Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable)

Decadent grilled cheese featuring creamy macaroni and cheese nestled between golden, buttery toasted bread slices.

# What You 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 Assembly

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. Add the drained macaroni, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce reaches creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange 8 bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread 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 mixture. Top each with 1 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, gently pressing with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese melts completely.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to a serving plate and rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally if desired and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It transforms leftover mac and cheese into something that feels brand new and exciting.
  • The crispy, buttery bread contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy center.
  • It's fast enough for a weeknight but indulgent enough to feel like a treat.
  • Kids and adults alike devour it without hesitation.
02 -
  • If the mac and cheese is too hot when you assemble the sandwiches, it will ooze out the sides before the bread gets crispy.
  • Medium heat is key, too high and the bread burns before the inside warms through.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps everything meld together without squishing out the filling.
03 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling so it's thick enough to hold its shape but still warm enough to melt the cheese slices.
  • Butter the bread all the way to the edges so every bite has that golden, crispy crust.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it distributes heat evenly and gives you the best crust.
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