Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

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

# What You 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

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 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 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly in a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, 0.5 cup milk, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 0.25 teaspoon black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese is completely melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Lay out 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, distribute approximately 0.25 cup macaroni and cheese per slice. Top each with one slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered side facing 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 bread is golden and crisp with melted cheese.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It turns two beloved comfort foods into one glorious handheld meal that feels like a warm hug.
  • The crispy, buttery bread contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy center in every bite.
  • You can make it with leftover mac and cheese, which means dinner in under ten minutes.
  • It's the kind of thing that makes you feel like a kid again, but also like a genius adult.
02 -
  • If you skip the cooling step after making the mac and cheese, it will be too runny and ooze out the sides of the sandwich while it cooks.
  • Medium heat is your friend here, high heat will toast the bread before the cheese inside has a chance to warm through and melt.
  • Butter the bread all the way to the edges, or those corners will stay pale and soft instead of crispy and golden.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat evenly and gives the bread the most beautiful golden crust.
  • Press down gently with the spatula while cooking to help the cheese melt and the layers stick together.
  • If you're making a big batch, keep finished sandwiches warm in a low oven while you cook the rest.
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