.
- Serve: Carefully remove waffle burger and repeat until all ingredients are used.
- Top Your Creation: Add favorite toppings like bacon, fried egg, jalapeños, ranch dressing, or hot sauce.