Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Print Version)

Golden-toasted sandwich filled with creamy macaroni and sharp cheddar cheese. Buttery, melty, and utterly satisfying comfort food.

# 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

# Step-by-Step:

01 - Bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente, approximately 7-8 minutes. Drain thoroughly using a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, 1/2 cup whole milk, 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Stir continuously until cheese is fully melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly until thickened.
03 - Arrange all 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, mound approximately 1/4 cup macaroni and cheese. Top each with 1 slice cheddar or American cheese if using extra cheese. Cover with remaining bread slices with 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 3-4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted.
06 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest 1-2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It transforms humble leftovers into something that feels like a special treat without any extra effort.
  • The contrast between crispy buttery bread and creamy pasta makes every bite ridiculously satisfying.
  • You can have it on the table in under twenty minutes, which is a lifesaver on busy nights.
  • Kids and adults both get genuinely excited when they see this coming to the table.
02 -
  • If your mac and cheese is too loose, it will leak out the sides and burn on the skillet, so let it cool and thicken before you assemble.
  • Medium heat is crucial because high heat will burn the bread before the inside gets warm and melty.
  • Pressing gently with the spatula helps everything meld together, but pressing too hard squeezes out the filling.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one because it holds heat evenly and gives the bread an incredible crust.
  • If you're feeding a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200°F oven while you cook the rest in batches.
  • A little bit of garlic powder mixed into the softened butter before spreading adds a subtle savory note that people always notice but can't quite place.
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