Didn’t finish all your mac and cheese? These fun leftover mac and cheese recipes will show you what to make.
It happens. We don’t always finish off a bowl of mac and cheese. But don’t throw it out!
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There are a bunch of clever ways to repurpose those leftovers.
Turn them into muffins or add them to chili. The kids will love those leftovers in waffles, and so will you.
As a beloved American food, these leftover mac and cheese recipes are sure to please.
So pick out your favorite and reduce food waste. They help keep the wallet a little fuller, too.
1. Leftover Mac and Cheese Cups
So you made too much mac and cheese. Now what do you do?
Turn them into these cups!
These poppable bites let you eat your mac and cheese on the run.
With the help of an egg, you can bind them into muffins. Top each one with breadcrumbs, butter, and paprika for a little extra oomph.
Whatever you won’t eat in a few days, freeze for later.
2. Crispy Mac and Cheese Balls
These mac and cheese balls are little morsels of heaven.
Breadcrumbs give them a crispy coating, while the inside is oozing with gooey mac and cheese.
To keep them from falling apart, chill the mac and cheese for a few hours.
An ice cream scooper also helps achieve the perfect serving.
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Appetizers or snacks, they’re a guilty pleasure everyone will devour. That’s a good thing, too, because these yield a large serving.
3. Leftover Mac and Cheese Soup
Mac and cheese soup? Sure, I’ll give it a try!
If you like very rich comfort food, you should try it too.
You plop those leftovers into a thick creamy base of cheese, milk, and broth.
Use non-dairy and meat-free ingredients to keep it vegan-friendly. Or ramp up the decadence with cow’s milk, butter, and chicken stock.
4. Mini Leftover Mac and Cheese Quesadillas
These quesadillas are epic!
Stuffed between two mini flour tortillas is a mound of leftover mac and cheese. As for add-ins, use any fillings you like.
Bacon, avocado, caramelized onions, or hot sauce, there are plenty of variations.
The smaller size is great for a snack or a party appetizer.
For those getting hangry, swap out the tortillas for burrito sized.
5. Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese
Next to quesadillas, grilled cheese is my other favorite way to use leftover mac and cheese.
And this grilled cheese recipe is one of the best.
The inside is oozing with mac and cheese goodness. Butter also gives the golden brown sourdough the best crunch.
To any hot sauce lovers, I say douse away!
6. Macaroni and Cheese Muffins with Ham
Here’s a kid-friendly recipe your kids can make.
Just mix leftover mac and cheese diced ham, an egg and more cheese, then bake!
How easy is that?
7. Mexican Fried Mac and Cheese
Amp up your mac and cheese leftovers with bacon, jalapenos, and cumin.
Think of these, like jalapeno poppers meet mac and cheese balls.
Sounds amazing, huh? Try them and see how great they are!
8. Chili Mac
Have you ever seen anything more comforting than this? Just look at this big pot of cheesy, savory deliciousness!
Every bite has a heartwarming combo of beef, cheese, pasta, beans, and more.
If you need a kick of heat, garnish with fresh jalapeno peppers.
Game days, tailgates, potlucks, or family dinners, it will win over hearts for sure.
9. Mac and Cheese Waffles
Heat up the waffle iron and let’s make this treat!
This is a fun one for brunches and doubles as dinner.
The waffle iron gives the mac and cheese a delightfully crispy texture, and it’s super easy, too.
The only extra ingredients you need are flour, an egg, and cheddar cheese.
Oh, and of course, your toppings of choice.
10. Mac and Cheese Tacos
Turn Meatless Monday leftovers into a Taco Tuesday treat with leftover mac and cheese.
This clever idea is one that even picky eaters can’t refuse.
Warm up the leftovers with extra cheese if desired. Then stuff it into a warm tortilla.
To top off the tacos, sprinkle each one with crushed Ritz crackers.
For a boost of protein, chicken, ham, or beef work well as fillings.
11. Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Mac and cheese just found a new home in these peppers.
It’s a genius vegetarian-friendly idea for dinner.
Most peppers get stuffed with rice and beef. These, however, are all mac and cheese.
I love the added topping of breadcrumbs too. It adds a little texture without any extra fuss.
12. Macaroni and Cheese Pizza
Next pizza night, I know what I’m making!
This is such a fun pizza topping idea. It’s also one that the family will agree on.
It features mac and cheese, bacon, and extra cheese. With a hefty topping like that, you need a thick crust to match.
Be sure to not roll it out too thin. You need it thick enough to support all the yumminess on top.
13. Macaroni and Cheese Egg Rolls
On the outside, these look like your typical egg rolls. But on the inside, they’re packed with mac and cheese and bacon.
Every egg roll also needs a dipping sauce to match. So use your favorite barbecue sauce.
To achieve the perfect texture, double check the temperature of your oil.
Too hot and these will burn. Too low and they won’t cook right.
14. Mac and Cheese Smashed Burgers
Doesn’t this remind you of one of those things you’d see on a food show?
At the start, it sounds overboard. Yet, in the end, it leaves you drooling.
Maybe skip starting your new diet until tomorrow. Tonight, go out with a bang and make smashed burgers.
15. Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Flatbread Pizza
Sure, it’s junky. But boy is it delicious!
This air fryer flatbread is dangerously easy to make. You top flatbread with your leftovers, then sprinkle on more cheese.
About 10 minutes later, it’s time to eat.
It’s super customizable, too. So you can add any other toppings that jump out at you.
16. Mini Mac and Cheese Puffs
Be careful, these mini puffs are addicting.
The outside has the most incredible texture thanks to the puff pastry. Meanwhile, crammed inside is mac and cheese.
Mix the leftovers with garlic, onions, and mustard for a little extra bite.
They’re so flavorful, you won’t need a sauce on the side.
17. Pepperoni Mac and Cheese Skillet
Working with pizza dough can be tricky. So why not trade it in for mac and cheese instead?
This fun food mashup is about as indulgent as it gets.
Mac and cheese lines the bottom of the skillet, acting as a crust. On top, pepperoni and mozzarella turn it into pizza.
Spoil the family and make this for dinner. They’ll think you’re the best parent ever!
17 Best Leftover Mac and Cheese Recipes
These leftover mac and cheese recipes might be better than the original dish! From quesadillas to grilled cheese to waffles, transform your leftovers into masterpieces!
Ingredients
Leftover Mac and Cheese Cups
Leftover Mac and Cheese Soup
Mini Leftover Mac and Cheese Quesadillas
Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese
Macaroni and Cheese Muffins
Stuffing Topped Mac and Cheese
Chili Mac
Mac and Cheese Waffles
Mac and Cheese Tacos
Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Macaroni and Cheese Pizza
Macaroni and Cheese Egg Rolls
Mac and Cheese Smashed Burgers
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Flatbread Pizza
Mini Mac and Cheese Puffs
Pepperoni Mac and Cheese Skillet
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe.
- Organize all the required ingredients.
- Prep a mac and cheese recipe in 30 minutes or less!
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