Pin Imagine two of the most beloved comfort foods on the planet coming together in one incredible bite. This Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese is a decadent masterpiece, featuring creamy, sharp cheddar macaroni nestled between thick slices of perfectly toasted bread. It is buttery, golden, and satisfyingly gooey—the ultimate upgrade for anyone looking to take their lunch or dinner to the next level.
Pin Whether you are making the macaroni from scratch or utilizing leftovers, the secret lies in the contrast between the crispy sourdough and the soft, cheesy pasta inside. This sandwich is hearty enough to stand on its own as a main dish, providing a rich blend of textures that makes every mouthful a delight.
Ingredients
- Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 cup (100 g) elbow macaroni
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (180 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) whole milk
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Sandwich
- 8 slices sourdough or sandwich bread
- 4 tablespoons (60 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup prepared macaroni and cheese (from above or leftover)
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese (optional, for extra cheesiness)
Instructions
- 1. Cook the macaroni
- Bring water and 1 teaspoon salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente, about 7–8 minutes. Drain well.
- 2. Make the cheese sauce
- In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in the drained macaroni, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, and black pepper. Stir until cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Remove from heat. Let cool slightly so it thickens.
- 3. Assemble the sandwiches
- Lay out the bread slices on a clean surface. Spread softened butter on one side of each slice.
- 4. Fill the bread
- On the unbuttered side of 4 slices, mound about 1/4 cup of macaroni and cheese. Top with a slice of cheddar or American cheese, if using. Cover with the remaining bread slices, buttered side out.
- 5. Cook the sandwiches
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place sandwiches in the pan (work in batches if needed). Cook 3–4 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until bread is golden and crisp and cheese is melted.
- 6. Rest and serve
- Remove from the skillet, let rest 1–2 minutes, then slice and serve hot.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure the sandwich holds together, let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly before assembling; this allows the cheese sauce to thicken and act as a glue. Using a sturdy bread like sourdough helps support the weight of the pasta filling while providing a beautiful golden-brown crust.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Customize your sandwich by mixing a tablespoon of chopped chives or crispy bacon bits into the macaroni before assembly. For those who enjoy a bit of heat or tang, try adding a sprinkle of hot sauce or a thin slice of fresh tomato inside the sandwich before grilling.
Serviervorschläge
For the ultimate nostalgic meal, serve your Mac & Cheese Grilled Cheese with a side of hot tomato soup for dipping. It also pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or a few pickles to cut through the richness of the cheese.
Pin Once you've tasted the combination of buttery toasted sourdough and creamy pasta, you'll never look at a standard grilled cheese the same way again. It is a satisfying, warm, and indulgent dish that proves that sometimes, more cheese is definitely better.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use leftover macaroni and cheese?
Absolutely. Leftover macaroni and cheese works perfectly for this sandwich. Simply spread it between buttered bread slices and griddle as directed. If it's very thick, you can warm it slightly to make spreading easier.
- → What bread works best?
Sourdough and dense sandwich breads hold up well to griddling and creamy fillings. Brioche, Texas toast, or thick-cut white bread are excellent alternatives that become beautifully golden when buttered and toasted.
- → How do I prevent the filling from leaking?
Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool slightly after cooking so it thickens and holds together better. Don't overfill each sandwich. Press gently with a spatula while cooking rather than applying heavy pressure.
- → Can I make these ahead?
Prepare the macaroni and cheese up to two days ahead and refrigerate. Assemble sandwiches shortly before cooking for best results, as buttered bread can get soggy if assembled too far in advance.
- → What temperature should the skillet be?
Medium heat is ideal. Too high and the bread burns before the cheese melts inside. Medium heat allows 3-4 minutes per side for the bread to turn golden while the filling becomes warm and gooey.
- → How can I add more flavor?
Mix crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh chives into the macaroni and cheese. Add sliced tomato, caramelized onions, or a dash of hot sauce to individual sandwiches for personalized variations.