Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable Version)

Creamy macaroni and cheese nestled between golden, buttery bread slices. A decadent comfort food elevation in just 35 minutes.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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 Prepare:

01 - Bring 2 cups water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly through a colander.
02 - In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in 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 achieves creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange bread slices on a clean work surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice. On the unbuttered side of 4 bread slices, distribute approximately 1/4 cup macaroni and cheese. Top with optional cheddar or American cheese slice. 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 to 4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted throughout.
05 - Remove sandwiches from skillet and allow to rest 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It uses leftover mac and cheese in the most indulgent way possible, turning yesterday's dinner into today's triumph.
  • The crispy buttered bread contrasts perfectly with the creamy, cheesy center, giving you texture in every bite.
  • It comes together in under 10 minutes if you already have mac and cheese ready, making it dangerously easy to crave.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling or it will be too runny and spill out the sides when you flip the sandwich.
  • Use medium heat, not high, or the bread will burn before the cheese inside melts and you'll end up with a crispy shell around cold mac and cheese.
  • 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, because it's slightly drier and will crisp up better without getting soggy from the mac and cheese.
  • Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the mac and cheese for an extra layer of flavor that makes the sandwich taste more complex.
  • If you want an even crispier crust, sprinkle a little grated Parmesan on the buttered side of the bread before it hits the pan.
Go Back