Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable Version)

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

# 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 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

# 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 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add 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 is completely melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange 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. Top each with one slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover with remaining bread slices, buttered sides facing outward.
05 - 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, applying gentle pressure with a spatula, until bread achieves golden-brown crispness and cheese melts completely.
06 - Transfer sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest for 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It combines two childhood favorites into one outrageously satisfying bite that feels both nostalgic and brand new.
  • The crispy, buttery bread gives way to creamy, cheesy pasta in a texture contrast that keeps every bite interesting.
  • Its the kind of comfort food that makes you forget about portion control and just enjoy the moment.
  • You can use leftover mac and cheese, which means this doubles as a genius way to reinvent yesterday's dinner.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool for at least 5 minutes before assembling, or it will be too runny and slide right out of the sandwich when you flip it.
  • Don't crank the heat too high on the skillet, or the bread will burn before the inside gets warm and melty.
  • Press gently with the spatula while cooking to help the sandwich hold together, but don't smash it flat or you'll squeeze out all the filling.
03 -
  • Use day-old bread if you have it, it holds up better to the moisture from the mac and cheese and gets crispier in the pan.
  • If you're cooking multiple sandwiches, keep the finished ones warm in a low oven while you cook the rest so everyone eats at the same time.
  • A cast iron skillet gives you the most even, golden crust, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do the job.
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