Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Print view)

A gourmet twist pairing creamy macaroni and cheese with golden grilled bread—ultimate comfort food indulgence.

# What You'll Need:

→ Macaroni and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1.5 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 0.5 cup whole milk
07 - 0.25 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sandwich Assembly

08 - 8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread
09 - 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter
10 - 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese
11 - 4 slices cheddar or American cheese

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the drained macaroni, 0.5 cup whole milk, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese fully melts and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange all 8 bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread 0.5 tablespoon softened butter on one side of each slice.
04 - Place 0.25 cup macaroni and cheese mixture on the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices. Top each with 1 slice cheddar or American cheese. Cover with remaining 4 bread slices, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan, working in batches if necessary. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese melts completely.
06 - Transfer sandwiches from skillet and rest 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Ideas:

01 -
  • It turns two comfort foods into one outrageously satisfying bite that feels like a warm hug.
  • You can use leftover mac and cheese or make it fresh, either way it works like magic.
  • The crispy, golden crust against the creamy filling is a texture contrast that never gets old.
  • It comes together in about 35 minutes and feels like you invented something brilliant in your own kitchen.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool a bit before assembling or it will be too runny and leak out while you cook the sandwich.
  • Do not rush the griddle, medium heat gives you crispy bread and melted cheese without burning the outside before the inside warms through.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the bread make good contact with the pan and creates that perfect golden crust.
03 -
  • Use day old bread if you have it, it holds up better to the moisture from the mac and cheese and gets crispier on the griddle.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mac and cheese for an extra layer of flavor that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • If you are making these for a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
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