Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

Creamy macaroni and cheese nestled between golden, buttery slices of toasted bread for ultimate comfort food.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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

# Method:

01 - Bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is fully melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly to thicken.
03 - Lay out bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice. On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, distribute approximately 1/4 cup macaroni and cheese per slice. Top each with an optional slice of cheddar or American cheese, then cover with remaining bread slices with buttered side facing outward.
04 - 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, gently pressing with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted throughout.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It combines two childhood favorites into one ridiculously satisfying meal that tastes like pure nostalgia.
  • The crispy, buttery bread contrasts perfectly with the creamy pasta filling, giving you multiple textures in every bite.
  • You can use leftover mac and cheese or make it fresh, which means this works as a planned dinner or a brilliant fridge clean-out.
  • It cooks fast and feels indulgent without requiring any fancy ingredients or techniques.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before assembling, or it will ooze out the sides and make a mess in the pan.
  • Don't crank the heat too high or the bread will burn before the inside gets warm and melty.
  • Press gently but firmly with the spatula to help everything meld together without squashing the sandwich flat.
03 -
  • Softened butter spreads way easier than cold butter and helps you get an even, golden crust without tearing the bread.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread an incredibly crispy, even crust.
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