Mac and Cheese Stuffed Waffles (Print Version)

Crispy, cheesy waffles with macaroni inside offer a playful take on classic comfort fare.

# Components:

→ Mac and Cheese

01 - 7 oz elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups whole milk
03 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
05 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
06 - 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard

→ Waffle Batter

10 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
11 - 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
12 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
13 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1 1/4 cups buttermilk
16 - 2 large eggs
17 - 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted

→ For Cooking

18 - Nonstick cooking spray or additional melted butter

# Directions:

01 - Bring salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
02 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add whole milk while whisking constantly. Cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
03 - Stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. Fold in cooked macaroni. Let the mixture cool slightly.
04 - In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, and melted butter. Pour wet ingredients into dry and mix until just combined.
05 - Preheat waffle iron to medium-high and lightly grease with nonstick spray or melted butter.
06 - Spoon a thin layer of waffle batter to cover the bottom of the waffle iron. Place a scoop of mac and cheese in the center, leaving a border. Cover with more batter. Close waffle iron and cook for 4-6 minutes until golden and crisp.
07 - Repeat with remaining batter and mac and cheese. Serve waffles immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry and fridge
  • Ready in just about half an hour
  • Fun for all ages and perfect for sharing with family or friends
  • Creative twist that brings new life to classic mac and cheese
02 -
  • A hearty serving delivers craveable texture with a crisp outside and gooey center
  • Stuffed waffles freeze and reheat surprisingly well
  • Each bite is loaded with calcium protein and kids will never guess there is hidden goodness inside
  • Sharp cheddar might be my top ingredient here because it adds boldness and depth that cuts through the sweetness of the batter.
03 -
  • Make sure your mac and cheese mixture is not too runny or it will ooze out during cooking
  • Do not overfill the waffle iron to avoid leaks and a messy cleanup
  • Let the filled waffles cool for a minute before serving so the cheese sets slightly for a perfect slice

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