Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable Version)

Golden-toasted bread layered with creamy macaroni and melted cheddar cheese. An elevated comfort food classic.

# 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, optional

# Method:

01 - Bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup elbow 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, 0.5 cup whole milk, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Lay 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, spread approximately 0.25 cup of macaroni and cheese per slice. Top each with a slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover each with a remaining bread slice, positioning the buttered side 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 while gently pressing with a spatula, until the bread achieves golden-brown crispness and the cheese melts completely.
06 - Remove sandwiches from the skillet and allow to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms leftovers into something that feels brand new and exciting, not like youre just reheating dinner.
  • The crispy, buttery bread against the creamy mac and cheese creates a texture contrast thats completely addictive.
  • Its ready in under 40 minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have on hand.
  • Kids and adults alike devour this without complaint, making it a true crowd pleaser.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before assembling or it will melt the butter on the bread and make the whole thing soggy and hard to handle.
  • Dont crank the heat too high on the skillet or the bread will burn before the inside gets warm and gooey.
  • Use a lid or cover the skillet with foil for the first minute of cooking each side to help the cheese melt faster without over toasting the bread.
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese from a block instead of using pre shredded, it melts smoother and tastes fresher without any added anti caking agents.
  • If you have leftover mac and cheese in the fridge, let it come to room temperature before assembling so it spreads easier and heats through evenly.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat beautifully and gives the bread an incredible golden crust.
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