Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable Version)

Golden, buttery grilled cheese loaded with creamy macaroni and cheese. Ultimate comfort food combining two classics into one indulgent sandwich.

# 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 softened unsalted butter
10 - 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese
11 - 4 slices cheddar or American cheese

# 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 using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Return drained macaroni to the pan and stir in 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Continue stirring until cheese is completely melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Lay out all 8 bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread 4 tablespoons softened butter evenly 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 portion with 1 slice cheddar or American cheese. Cover each with a remaining bread slice, positioning the buttered side outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan and work in batches if necessary. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is fully melted.
06 - Transfer cooked sandwiches to a serving plate and rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally if desired and serve while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It combines two beloved comfort foods into one ridiculously satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • The contrast between crispy, buttery bread and creamy, cheesy macaroni is pure magic.
  • It's ready in about 35 minutes, perfect for when you need something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • You can use leftover mac and cheese, making it a brilliant way to give last night's dinner a second life.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling or it will be too runny and leak out the sides when you press the sandwich.
  • Don't crank the heat too high or the bread will burn before the cheese inside has a chance to melt properly.
  • Use a sturdy bread that won't fall apart under the weight and moisture of the filling.
03 -
  • Press down gently but firmly with the spatula while cooking to help the filling stick together and create an even golden crust.
  • If the mac and cheese is too thick to spread easily, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up before assembling.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives you the best crispy, golden exterior.
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