Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese Sandwich (Print View)

Creamy macaroni and cheese between golden, buttery bread slices. Ultimate comfort food in just 35 minutes.

# Components:

→ 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

# Preparation Steps:

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 using a colander.
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 cheddar cheese, and 1/4 teaspoon 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 per slice. Top each portion with 1 slice of cheddar or American cheese if desired. Cover with remaining bread slices, positioning buttered sides facing outward.
05 - Heat a large skillet or griddle to medium temperature. 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 color and crispy texture while cheese melts throughout.
06 - Transfer cooked sandwiches to a serving plate. Allow 1 to 2 minutes resting time, then slice diagonally and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It transforms two humble comfort foods into something that feels indulgent without any fancy ingredients or techniques.
  • The crispy, buttery crust gives way to creamy, cheesy macaroni in every bite, hitting every texture craving at once.
  • You can make it with leftovers or fresh mac and cheese, so its flexible enough for lazy nights or intentional comfort food marathons.
02 -
  • Let the mac and cheese cool slightly before assembling or it will be too runny and ooze out the sides of the sandwich as it cooks.
  • Use medium heat, not high, or the bread will burn before the filling gets warm and melty all the way through.
  • Butter the bread all the way to the edges so every bite has that crispy, golden crust instead of soft spots.
03 -
  • Shred your own cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded, it melts smoother because it doesnt have anti-caking agents coating every piece.
  • Press the sandwiches gently with the spatula while they cook to help the filling warm evenly and the cheese melt all the way through.
  • If youre making these for a crowd, keep finished sandwiches warm in a 200-degree oven on a baking sheet while you cook the rest.
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