Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

Creamy macaroni and cheese nestled between golden, buttery toasted bread. Ultimate comfort food elevation.

# 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

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

# 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 in a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted 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 softened butter on one side of each slice.
04 - On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, mound approximately 1/4 cup macaroni and cheese. Top with one slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover each with a remaining bread slice, buttered side facing outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan, working in batches as needed. Cook 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula until bread is golden and crisp with melted cheese interior.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns leftover mac and cheese into something that feels brand new and exciting.
  • The contrast between crispy, golden bread and creamy pasta is pure comfort in every bite.
  • You can make it as simple or as fancy as you want depending on your mood.
  • It cooks fast enough for a weeknight but feels indulgent enough for a lazy weekend.
02 -
  • If your mac and cheese is too loose, it will leak out the sides and make a mess, so let it cool and thicken before assembling.
  • Medium heat is your friend here because high heat will burn the bread before the inside gets warm and melty.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps the sandwich hold together and encourages even browning without squashing out all the filling.
03 -
  • Use day old bread if you have it because it toasts up crispier and holds the filling better than fresh soft bread.
  • If you're making multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • Don't overfill the sandwiches or they become impossible to flip and the mac and cheese will spill out into the pan.
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