Waffled Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients for Waffled Macaroni and Cheese

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing pan

• Salt

• 450g elbow or shell pasta

• 3 tablespoons plain flour

• 350ml milk

• 1/2 teaspoons yellow or Dijon mustard

• 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

• 230g shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

• 60g grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 large eggs

• Pinch each of salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 130g plain flour

• 130g seasoned bread crumbs

• 30g grated hard cheese, such as Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

• Nonstick cooking spray

• Belgian or standard waffle iron

Preheat the oven to 191°C. Butter a 9x5-inch loaf pan and set it aside.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. When the water is at a rolling boil, add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is slightly underdone, checking a few minutes before the cooking time on the package directions. (If you bite into a piece, you should be able to see a very thin core of uncooked pasta.) Drain the pasta and set aside.

Melt the 45ml butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the flour to the melted butter, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk for 2 minutes. Add the milk, 120ml at a time, waiting until the mixture is thoroughly combined before adding more. Whisk constantly over medium-low heat until the mixture thickens to the consistency of double cream, about 5 minutes.

Turn off the heat, add the mustard, 1 1/4 teaspoons salt, and pepper, and stir. Add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese melts. Add the pasta to the cheese mixture, stir to coat thoroughly, and then pour the cheese-covered pasta into the prepared loaf pan.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and bake until the top is brown and crispy, about 20 minutes.

Set aside to cool for an hour, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the macaroni is well chilled and the cheese has solidified (at least 2 hours, or overnight).

Cut the macaroni and cheese into slices about 1/2-inch thick.

Preheat the waffle iron on medium. Preheat the oven on its lowest setting.

In a small bowl, beat the egg with a pinch each of salt and pepper.

Set out 3 shallow bowls. Measure the flour into the first. In the second bowl, place the beaten eggs. Mix the bread crumbs with the cheese in the third.

Take a slice of the macaroni and cheese, and, handling it gently, coat both sides in the flour. Then dunk both sides in the egg. Finally, coat both sides with the bread crumbs, pressing the mixture so it sticks. Set aside the slice and repeat with the remaining slices.

Coat both sides of the waffle iron grid with nonstick spray. Place the macaroni and cheese slices in the waffle iron, close the lid, and cook until heated through and golden brown, 3 minutes.

The extraction process can be tricky. With a silicone spatula, loosen the edges of the macaroni and cheese. Use the spatula to gently pry the macaroni and cheese from the waffle iron and then support the bottom with the spatula while you lift it out with tongs.

Repeat Steps 5 through 7 until all of the macaroni and cheese has been waffled. Keep the finished macaroni and cheese warm in the oven.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.