Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Printable Version)

Creamy macaroni and cheese nestled between golden, buttery toasted bread for ultimate comfort in every bite.

# 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

# How to Make It:

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 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 black pepper. Stir constantly until cheese is fully melted and sauce reaches a creamy consistency. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly for thickening.
03 - Arrange all 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 per slice. Top each with one slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover with the remaining 4 bread slices, positioning them buttered side 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, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese filling is melted.
06 - Transfer sandwiches to a serving plate and allow to rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It turns two comfort foods into one glorious, over the top creation that feels like a hug.
  • The contrast between the crispy, buttery bread and the creamy, cheesy pasta is absolutely addictive.
  • You can use leftover mac and cheese, making it a genius way to repurpose dinner.
  • It cooks in minutes once assembled, so satisfaction comes fast.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before assembling or it will be too loose and spill out everywhere when you flip the sandwich.
  • Use medium heat, not high, or the bread will burn before the cheese has a chance to melt properly.
  • Drain the macaroni really well because any extra water will make the sauce thin and soggy.
03 -
  • Press the sandwich gently but firmly with the spatula while cooking to help everything meld together and get maximum crispness.
  • If your skillet isn't nonstick, add a tiny bit of butter to the pan before cooking each batch to prevent sticking.
  • Let the mac and cheese cool just enough to thicken but not so much that it hardens, or it won't spread easily.
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