Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish for many, but it can be a challenge to make it taste as good as new when reheating leftovers. The pasta tends to stiffen, and the cheese can lose its flavour and creaminess. However, there are numerous ways to dress up leftover macaroni and cheese to make it taste even better than the first time around. From adding milk and butter to turning it into an entirely new dish, such as pizza, salad, soup, or quesadillas, the possibilities are endless.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reheating | Add butter, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, or sour cream |
| Baked dishes | Macaroni and cheese cups/muffins, pizza, macaroni salad, macaroni and cheese steak |
| Fried dishes | Macaroni and cheese fritters, macaroni and cheese balls, fried macaroni and cheese hearts |
| Other dishes | Macaroni and cheese sandwiches, macaroni and cheese tacos, macaroni and cheese quesadillas, macaroni and cheese grilled cheese, macaroni and cheese stuffed peppers, macaroni and cheese soup |
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What You'll Learn
Make mac and cheese cups/muffins
Mac and cheese cups or muffins are a fun way to use up leftover mac and cheese. They are handheld, portable, and perfect for kids' lunchboxes, snacks, or party appetizers.
To make mac and cheese cups, preheat your oven to 425° F. Grease a 6-cup muffin pan with a generous coating of cooking spray or butter. In a medium bowl, mix the leftover mac and cheese, beaten egg, and shredded cheese until thoroughly combined. You can also add milk to loosen the mixture if it looks too dry. Spoon the mixture into the muffin pan and sprinkle with a breadcrumb topping. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the tops are deep golden. Allow the muffins to cool for 5-10 minutes, then run a butter knife around the edges to loosen them before lifting them out of the pan.
For the topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, olive oil, paprika, or salt. You can also add shredded cheese to the topping for extra cheesiness.
You can get creative and add other ingredients to your mac and cheese cups, such as broccoli, chicken, onions, or different types of cheese.
Leftover mac and cheese cups can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days or frozen in a sealed zip-top bag for up to one month. To reheat, bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, air fry at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes for a quicker option, although this will result in a less crispy texture.
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Add to a sandwich
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be transformed into a variety of delicious sandwiches. Here are some ideas to dress up your leftover macaroni and cheese and take your sandwich game to the next level:
Grilled Cheese Sandwich:
Combine leftover macaroni and cheese with grilled cheese to create an ultimate comfort food mashup. Simply place your leftover mac and cheese between two slices of buttered bread and grill it to perfection. You can elevate this sandwich by adding toppings such as tomato slices, pulled pork, grilled onions, avocado, pesto, or Buffalo sauce. For an unexpected twist, try adding fruit like apple slices or pomegranate seeds to your grilled cheese sandwich.
Thanksgiving Leftover Sandwich:
If you have leftover Thanksgiving dinner, create a sandwich by piling macaroni and cheese onto bread along with leftover turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce. This combination of flavours and textures will surely satisfy your taste buds.
Mac and Cheese Burger:
Take your burger to the next level by using leftover macaroni and cheese as a topping. It adds a cheesy twist to your traditional burger and pairs exceptionally well with barbecue flavours. For extra crunch, add barbecue chips to your burger. You can also include other toppings such as crispy onion straws or pulled pork. This option is also suitable for vegetarians, who can add macaroni and cheese to a plant-based burger patty.
Mac and Cheese Waffle Sandwich:
Try something unique by using leftover macaroni and cheese as a waffle-type dish. Simply scoop your mac and cheese into a greased waffle iron. You can add breadcrumbs, bacon, or any other toppings that suit your taste. Create a Southern-inspired stack by using two mac and cheese waffles to sandwich crispy honey chicken.
Mini Mac Sandwich:
Stuff leftover macaroni and cheese inside dinner rolls to create mini mac sandwiches. You can add cooked ham or bacon pieces for extra flavour and sprinkle with salt and black pepper. For an extra creamy texture, consider adding sour cream to your mac and cheese filling.
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Make mac and cheese pizza
Mac and cheese pizza is a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. It is a careful layering of carbs that combines two comfort foods into one delicious dish. Here is a detailed recipe for making mac and cheese pizza:
Ingredients:
- Pizza dough
- Olive oil
- Dried herbs
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, American, Gruyère, or Havarti)
- Leftover macaroni and cheese
- Bacon
- Oregano
- Parsley
Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Cook the macaroni in boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Press or roll the pizza dough into a 14-inch pizza pan or a large baking sheet.
- Brush the crust with olive oil and sprinkle with dried herbs or rosemary.
- Sprinkle shredded or grated cheese onto the crust. A combination of cheeses works well, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan.
- In a bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the remaining cheese, crumbled bacon, and oregano.
- Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly over the pizza crust.
- Bake the pizza for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted.
- Garnish with parsley, slice, and serve.
Tips:
- For a thin-crust pizza, roll the dough out onto a large sheet pan. Keep the amount of toppings the same but spread them evenly across the crust.
- If you prefer not to fry the bacon, you can bake it in the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lay the bacon in a single layer, and bake at 400 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Shredding your own cheese will result in a better melt.
- If your leftover macaroni and cheese is cold, add a splash of milk or extra cheese to loosen it up before spreading it onto the pizza crust.
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Add meat and/or veggies
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be dressed up in various ways to create a new and exciting meal. Adding meat and/or vegetables is a great way to transform your leftovers into something delicious and nutritious. Here are some ideas to inspire you:
Hearty Meats
For a hearty and satisfying option, combine your leftover macaroni and cheese with chopped cooked meat such as bacon, ham, turkey, or chicken. You can simply mix and bake until the cheese melts, or try forming the mixture into balls and frying for a crispy treat. Alternatively, you can create a meaty sauce to pour over your macaroni and cheese. Try browning some chip steak or ground beef with onions and garlic, then add in your choice of vegetables and the leftover macaroni and cheese. This option is a great way to boost the nutritional value of your meal.
Taco Twist
Transform your leftovers into a Taco Tuesday treat! Warm up your macaroni and cheese with extra cheese, then stuff it into a warm tortilla. Top with crushed crackers, and for a boost of protein, add chicken, ham, or beef. You can also add in some vegetables, such as peppers or onions, for an extra kick of flavor and texture.
Pizza Perfection
Macaroni and cheese can make a great base for a pizza topping. Simply spread it over a pizza base and add your favorite toppings. For a classic combination, try pepperoni and mozzarella. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add macaroni and cheese to the dough itself before baking for a unique and indulgent twist.
Souper Soup
Leftover macaroni and cheese can be added to a soup to create a hearty and comforting meal. Try heating it up with chicken stock, diced chicken, and canned green chiles for a flavorful and satisfying soup. You could also add some vegetables, such as carrots or celery, for extra nutrition.
Veggie Options
To make your macaroni and cheese healthier, add some vegetables! Cauliflower is a great option as it has a mild flavor and will add extra nutrition without altering the taste too much. You can also try adding in some chopped vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, or spinach, to boost the nutritional value and create a well-rounded meal.
With these ideas, you can transform your leftover macaroni and cheese into a variety of delicious and satisfying meals that your family and friends will love!
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Bake into fritters/balls
Bake leftover macaroni and cheese into fritters/balls
Mac and cheese balls are a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. They are crispy on the outside, with a gooey, molten, cheesy centre, making them the ultimate comfort food. They are easy to make and can be baked or fried. Here is a simple recipe to follow:
Ingredients
- Leftover macaroni and cheese (cold)
- Eggs
- Breadcrumbs (Panko crumbs are recommended)
- Oil for frying (vegetable oil is recommended)
- Salt
- Seasonings (optional)
Method
- Combine any leftover mac and cheese with extra cheese (if desired) in a bowl.
- Roll the mixture into balls, about 1-2 inches in size.
- Beat eggs in a shallow bowl to create an egg wash.
- Prepare the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. Seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper can be added to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
- Dip each mac and cheese ball into the egg wash, ensuring they are well coated.
- Roll the coated balls in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the crumbs stick.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 15 minutes to help them hold their shape.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan.
- Fry the balls until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and enjoy!
These mac and cheese balls can also be baked in the oven. Simply spritz them with cooking spray and bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown. They can also be baked from frozen at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 18-20 minutes.
So, there you have it! A delicious and easy way to transform your leftover macaroni and cheese into crispy, cheesy fritters or balls.
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Frequently asked questions
To make your leftover macaroni and cheese more flavourful, you can add butter, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, or cream cheese.
There are many ways to repurpose leftover macaroni and cheese. You can make macaroni and cheese cups/muffins, pizza, quesadillas, grilled cheese, tacos, or soup. You can also stuff them into dinner rolls, tortillas, or burgers for a cheesy surprise.
To make macaroni and cheese cups or muffins, use leftover macaroni and cheese at room temperature. Add an egg and shredded cheese, mix well, and put the mixture into a muffin pan. Top with breadcrumbs and bake.
To spice up your batch of leftover macaroni and cheese, you can add chilli powder, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, diced jalapenos, garlic powder, or mustard. You can also add cooked meat such as ham, bacon, turkey, or chicken.
