Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable version)

A decadent twist on classic comfort, featuring creamy macaroni and cheese between golden, buttery slices of toasted sourdough bread.

# 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

# How To Make:

01 - Bring water and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in drained macaroni, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Mix until cheese is fully melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange bread slices on a 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. Top with optional cheese slice and cover with remaining bread slices, 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 3-4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula until bread is golden and crisp with melted cheese.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It turns two comfort foods into one glorious sandwich that tastes like a hug.
  • You can use leftover mac and cheese, making it a genius way to reinvent last night's dinner.
  • The crispy, buttery crust gives way to warm, creamy cheese in every bite.
  • It comes together in under 40 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling, or it will be too loose and slide right out of the sandwich.
  • Don't crank the heat too high, or the bread will burn before the cheese inside has a chance to melt.
  • Press gently with the spatula while cooking to help everything meld together without squashing the sandwich flat.
03 -
  • Use day-old bread if you have it, it toasts up even crispier and holds together better.
  • Spread the butter all the way to the edges so every bite gets that golden, crunchy crust.
  • If you're making a big batch, keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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