Truly not sure if there is anything more fun than turning American food classics into new recipes!
Fine, in re-reading that sentence, it’s fair to question our fun-scale, but what we need you to understand here is that this clever, wonderful, cheesy pan of goodness is just an A+ very good time and we’re not sorry about it. They help keep the wallet a little fuller, too.
Of course, the kids will love them because all these repurposed promises are kept here, in every scoopy bite.
1. Mac and Cheese Waffles
Get that waffle iron fired up, because we are making a treat that is just so much fun for brunch or even dinner.
This is one of those ideas that just feels right. Your waffle iron gives the mac and cheese this delightfully crispy texture that is just out of this world.
And can we talk about how easy it is? The only things you’ll need to add are an egg, some flour, and a bit of cheddar cheese. Oh, and whatever toppings your heart desires, of course!
2. Chili Mac
Have you ever seen a dish that screams comfort more than this? Just look at this pot of cheesy, savory goodness!
I’m telling you, every single bite is a heartwarming combination of beef, beans, pasta, and cheese. It’s the kind of thing you want on game day, at a potluck, or just for a cozy family dinner.
If you need a little kick of heat, a few fresh jalapeño peppers on top will do the trick. This one is going to win over some hearts, for sure.
3. Macaroni and Cheese Egg Rolls
Okay, on the outside, these might look like your everyday egg rolls. But SURPRISE! The inside is absolutely packed with mac and cheese and bacon.
And what’s an egg roll without a perfect dipping sauce? Go ahead and grab your favorite barbecue sauce for this one.
A little pro-tip: to get that perfect texture, you’ve got to get the oil temperature just right. If it’s too hot they’ll burn, and if it’s too low they just won’t get that amazing crispiness.
4. Mini Leftover Mac and Cheese Quesadillas
These quesadillas are just epic. Can you picture it? A heaping mound of your leftover mac and cheese stuffed between two mini flour tortillas.
And the add-ins? It’s a choose-your-own-adventure situation! Bacon, hot sauce, caramelized onions, or avocado all work beautifully.
The mini size makes them perfect for a party appetizer or a quick snack. But if you’re feeling extra hungry, nobody’s stopping you from using burrito-sized tortillas. You do you!
5. Mexican Fried Mac and Cheese
Let’s give those leftovers a serious flavor boost with bacon, cumin, and jalapeños. I want you to think of these as what would happen if jalapeño poppers and mac and cheese balls had a delicious baby.
Does that not sound completely amazing? You just have to try them for yourself to see how great they truly are!
6. Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese
Besides quesadillas, a good grilled cheese is my other absolute favorite way to put leftover mac and cheese to work. And this recipe? It’s one of the best out there, truly.
The inside is just oozing with all that mac and cheese goodness. The butter gives the golden-brown sourdough a perfect crunch that is just so satisfying.
And to all my hot sauce lovers out there: go ahead and douse it. You have my full permission!
7. Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls
These mac and cheese balls are little bites of heaven. The breadcrumbs give them an incredible crispy coating, while the inside is just flowing with gooey mac and cheese.
Here’s a little secret to keep them from falling apart: chill the mac and cheese for a few hours first. Using an ice cream scooper is also a great trick for getting that perfect portion.
Whether you serve them as an appetizer or a snack, they’re a guilty pleasure everyone is going to devour. And that’s a good thing, because this recipe makes a nice big batch!
8. Macaroni and Cheese Pizza
I know what I’m making for our next pizza night! This is such a fun idea for a topping, and it’s one the whole family can get behind.
It’s got mac and cheese, bacon, and even more cheese on top. With a topping this hefty, you’ll want a crust that can handle it.
Just be sure you don’t roll it out too thin—it needs to be thick enough to hold up all that deliciousness!
9. Leftover Mac and Cheese Cups
Okay, so you went a little overboard and made too much mac and cheese. What now? You turn them into these cups!
These are the perfect poppable bites for eating your mac and cheese on the go. An egg helps bind it all together in a muffin tin, and for a little something extra, you can top them with breadcrumbs, paprika, and butter.
Any you don’t eat right away can be popped in the freezer for another day.
10. Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Flatbread Pizza
Yeah, it’s a little junky, but oh my gosh is it delicious. This air fryer flatbread is almost dangerously easy.
You just top your flatbread with the leftovers and sprinkle on some more cheese. About ten minutes later, it’s ready to eat.
It’s also super customizable, so feel free to throw on any other toppings that are calling your name.
11. Mac and Cheese Tacos
Why not turn your Meatless Monday leftovers into a Taco Tuesday treat? This is one of those clever ideas that even the pickiest eaters in your house won’t be able to say no to.
Just warm up the leftovers, adding a little extra cheese if you feel like it, and stuff it all into a warm tortilla. To finish them off, a sprinkle of crushed Ritz crackers is the perfect touch.
If you’re looking for a protein boost, some chicken, beef, or ham would be great fillings, too!
12. Pepperoni Mac and Cheese Skillet
Working with pizza dough isn’t always the easiest. So how about swapping it out for mac and cheese? This fun food mashup is about as indulgent as you can get.
The mac and cheese creates a “crust” on the bottom of the skillet, while pepperoni and mozzarella on top turn it into a pizza.
Go ahead and spoil your family with this for dinner. They will think you are the coolest parent on the planet!
13. Macaroni and Cheese Muffins with Ham
Here’s a totally kid-friendly recipe that your little ones can even help make. It’s so simple!
Just mix your leftover mac with diced ham, an egg, and a bit more cheese, then bake it all up. How easy is that? It’s a win-win.
14. Mac and Cheese Smashed Burgers
Doesn’t this just look like something you’d see on a food TV show? At first, it might sound like it’s a bit over the top. But by the end, you’re just left drooling.
Maybe you can start that new diet tomorrow. Tonight, you should go out with a bang and make these incredible smashed burgers.
15. Mini Mac and Cheese Puffs
I have to warn you, these little puffs are seriously addicting. The puff pastry on the outside gives them the most incredible texture, and they’re just crammed with mac and cheese on the inside.
For a little extra bite, you can mix your leftovers with some garlic, mustard, and onions. They’re so flavorful on their own, you won’t even need a sauce for dipping!
16. Leftover Mac and Cheese Soup
Mac and cheese in a soup? You bet I’ll give that a try!
If you’re a fan of super rich comfort food, you really should, too. You just plop those leftovers right into a thick, creamy base made with cheese, broth, and milk.
You can easily keep it vegan-friendly with non-dairy and meat-free ingredients. Or, go all in on the decadence with chicken stock, butter, and cow’s milk.