Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

Golden-grilled sandwich featuring creamy macaroni and cheese filling with buttery toasted bread. Perfect comfort food in 35 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ Macaroni and Cheese

01 - 1 cup elbow macaroni
02 - 2 cups water
03 - 1 teaspoon salt
04 - 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
05 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
06 - 1/2 cup whole milk
07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

→ Sandwich Assembly

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

# Directions:

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 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Combine drained macaroni, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce reaches creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange 8 bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on one side of each slice.
04 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, distribute approximately 1/4 cup macaroni and cheese per slice. Top each with 1 optional slice of cheddar or American cheese. Cover with remaining 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 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese melts thoroughly.
06 - Transfer sandwiches from skillet to a serving plate. Allow to rest 1 to 2 minutes before slicing and serving while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns leftover mac and cheese into something that feels brand new and ridiculously indulgent.
  • The contrast between crispy, buttery bread and creamy pasta creates the kind of texture you cant stop thinking about.
  • Its fast enough for a weeknight but impressive enough that people will ask you for the recipe.
02 -
  • Dont skip the cooling step after making the mac and cheese, if its too hot and runny it will leak out everywhere when you flip the sandwich.
  • Medium heat is your friend here, too high and the bread burns before the inside gets warm and melty.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives you the crispiest, most evenly browned crust.
  • Press down gently but firmly with your spatula while cooking, it helps everything meld together and creates better contact with the pan.
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